Integrating Product Development and 3D- Printing
in Mechanical Design at Noroff
As a contracted lecturer at Noroff School of Technology & Digital Media, I taught Mechanical Design with a strong emphasis on product development, while also introducing 3D printing technology and expertise into the curriculum. By combining CAD modeling, prototyping techniques, and practical applications, I equipped students with the tools and mindset necessary to excel in modern product development.
Client
Noroff School of Tech.
Year
2017
The Opportunity
Bringing modern tools and technologies to future Product Developers.
Noroff sought to enhance their Mechanical Design program by incorporating skills and technologies relevant to product development. This included not only teaching CAD but also introducing students to the growing importance of 3D printing and prototyping as integral parts of the product development process.
Industry: Education and Product Development
Role: Contracted Lecturer in Mechanical Design
Challenge: Prepare students for roles in product development by integrating CAD modeling, 3D printing, and real-world applications into the course.
Key Objectives: Teach CAD and prototyping tools, implement 3D printing technology and skills, and foster a product development mindset.
“Marianne is very versatile and adaptable. The students were very happy with her teaching and general student relations. I would gladly hire her again.”
The Solution
Integrating CAD, 3D printing, and hands-on projects into the curriculum.
I designed the course to provide a comprehensive foundation in product development, blending technical expertise with innovative tools and processes:
Design Thinking: Focused on CAD modeling as a critical step in the product development lifecycle, emphasizing iterative design and problem-solving.
Prototyping and 3D Printing: Introduced students to 3D printing technology, teaching them how to create physical prototypes from their CAD models and understand its applications in real-world product development.
Hands-On Projects: Assigned projects where students conceptualized designs, developed CAD models, and produced functional prototypes using 3D printing.
Industry-Relevant Insights: Shared practical examples and lessons from my professional experience in product development to align the curriculum with industry demands.
Curriculum Enhancement: Integrated 3D printing as a core component of the course, ensuring students gained hands-on experience with the technology.
The Impact
Empowered students with industry-ready skills and practical experience.
The course empowered students with skills and experiences essential for careers in product development.
Technical Mastery: Students gained proficiency in CAD software and 3D printing, essential tools for modern product development.
Practical Experience: Hands-on projects bridged the gap between digital design and physical production, preparing students for real-world challenges.
Industry Readiness: Graduates were equipped with technical and creative skills, as well as familiarity with 3D printing, making them highly competitive in the job market.
Enhanced Curriculum: The successful integration of 3D printing into the course expanded Noroff’s capabilities to deliver industry-relevant education.
“By introducing students to the Makerspace, I gave them a hands-on environment to explore, create, and bring their designs to life—bridging the gap between theory and real-world application.”
Reflection
Key Learnings and Insights
Teaching at Noroff allowed me to share my passion for Product Development and innovation, while also demonstrating the transformative role of 3D printing in modern design processes. This experience reinforced the value of combining technical skills, emerging technologies, and real-world applications to prepare students for impactful careers in product development.
Looking to integrate cutting-edge technologies and practical expertise into your programs? Let’s collaborate to create industry-relevant learning experiences.