The DPM course considers the interrelations between design, production processes and materials selection. It provides fundamental background of product performance in relation to the constitutive behaviour and the production processes necessary to manufacture the product foreseen by the designer. These aspects are considered both from an approach of system engineering as well as from the embodiment and detailing design phases. 
The bulk material behaviour is discussed during courses on specific forming, separating and joining processes. Furthermore, the course includes manufacturing and performance of the product surface, which can be engineered by surface treatments and coatings. The students are trained to include these aspects in a design exercise. 
Designing engineering products taking into account the specificities of the chosen material and production process is then practised during two relatively short design exercises, followed by a final assignment. For both exercises and the final assignment, the student is to propose a technically sound and producible solution to the proposed problem. The two design exercises focus on different types of light materials: aluminium alloys and fibre reinforced composite materials. The final assignment is often an actual industrial design challenge with a limited list of specifications.

The focus of the course is for the student to:
- Develop a thorough understanding of modern manufacturing processes, their fundamental background and resulting limitations (especially in terms of product properties);
- Develop a quantitative understanding of product performance in terms of strength and impact resistance;
- Develop the ability to translate the aspects of material science and production process analysis into design specifications and, from this, to redesign existing concepts accordingly.

Assessment:
The student is graded based on the reporting and presentation of the final assignment. Cutting score is 5.5.