Northwestern Master of Product Design and Development Management (MPD²) is an educational program within the McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern University. The MPD² program's goal is attuned to the abilities, desires and needs of humanity. Coupling their human-centered design with the practical realities of technology and organizations, the MPD² program seeks an education that leads to innovation and profitable products. The MPD² program is directed by Walter B. Herbst, Richard M Lueptow and Greg Holderfield.
Northwestern University's Master of Product Design and Development Management (MPD²) product grew out of the demand for a master's program that was 1 part business, and equal parts product development and design.
The MPD² Program is a 2-year program offered at Northwestern University. During the first year, student learn the basic framework for PD&D leaders, management essentials and how to manage the PD&D process. The second year students refine the process of PD&D, learn product development essentials and market integration. Classes are led by prominent practitioners and distinguished scholars. Their expertise in user research, strategy and new product development provide students with a well-rounded educational experience.
Founder of Herbst LaZar Bell, Inc., Walter B Herbst had over 40 years of PD&D experience before starting the MPD² program in 2002. Herbst holds over 85 patents in hardware, housewares and medical products.[1] Walter Herbst is mentioned in "Who's Who of American Inventors" by BusinessWeek.[2] [3]
Richard Lueptow's background is in biomedical product development.
Greg Holderfield's background is in design. He is the recipient of four Industrial Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) presented jointly by BusinessWeek and the Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA), including the "Gold" for Industrial Equipment Design. Holderfield also holds 21 design and utility patents.[4] His work has been exhibited in galleries across the nation and has been published in The Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, Forbes and Wired.[5]