A unique, trans-campus entrepreneurship class introduced last year is accepting applications for enrollment for Spring 2010.

“Entrepreneurship 498: Product Design and Development” – successfully launched in 2008 by David Choi Ph.D., CBA assistant professor of entrepreneurship, and Steve McAdam, Chair of OTIS’ Product Design Department – is a six-week course designed to expose students from both colleges to other disciplines and help them develop better products.

LMU students will study product de¬sign skills with several Otis instructors, while Otis students will learn about business and finance with Choi.  Half-way through the term, the students join forces in teams to create not only business plans but also prototypes of marketable, working products.

“Last year what we saw was that for many students, this was an unusual and somewhat uncomfortable learning experience,” says Choi. “Students had to learn how to be part of an interdisciplinary team and they spent hundreds of hours researching, writing and designing what they hoped will become a worthwhile product in tomorrow’s marketplace. It was an eye-opening experience as few students from either school had previously been exposed to ways of thinking about product development outside their own fields of study.”

The work of last year’s students was displayed on the final day of class, which was attended by OTIS’ President and Provost as well as a number of LMU professors, including Fred Kiesner, Chair of LMU’s Hilton Center for Entrepreneurship. The eight products introduced in the Final Presentation included: a new generation mobility scooter; home energy management system; filtered touch-less water fountain; sustainable city biking system; voice-activated GPS system within motorcycle helmets; hand-held personal shopping device; specialty solar panels for yards; and a configurable board game. While several students said it may take some time, they plan to continue working on their products and definitely see them in the future marketplace.

"What distinguishes this course as one of a kind class in the nation is the opportunity it presents to experience the process from idea development to physical prototype in one class," says Choi. “Where else can you get that?"

Now the fun starts all over again, as Choi prepares to select between 15 and 20 new students for the 2010 class.

Prerequisites for the course?  Juniors and seniors with at least a 3.0 GPA, who have taken at least one Entrepreneur course, and have a passion for design and creation are encouraged to apply.  Applicants should also possess the maturity and professionalism that will represent LMU well.

Interested students should apply by sending an email to Professor Choi directly at dchoi@lmu.edu.