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B-DES in Product Design at Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology University
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is Product Design at Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology University Ahmedabad?
This Product Design program at CEPT University focuses on a holistic, human-centered approach to designing products, services, and experiences. It emphasizes understanding user needs, material properties, manufacturing processes, and sustainable practices. The program fosters critical thinking and creative problem-solving relevant to India''''s dynamic industrial landscape, encouraging innovation that addresses local contexts and global trends. Graduates are equipped to shape the physical world around us, from consumer goods to industrial equipment, with a strong emphasis on contextual relevance and ethical considerations.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative individuals with a strong aptitude for problem-solving and a keen interest in how objects are conceived, developed, and used. Fresh graduates from any stream (10+2) passionate about tangible product development, visual communication, and user experience will find this program rewarding. It also caters to those with a foundational understanding of design looking to specialize, or career changers aiming to transition into the rapidly growing Indian design industry.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths as Product Designers, Industrial Designers, UX/UI Designers (for physical products), Design Researchers, or Design Consultants. In India, entry-level salaries can range from INR 3-6 LPA, potentially growing to INR 10-25+ LPA with experience in leading design studios, manufacturing companies, or tech firms. Growth trajectories often lead to Design Lead, Design Manager, or independent design entrepreneurship, aligning with the increasing demand for design talent in various Indian industries.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Visual Communication & Sketching- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time daily to freehand sketching, technical drawing, and digital rendering. Utilize online tutorials and practice platforms like Drawabox or Skillshare to hone foundational drawing skills, essential for visualizing and communicating design ideas effectively.
Tools & Resources
Sketchbooks, Drawing Pencils, Procreate/Sketchbook Pro, Online tutorials from NID or IIT Design faculties
Career Connection
Strong visual communication is the bedrock for any designer, enabling clear expression of concepts to clients and teams, significantly impacting portfolio quality and early career opportunities.
Build a Foundational Materials & Processes Knowledge Base- (Semester 1-2)
Actively explore different materials (plastics, metals, wood, ceramics) through physical interaction, visiting local workshops in Ahmedabad, and studying their properties and manufacturing processes. Document observations and engage in discussions with faculty and peers.
Tools & Resources
Material sample kits, Local artisan workshops, Online material databases, Industrial design blogs
Career Connection
Understanding materials and manufacturing is crucial for realistic and innovative product development, making you a valuable asset to any design or engineering team post-graduation.
Cultivate Critical Observation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice observing everyday objects, public spaces, and user interactions with a critical eye. Question why things are designed the way they are, identifying both functional and aesthetic aspects, and brainstorming potential improvements. Maintain a ''''design journal'''' to record insights.
Tools & Resources
Design journals, Daily commute, Museums, exhibitions, TED Talks on design thinking
Career Connection
Sharp observation leads to identifying unmet needs and crafting innovative solutions, a core skill sought after by design firms for user research and concept generation.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Rapid Prototyping & Model Making- (Semester 3-5)
Actively participate in studio projects involving physical model making using various techniques (cardboard, foam, clay, 3D printing). Learn to use workshop tools safely and effectively, transforming 2D sketches into tangible 3D forms to test concepts and iterate designs.
Tools & Resources
Workshop facilities, 3D printers (e.g., FDM, SLA), CAD software (SolidWorks, Rhino), Local fabrication shops
Career Connection
Hands-on prototyping skills are indispensable for product development roles, allowing you to quickly validate ideas and present realistic solutions, speeding up product cycles in Indian manufacturing.
Develop Digital Design & Visualization Proficiency- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond basic skills, specialize in industry-standard CAD software for 3D modeling (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Rhino) and rendering software (e.g., Keyshot, V-Ray). Take online courses and actively apply these in all studio projects to create high-fidelity representations of designs.
Tools & Resources
SolidWorks/Fusion 360 licenses, Keyshot/Blender, LinkedIn Learning, YouTube tutorials
Career Connection
Proficiency in digital tools is a non-negotiable skill for modern product designers, directly impacting your ability to secure internships and job placements in design studios and R&D departments.
Seek Industry Exposure & Networking- (Semester 3-5)
Look for short-term internships, shadow designers, or volunteer for design-related events in Ahmedabad or other Indian design hubs. Attend industry workshops, design conferences, and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn to understand real-world design challenges and build your professional network.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Design India Conference, Local industry events, CEPT alumni network
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to mentorship, internship opportunities, and future job prospects. Understanding industry dynamics helps tailor your skills to market demands, a critical advantage in the competitive Indian job market.
Advanced Stage
Curate a Professional Portfolio & Online Presence- (Semester 6-8)
Systematically document all your best projects, creating high-quality photographs, renderings, and concise project descriptions. Develop a professional online portfolio (e.g., Behance, personal website) and optimize your LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills and unique design perspective.
Tools & Resources
Behance, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign), Personal website builder (e.g., Cargo Collective), Professional photography equipment
Career Connection
A compelling portfolio is your primary tool for securing placements and clients. A strong online presence increases visibility among recruiters in India and abroad.
Undertake Complex & Interdisciplinary Projects- (Semester 6-8)
Choose advanced studio projects or dissertation topics that require integrating multiple design disciplines (e.g., product, UX, sustainability, engineering). Collaborate with students from other faculties if possible, simulating real-world team environments and tackling holistic design challenges.
Tools & Resources
Inter-departmental collaborations, Industry-sponsored projects, Design research methodologies
Career Connection
Demonstrating the ability to handle complex, interdisciplinary projects makes you highly attractive to companies seeking versatile designers who can navigate multifaceted challenges and contribute to strategic design initiatives.
Engage in Design Strategy & Business Acumen- (Semester 6-8)
Beyond aesthetics and function, explore how design impacts business and market success. Take electives in design management, entrepreneurship, or marketing. Analyze case studies of successful Indian product companies and understand their design strategies and market positioning.
Tools & Resources
Business design books, Harvard Business Review design articles, Startup incubators/mentors, Online courses on design thinking for business
Career Connection
Combining design skills with business acumen prepares you for leadership roles and enables you to contribute strategically to product innovation, making you invaluable in startups and established Indian companies looking for design-driven growth.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate with a recognized higher secondary (10+2) qualification or its equivalent with 50% marks in aggregate from any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts/Humanities) and English as one of the subjects. Must pass the CEPT Design Aptitude Test (CDAT).
Duration: 4 years / 8 semesters
Credits: 160 credits minimum (as per 2024 Regulations) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
