First-Year Design

First-Year Student Design Teams Solve Real-World Problems

Featured Projects

Through Duke University’s First-Year Design (FYD) program, students gain early experience as they work in multi-disciplinary teams to design and build prototype solutions to solve real-world, client-based problems.

A solution for sewer lines

Each day, millions of Americans pour fats, oils, and grease down their sinks. This happens because people are unaware, forgetful, or don’t worry about their actions.

Team dispenses liquid for zero-waste store

For team members Rodrigo Guerreiro, James Koconis, and Kaitlyn Roegner figuring out how to dispense liquids for a zero-waste store was just a fraction of what they learned during their first spring semester.

Residential Bridge in West Virginia

A cost-effective, residential bridge that can withstand major weather events

Inspiring Engineers

Duke Engineering offers students a progressive immersion in engineering design, from the first-year overview to capstone design projects in their chosen disciplines.