The Idea Factory

A one-week summer program at the University of Houston for high school students wanting to explore how products are designed and made.

Session I: 2D to 3D
Monday, June 8, 2026–Friday, June 12, 2026
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Tuition: $500

Designing a cardboard stool or chair involves transforming flat sheets of cardboard through precise cutting and folding. Employing effective joinery techniques ensures secure assembly, while reinforcing corners adds stability. The primary goal is to create seating that is not only comfortable but also structurally sound and functional.

Session II: CAST
Monday, June 15, 2026–Friday, June 19, 2026
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Tuition: $500

Designing a concrete lamp begins with understanding the concepts of negative and positive space, as well as exploring the unique properties and casting techniques of concrete. The result is a lamp that not only illuminates a space but also serves as a striking decorative piece, showcasing the material's beauty and versatility in modern design.

Registration for summer 2026 opening soon!

Collaborative Learning

The Idea Factory introduces you to product design through fun, hands-on projects emphasizing form and function, creativity, materials, and fabrication methods. Students work directly with award-winning UH faculty members, designing and building product solutions in many different product categories.

Each day is filled with lectures and problem-solving through sketching and building. All activities expose students to industrial design and deepen their understanding of how it fosters innovation.

All students need to bring is their natural curiosity and a desire to create something. No prior design experience is necessary.

All materials and tools are provided.

Lunch is not provided.

The UH Hines College Industrial Design Program

Established in 2003, the Industrial Design program at the University of Houston nurtures young talent to develop innovative and sustainable products, systems, and services through intensive design studios and integrated courses. Our program was ranked No. 4 for the top-value undergraduate industrial design degrees from College Values in 2016.

Program Coordinators

MARK KIMBROUGH
Co-Director of Industrial Design,
Associate Instructional Professor
mkimbrou@central.uh.edu
832-842-3012

ADAM WELLS
Associate Instructional Professor
acwells@central.uh.edu
713-743-5494