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B-DES in Product Design at Acharya School of Design
Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Product Design at Acharya School of Design Bengaluru?
This Product Design program at Acharya School of Design focuses on creating innovative, user-centric solutions for real-world problems. It integrates aesthetics, ergonomics, materials science, and manufacturing processes, aligning with India''''s growing emphasis on ''''Make in India'''' and indigenous product development. The curriculum equips students with skills to design consumer goods, industrial products, and services, catering to the evolving demands of the Indian market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative individuals passionate about shaping tangible experiences and solving everyday challenges. Fresh graduates with a keen eye for detail and a desire to blend art with engineering will thrive. It also suits those with a background in engineering or fine arts looking to transition into product development, providing a robust foundation for a design-led career path in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in India as Product Designers, UX/UI Designers, Industrial Designers, and Design Consultants. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3.5-6 LPA, potentially growing to INR 10-25 LPA with experience in established design studios or manufacturing firms. The program prepares students for roles in startups, MNCs, and allows for entrepreneurial ventures, contributing to India''''s design innovation ecosystem.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Visual & Manual Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate consistent time to sketching, drawing, and basic model making beyond classroom assignments. Utilize online tutorials for observational drawing and form study. Practice daily ideation sketches to improve creative flow and manual dexterity.
Tools & Resources
Sketchbooks, Drawing Pencils, Clay/Foam for models, YouTube tutorials for gesture drawing, Pinterest for visual inspiration
Career Connection
Exceptional sketching and model-making are fundamental for quick ideation and communication, essential for any entry-level design role and building a strong initial portfolio.
Master Digital Design Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Actively learn and practice vector and raster graphics software (Illustrator, Photoshop) beyond basic tutorials. Undertake personal projects like designing logos or posters to solidify skills. Seek feedback from peers and faculty to refine your digital craftsmanship.
Tools & Resources
Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Skillshare courses, Behance for inspiration
Career Connection
Proficiency in digital tools is non-negotiable for modern designers, enabling efficient design execution and professional presentation of concepts, critical for internships.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Learning & Observation- (Semester 1-2)
Participate in college-wide workshops, design talks, and observe products in daily life critically. Understand why products are designed a certain way and what could be improved. Read design blogs and magazines to broaden your perspective.
Tools & Resources
Design magazines (e.g., Kyoorius), Online design blogs (e.g., Core77), Observational journals
Career Connection
Develops a holistic design thinking mindset, crucial for identifying complex problems and innovating solutions across diverse sectors, making you a versatile candidate.
Intermediate Stage
Develop CAD and Prototyping Expertise- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond coursework, spend extra hours mastering CAD software like Fusion 360 or SolidWorks. Engage in personal projects requiring 3D modeling and explore 3D printing or laser cutting for rapid prototyping of ideas. Attend workshops on advanced manufacturing techniques.
Tools & Resources
Fusion 360, SolidWorks, College workshop facilities (3D printers, laser cutters), GrabCAD for CAD models
Career Connection
Strong CAD and prototyping skills are highly valued in product design roles, enabling designers to translate concepts into manufacturable designs and physical models, increasing employability in R&D and manufacturing.
Undertake Industry-Relevant Mini-Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Collaborate with peers or seek faculty guidance to work on mini-projects addressing real industry problems or societal needs. Focus on the entire design process from research to concept development and basic prototyping. Document every stage diligently.
Tools & Resources
Design thinking toolkits, Project management software (e.g., Trello), Online research databases
Career Connection
These projects form the backbone of your design portfolio, showcasing your problem-solving abilities and practical application of design principles to potential employers.
Network and Seek Mentorship- (Semester 3-5)
Attend design conferences, workshops, and industry events in Bengaluru. Connect with product designers on platforms like LinkedIn. Seek opportunities for informal mentorship to gain insights into industry trends and career pathways.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Design India Conference, Local design meetups
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internship and job opportunities, while mentorship provides invaluable guidance and helps navigate career challenges in the competitive design landscape.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Portfolio Development & Refinement- (Semester 6-8)
Dedicate significant time to curating and refining your design portfolio, focusing on depth over breadth. Ensure each project tells a compelling story, highlighting your design process, research, and impact. Seek professional feedback on your portfolio regularly.
Tools & Resources
Behance, Dribbble, Adobe Portfolio, Professional design critiques
Career Connection
A strong, well-articulated portfolio is the most critical tool for securing placements and demonstrating your capabilities to top design studios and companies.
Engage in Live Industry Projects/Internships- (Semester 6-8)
Actively seek and complete multiple internships or live projects with design studios or manufacturing companies. Focus on gaining hands-on experience in production-ready design, DFM/DFA, and interacting with cross-functional teams. Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world constraints.
Tools & Resources
Company websites for internships, College placement cell, Professional contacts
Career Connection
Internships provide crucial industry exposure, build professional networks, and often lead directly to pre-placement offers, accelerating your career launch in product design.
Specialize and Innovate for Degree Project- (Semester 6-8)
Choose a degree project that aligns with your passion and a niche area of product design (e.g., medical devices, sustainable packaging, smart home devices). Aim for innovation and thorough execution, potentially collaborating with engineering students or startups for a multi-disciplinary approach.
Tools & Resources
Research papers, Industry reports, Mentors from specific domains, Funding for prototypes
Career Connection
A standout degree project showcases your ability to lead complex design challenges and can serve as a launchpad for entrepreneurial ventures or attract specialized roles in your chosen niche.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 from any recognized Board/University with a minimum aggregate of 45% (40% for SC/ST/OBC category). Appeared in any of the Design Entrance Exams like UCEED, NID, NIFT, JEE, CEED, DAT, AIEED, etc.
Duration: 8 semesters / 4 years
Credits: 160 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BDES101 | Design Fundamentals I | Core | 4 | Elements and Principles of Design, Visual Composition, Color Theory, Form and Structure, Observation and Interpretation |
| 21BDES102 | Drawing I | Core | 4 | Drawing Techniques, Perspective Drawing, Figure Drawing, Sketching, Renderings |
| 21BDES103 | Art & Aesthetics | Core | 4 | History of Art, Aesthetic Theories, Cultural Contexts of Art, Contemporary Art, Art Criticism |
| 21BDES104 | Introduction to Materials & Processes | Core | 4 | Material Properties, Manufacturing Processes, Material Selection, Sustainability in Materials, Traditional & Modern Materials |
| 21BDES105 | Digital Tools I (Illustrator & Photoshop) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Vector Graphics, Raster Graphics, Image Manipulation, Typography Basics, Digital Layouts |
| 21BDES106 | Indian Constitution | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Preamble and Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Structure of Government, Amendments, Basic Features |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BDES201 | Design Fundamentals II | Core | 4 | Design Process, Problem-solving in Design, Design Thinking, Ergonomics Basics, Semiotics in Design |
| 21BDES202 | Drawing II | Core | 4 | Advanced Perspective, Anatomy Drawing, Storyboarding, Digital Drawing, Conceptual Sketching |
| 21BDES203 | History of Design | Core | 4 | Pre-Industrial Design, Arts and Crafts Movement, Bauhaus, Modern Design, Contemporary Design Trends |
| 21BDES204 | Model Making Workshop | Core | 4 | Prototyping Techniques, Material Properties for Models, Finishing Techniques, Scale Model Making, Functional Models |
| 21BDES205 | Digital Tools II (InDesign & CorelDraw) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Page Layout Design, Desktop Publishing, Brochure and Magazine Design, Digital Illustration, Printing Fundamentals |
| 21BDES206 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Pollution and Control, Sustainable Development, Environmental Ethics |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BDES301 | Design Research | Core | 4 | Research Methodologies, Data Collection Techniques, User Research, Market Research, Research Analysis |
| 21BDES302 | Computer-Aided Design (CAD) I | Core | 4 | Introduction to CAD Software, 2D Drafting, 3D Modeling Basics, Geometric Dimensioning, Technical Drawings |
| 21BDES303 | Photography & Videography for Design | Core | 4 | Camera Operation, Composition & Lighting, Product Photography, Video Editing, Visual Storytelling |
| 21BDES304 | Typography & Layout | Core | 4 | Typeface Classification, Kerning, Leading, Tracking, Grids and Hierarchy, Layout Principles, Brand Identity |
| 21BDES305 | Professional Ethics & Law for Designers | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Intellectual Property Rights, Copyrights & Patents, Design Ethics, Contracts & Agreements, Legal Aspects of Practice |
| 21BDES306 | Innovation & Entrepreneurship | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Idea Generation, Business Models, Market Feasibility, Funding & Pitching, Startup Ecosystem |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BDES401 | Ergonomics & Human Factors | Core | 4 | Anthropometry, Biomechanics, Cognitive Ergonomics, User Experience (UX), Ergonomic Product Design |
| 21BDES402 | Computer-Aided Design (CAD) II | Core | 4 | Advanced 3D Modeling, Surface Modeling, Assembly Design, Rendering Techniques, CAD for Prototyping |
| 21BDES403 | Design Management | Core | 4 | Project Management, Design Strategy, Team Management, Budgeting & Scheduling, Client Communication |
| 21BDES404 | Branding & Communication Design | Core | 4 | Brand Identity Development, Brand Storytelling, Marketing Collaterals, Advertising Design, Digital Communication |
| 21BDES405 | Internship/Industry Project I | Skill Enhancement Course | 4 | Practical Application of Skills, Industry Workflow, Problem Solving in Real-World Context, Professional Communication, Portfolio Building |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BDESPD501 | Product Design Studio I | Core - Product Design Specialization | 8 | Product Ideation, Concept Development, User Needs Analysis, Form & Function Integration, Sketching & Rendering for Products |
| 21BDESPD502 | Materials & Manufacturing Processes for Products | Core - Product Design Specialization | 4 | Plastics & Polymers, Metals & Alloys, Wood & Composites, Injection Molding, Rapid Prototyping |
| 21BDESPD503 | Design Semiotics & Cultural Context | Core - Product Design Specialization | 4 | Meaning in Products, Symbolism in Design, Cultural Interpretations, Global & Local Aesthetics, User Perception |
| 21BDESOE501 | Open Elective I (Example: Photography Basics) | Open Elective | 3 | Camera Controls, Composition Rules, Lighting Techniques, Post-processing, Visual Storytelling |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BDESPD601 | Product Design Studio II | Core - Product Design Specialization | 8 | Advanced Concept Development, Detail Design, Human-Product Interaction, Manufacturing Feasibility, Presentation Techniques |
| 21BDESPD602 | Design for Sustainability | Core - Product Design Specialization | 4 | Life Cycle Assessment, Eco-design Principles, Circular Economy, Sustainable Materials, Ethical Manufacturing |
| 21BDESPD603 | Digital Product Prototyping (Fusion 360/SolidWorks) | Core - Product Design Specialization | 4 | Parametric Modeling, Assembly & Animation, Simulation & Analysis, Photo-realistic Rendering, CAD for 3D Printing |
| 21BDESOE601 | Open Elective II (Example: Introduction to UI/UX) | Open Elective | 3 | User Interface Principles, User Experience Design, Wireframing & Prototyping, Usability Testing, Interaction Design |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BDESPD701 | Advanced Product Design Studio | Core - Product Design Specialization | 8 | Complex Product Systems, Service Design Integration, Design for Mass Production, User Centered Design Approaches, Portfolio Project Development |
| 21BDESPD702 | Design for Manufacturing & Assembly (DFM/DFA) | Core - Product Design Specialization | 4 | Manufacturing Cost Reduction, Assembly Optimization, Tolerances & Fits, Quality Control, Industrial Engineering Principles |
| 21BDESPD703 | Marketing & Branding for Products | Core - Product Design Specialization | 4 | Product Life Cycle, Market Segmentation, Branding Strategies, Packaging Design, Digital Marketing for Products |
| 21BDESPD704 | Internship/Industry Project II | Skill Enhancement Course | 4 | Advanced Practical Experience, Professional Networking, Problem-Solving in a Business Environment, Project Documentation, Career Preparedness |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BDESPD801 | Degree Project / Thesis | Major Project | 12 | Comprehensive Design Project, Research & Analysis, Concept to Prototype, Documentation & Presentation, Industry Collaboration |
| 21BDESPD802 | Portfolio & Professional Practice | Core - Product Design Specialization | 4 | Portfolio Development, Resume & Cover Letter Writing, Interview Skills, Networking, Freelance & Studio Practice |
| 21BDESPD803 | Design Futures & Trends | Core - Product Design Specialization | 4 | Emerging Technologies, Futuristic Scenarios, Speculative Design, AI in Design, Societal Impact of Design |
