Design Thinking & Rapid Prototyping at Berkeley

Ideal for students with a keen interest in engineering, product design, and manufacturing.

Course Overview Video Full Program Schedule

Program Highlights

Learn how to design 3D CAD products using Autodesk Fusion360 and then build your own Creality Ender Pro V2 3D printer.

Gain a deep understanding of the principles and methods of 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and rapid prototyping using a 3D printer.

Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the context of 3D CAD Design and rapid prototyping.

Acquire skills and knowledge required to build your own 3D Printer and create functional and aesthetically pleasing 3D-printed products.

Residential Tuition:
$5,998*

Commuter Tuition:
$3,298*

*+$250 Design Thinking & Rapid Prototyping course supplement

Session 1:
June 15, 2025 June 27, 2025

Session 3:
June 29, 2025 July 11, 2025

Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

Testimonials

"Summer Springboard expertly combines the worlds of academia and summer fun."

Taylor R.
"I felt so welcomed by my peers and staff at this program, and I am so excited for a real college experience!"

Carter G.
"SSB has been a completely new and valuable experience. It manages to encapsulate the feeling of a fun summer getaway while still providing valuable and enlightening experiences that educate and help to guide students through their future."

Emir B.

Course Overview

This course will introduce students to 3D CAD design and fast prototyping using a 3D printer that they will make to take home with them. Students will learn how to design products using Autodesk Fusion360 and then build a Creality Ender Pro V2 3D printer. They will also learn how to use the 3D printer for fast prototyping, review, and improvements of their designs. The course will cover the principles of 3D CAD design, including design methodology, geometric modeling, and assembly modeling. Students will also learn the fundamentals of 3D printing, including how to select and maintain a 3D printer, materials, and printing techniques.

Meet your instructor

Courses are taught by accomplished and passionate faculty recruited from many area colleges, universities and professional forums. Each faculty member is selected for their subject area expertise and proven ability to both challenge and captivate students.

Topics you'll explore

Hands on Learning

The course emphasizes the principles of 3D CAD design, including design methodology, geometric modeling, and assembly modeling, which are critical for developing accurate and manufacturable designs. Additionally, the course covers the basics of 3D printing, including selecting and maintaining a 3D printer, materials, and printing techniques, which are essential for producing high-quality prototypes. In addition to building their own 3D printer, students will learn how to use the 3D printer for fast prototyping, review, and improvements of their designs.

Career Exploration

Students excursions may include visiting a co-working rapid prototyping maker space in the Bay Area and interacting with 3D CAD Design professionals