HP: Home Products Development
HP 201 — Introduction to Home Products
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
Students are familiarized with the wide range of home products, both soft lines (textile) and hard lines (non-textile), that comprise the home furnishings industry. Product development and merchandising within each category are emphasized. Many sessions take place at retailers and industry showrooms throughout the city.
HP 231 — America at Home: Product Styles from 1900 to Contemporary
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
Introduces the elements of design, color, and theory in the decorative arts that comprise the home products industry. Emphasis is on the contemporary approach to product development and design. Students explore the influence of historical, cultural, and social perspectives on products for the home. (G6: Arts).
HP 315 — Home Textile Applications
2.5 credits; 2 lecture and 1 lab hours
Concentrating on the home textile sector, the course analyzes the importance of material choice in the development and manufacturing of home textile products. Critical areas of study include identification of fiber properties, fabrication, performance, and product specifications. Fundamentals of the cost-price relationship and marketing strategies are covered.
Prerequisite(s): TS 110 or TS 111 or TS 115 and TS 015 or TS 131 or approval of chairperson.
HP 316 — Product Management of Home Furnishings: Hardlines
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
From the factory floor to your front door! This course explores the materials and manufacturing processes used in the development of your favorite non-textile home products. Students will learn the applications of metals, plastic, wood, and ceramics used to produce furniture, home décor, kitchenware, dinnerware, bakeware, cookware and glassware.
HP 322 — Home Products Brand Management
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
Students study the value of brands in consumer products and services; conduct a deep dive into the world of licensing as a business strategy for growth; review factors affecting a brand's image, including demographics, distribution channels, and product categories; and examine the intersection of fashion and home as it relates to licensing.
HP 421 — Strategic Product Management
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
Students learn strategic product management from concept to consumer, analyzing both hard home categories (furniture, appliances, fixtures) and soft categories (textiles, bedding, decorative accessories). Emphasis includes applying industry analysis frameworks, understanding macroeconomic forces, market opportunities, and navigating complexities of developing, managing, marketing, and distributing home products across diverse retail environments.
Prerequisite(s): HP 315 and HP 316.
HP 432 — Home Products Analytical Strategies
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
The home product development cycle is studied, with a focus on the development of product based on the coordination of soft and hard goods classifications. Product integrity is addressed through comprehensive analysis and written product reviews subject to critical industry evaluation.
Prerequisite(s): HP 421 and HP 491.
HP 491 — Home Products Design and Development Process
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
This course will provide an overview of the design and development process as applied to the creation of products for the home. Basic principles of design, such as composition, color, shape, form and structure are introduced. Design and development considerations specific to the different categories of home products are investigated including anthropometrics and ergonomics. Emphasis is placed on the differences and similarities between the design of products and the product development process in the Home Furnishings industry. On site lectures with the design and development teams of noted industry resources and product design studios are a major and integral factor of this course.
Prerequisite(s): HP 315 and HP 316.
HP 492 — Home Products Senior Project
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 lab hours
The curriculum culminates in this capstone course, which requires the student to develop a product based on the coordination of soft and hard goods classifications. A comprehensive visual presentation and written product review support the viability and integrity of the product concept.
Prerequisite(s): HP 421 and HP 491.