The Master's Degree in Product Service System Design trains professionals who are experts in innovation in the so-called product-service system, understood as a combination of products, services, communication, artefacts and digital spaces through which innovative and sustainable design solutions, experiences and brand identities take shape. Students learn to develop creative solutions using methodologies ranging from ethnographic research to participatory and data-driven design, collaborating in multidisciplinary teams and acquiring leadership and entrepreneurship skills.
The programme involves alternating theoretical courses with practice oriented studios. The development of the program along the two years is intended as a gradual evolution of complexity in terms of design challenges and project scope and scale. This manifests in the three studios that start with a focus on the micro scale of a product design, to a service system and spatial design scope, to then enlarge and engage with the design for more complex service and social systems.
From a theoretical perspective, the first semester involves foundational courses aimed at training students in their ability to investigate and understand cultural and business contexts, to design for user-experience and digital innovation and to prepare for team building activities and dynamics.
In the second semester, the program includes an in-depth study of service design for innovation theories and models, and of data driven service design approaches.
The theoretical courses conclude in the third semester with a teaching on systemic design for sustainability and with the selection of two elective courses that can convey specific and in-depth skills in economic, social or cultural innovation.
Admission to the Master’s Degree programme in Product Service System Design is reserved for candidates holding a first-level degree in Classes L-4, L-17, L-21 or L-3, or a First-level Academic Diploma awarded by Higher Education in Art, Music and Dance (AFAM) institutions in programmes related to the fields of Design and Visual Arts. Applicants holding a first-level degree in other classes may also enrol, provided that they have relevant extracurricular educational or professional experience in the field of Design, deemed suitable by the Programme Board. Admission to the Master’s Degree programme is subject to assessment of individual preparation and placement in a merit ranking. A minimum weighted average grade of 23/30 is required for Politecnico di Milano graduates, and 25/30 for graduates from other Italian universities. English language proficiency must be certified when submitting the application, by achieving the minimum scores in tests recognised by the University.
For full details regarding eligible degree classes, evaluation criteria, and selection procedures, please refer to the course's Academic Regulations (section 6).
Applicants holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Design or relevant post-graduation work experience in the field of design may apply. Admission is subject to assessment of individual preparation and to possession of adequate English language proficiency, demonstrated by achieving the minimum scores in tests recognised by the University.
Procedures and deadlines are indicated in the "Eligibility and Admission Requirements" section of the University and School of Design websites.