I don't count software as technology.  Those who make the smart phones and computers, etc. are hard core technology.  Software writers don't even need to know what electricity and semiconductors are.  Software is a service that rides on the shoulders of those who do the real work of making devices.  

Products are designed by first identifying a need or want of  buying companies or consumers.  This is the first and most important step.  The product must be capable pricing compatible with its importance to potential buyers.   I don't know what they do at UO under the label of product design, but with the pitch on "green" and "sustainable" I expect they are low on real content.  Industrial product designers all strive for sustainable effective products that best suit their customers needs.  It is unlikely that a chemist at a third rate school who has never worked in industrial product development has much to teach the students.