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M-DES in General at Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University
Pune, Maharashtra
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About the Specialization
What is General at Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University Pune?
This Master of Design (M.Des) program at Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University focuses on cultivating advanced design thinking, research methodologies, and practical application skills. It emphasizes a holistic approach to design problems, preparing students for leadership roles in various design domains within the evolving Indian industry landscape. The program integrates interdisciplinary learning, social responsibility, and sustainable practices as core differentiators, meeting the growing demand for ethically conscious designers.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative individuals holding a bachelor''''s degree in any discipline, passionate about solving complex problems through design. It caters to fresh graduates seeking entry into advanced design roles, working professionals looking to upskill in strategic design, UX, or product development, and career changers transitioning into the dynamic design industry. Candidates with a foundational understanding of design or a strong aptitude for innovation will thrive.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including UX/UI Designer, Product Designer, Service Designer, Design Researcher, Design Strategist, or Design Consultant. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program fosters critical thinking and problem-solving, aligning with certifications in areas like design thinking and project management, crucial for career growth in Indian companies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Design Research & Ethnography- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in coursework on Design Research Methods and Design Ethnography. Form peer study groups to critically analyze research papers and case studies, focusing on Indian design contexts. Apply ethnographic techniques through mini-projects, observing user behavior in local markets or communities to understand real-world problems.
Tools & Resources
Google Scholar, MIT WPU Library databases, Field notes, Interview guides
Career Connection
Builds a strong foundation for design research roles and informs user-centered design, crucial for impactful solutions and understanding target demographics in India.
Build a Strong Core Design Portfolio- (Semester 1-2)
Document all projects from Design Studio 1 & 2 thoroughly. Focus on showcasing the design process, problem statement, ideation, prototyping, and user feedback. Seek regular feedback from faculty and peers, and actively participate in internal design reviews to refine presentation skills and project narratives.
Tools & Resources
Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Behance, Dribbble
Career Connection
A strong portfolio is paramount for securing internships and placements in leading design firms and tech companies across India.
Develop Holistic Design Perspective- (Semester 1-2)
Participate in workshops or online courses related to ''''Holistic Development & Social Responsibilities'''' and ''''Professional Practices.'''' Read up on sustainable design principles and ethical considerations in design, specifically in the Indian context. Engage in discussions to understand the broader impact of design on society and the environment.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, Design thinking blogs
Career Connection
Cultivates a responsible and ethical design mindset, highly valued by employers looking for designers who can contribute to socially impactful projects in India.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Specialised Skill Development- (Semester 2-3)
Leverage Elective 1 (Sem 2) and Elective 2 (Sem 3) choices to specialize in areas like UX Design, Brand Identity, or Product Design. Beyond coursework, pursue online certifications and personal projects in your chosen area to deepen expertise.
Tools & Resources
Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Miro, Coursera, Udemy
Career Connection
Creates a focused skill set for specific design roles that are in high demand in the Indian job market.
Seek Industry Exposure through Internships/Live Projects- (Semester 2-3)
Actively search for and pursue summer internships or live industry projects after Semester 2 and during Semester 3. Network with alumni, attend industry events, and connect with design professionals to gain practical experience and understand real-world challenges in Indian companies.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Internshala, Placement Cell services, Professional networking events
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable hands-on experience, build industry contacts, and often lead to pre-placement offers, significantly boosting employability in India.
Develop Design Entrepreneurship Skills- (Semester 3)
Actively participate in the ''''Design Entrepreneurship'''' course (Sem 3). Explore startup ideas, work on business model canvases, and if possible, join university startup incubators or participate in design hackathons to apply entrepreneurial thinking to design solutions.
Tools & Resources
Lean Canvas, Business Model Canvas, Startup India portal, Local startup accelerators
Career Connection
Equips students with the mindset and skills to launch their own design ventures or take on innovation leadership roles within established Indian organizations.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Capstone Research Project- (Semester 3-4)
Dedicate significant effort to the ''''Research Project Phase 1 & 2'''' (Sem 3 & 4). Select a research topic aligned with your career aspirations and current industry trends in India. Work closely with your faculty mentor, focusing on rigorous methodology, impactful findings, and a professional thesis defense.
Tools & Resources
Research journals, Thesis templates, Statistical software (if applicable), Presentation tools
Career Connection
Demonstrates deep expertise and research capabilities, a strong differentiator for roles requiring strategic thinking, problem-solving, and advanced analysis, often leading to better job opportunities and higher starting salaries.
Prioritize Placement Preparation- (Semester 4)
Attend all placement training sessions provided by the university''''s career services. Refine your resume and portfolio based on specific job descriptions. Practice mock interviews, group discussions, and technical design tests. Network extensively with visiting companies and alumni for insights and referrals.
Tools & Resources
Placement cell resources, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Interview prep platforms
Career Connection
Maximizes chances of securing desirable placements with top Indian and international design companies, providing a smooth transition into the professional world.
Engage in Continuous Professional Development- (Semester 4 and beyond)
Even in the final semester, commit to lifelong learning. Subscribe to design newsletters, follow industry leaders on social media, attend online webinars, and consider joining professional design associations in India. Stay updated on emerging technologies and design methodologies.
Tools & Resources
Medium, UX Matters, AIGA, Design India
Career Connection
Ensures long-term career relevance and adaptability in the fast-changing design industry, fostering continuous growth and leadership potential.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- UG Degree in any discipline from a recognized university with at least 50% marks (45% for Maharashtra Reserved Categories) in the qualifying examination. Must have appeared for MIT-WPU DESIGN ENTRANCE TEST (DET) / CEED / UCEED / NID / NIFT.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 86 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.Des-101 | Design Research Methods | Core | 4 | Research methodologies, Qualitative research, Quantitative research, Data analysis, Research proposal, Ethics in research |
| M.Des-102 | Design History, Theories, and Criticism | Core | 4 | Evolution of design, Modernism, Post-modernism, Design philosophies, Critical thinking, Cultural impact of design |
| M.Des-103 | Design Ethnography | Core | 4 | Anthropological research, Observational studies, User behavior, Contextual inquiry, Cultural analysis, Fieldwork techniques |
| M.Des-104 | Design Studio 1 | Core | 6 | Concept development, Ideation, Prototyping, Design process, Iterative design, Project realization |
| M.Des-105 | Professional Practices and Communication | Core | 2 | Professional ethics, Client communication, Presentation skills, Portfolio development, Design business, Project management |
| M.Des-106 | Holistic Development & Social Responsibilities | Core | 2 | Peace studies, Ethics, Values, Social innovation, Community engagement, Sustainable design |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.Des-201 | Ergonomics and Human Factors in Design | Core | 4 | Human anatomy, Cognitive ergonomics, Usability, User interface design, Accessibility, Anthropometry |
| M.Des-202 | Service Design Thinking | Core | 4 | Service blueprinting, Customer journey mapping, Touchpoint design, Stakeholder management, Service innovation, Ecosystem design |
| M.Des-203 | Interaction Design Principles | Core | 4 | Usability principles, Information architecture, User experience (UX), User interface (UI), Wireframing, Prototyping digital products |
| M.Des-204 | Design Studio 2 | Core | 6 | Advanced concept development, Design implementation, User testing, Refinement, Collaborative projects, Design strategy |
| M.Des-205A | Creative Thinking & Innovation | Elective | 4 | Brainstorming, Lateral thinking, Problem-solving, Ideation techniques, Innovation models, Design challenges |
| M.Des-205B | Visual Communication for Designers | Elective | 4 | Typography, Layout, Color theory, Branding, Visual storytelling, Graphic design principles |
| M.Des-206 | Research Project Proposal | Core | 2 | Research question formulation, Literature review, Methodology planning, Project scope, Ethical considerations, Proposal writing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.Des-301 | Design Entrepreneurship | Core | 4 | Business models, Startup ecosystem, Market analysis, Funding, Legal aspects, Innovation management |
| M.Des-302 | Design for Sustainability | Core | 4 | Circular economy, Eco-design, Life cycle assessment, Sustainable materials, Social impact, Environmental responsibility |
| M.Des-303A | User Experience Design (UXD) | Elective | 4 | UX research, Persona creation, Information architecture, Wireframing, Prototyping, Usability testing |
| M.Des-303B | Brand Identity and Communication | Elective | 4 | Branding strategy, Logo design, Visual guidelines, Brand story, Marketing communication, Identity management |
| M.Des-303C | Product Design & Development | Elective | 4 | Product lifecycle, Industrial design, Material selection, Manufacturing processes, CAD modeling, Design for assembly |
| M.Des-304 | Design Studio 3 | Core | 6 | Advanced problem-solving, Interdisciplinary projects, Solution development, Design validation, User feedback integration, Portfolio refinement |
| M.Des-305 | Research Project Phase 1 | Core | 2 | Project execution, Data collection, Initial analysis, Interim report, Methodology application, Research findings |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.Des-401 | Professional Ethics & Intellectual Property Rights | Core | 4 | Ethical dilemmas, Copyrights, Patents, Trademarks, Design rights, Legal frameworks in design |
| M.Des-402 | Research Project Phase 2 | Core | 12 | Advanced research, Data synthesis, Final analysis, Thesis writing, Project presentation, Viva-voce |
| M.Des-403 | Internship / Industry Project | Core | 4 | Industry exposure, Real-world problem solving, Professional work environment, Project documentation, Practical application, Mentorship |
