.png&w=1920&q=75)
M-DES in Electronic Product Design at Indian Institute of Science
Bengaluru, Karnataka
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Electronic Product Design at Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru?
This Electronic Product Design specialization at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, focuses on integrating design principles with advanced electronics and engineering for innovative product development. It addresses the growing need for designers who can bridge the gap between aesthetics, user experience, and sophisticated technological functionality in the Indian consumer and industrial markets. The program is distinguished by its strong emphasis on research and hands-on project work, preparing graduates for the evolving landscape of smart products and IoT. This program leverages IISc''''s strength in both design and engineering.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering graduates (especially in Electronics, CS, Electrical, Mechanical) seeking entry into product design with a technological edge, and design graduates aiming to specialize in electronic products. It also caters to working professionals looking to upskill in areas like IoT, smart devices, and human-computer interaction, or career changers transitioning into the rapidly expanding electronic product industry in India. A strong foundation in engineering or design fundamentals is a prerequisite.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure roles as Electronic Product Designers, UX/UI Designers for smart devices, IoT Solution Architects, Design Engineers, or R&D specialists in companies like Samsung, Intel, Tata Elxsi, Wipro, and various startups across India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 8-15 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program aligns with industry demand for professionals who can innovate and lead product development in consumer electronics, healthcare, and industrial automation sectors.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Design Core- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in initial design studios and core courses. Focus on understanding design thinking, human factors, and materials. Form study groups to discuss concepts and critique early design iterations. Attend workshops on sketching and CAD tools to quickly visualize ideas.
Tools & Resources
Sketching materials, Basic CAD software (e.g., Fusion 360, SolidWorks trials), Design books/blogs
Career Connection
A robust foundation in design principles is essential for any product design role, ensuring that specialized electronic products are also user-centric and aesthetically pleasing, making you a versatile candidate for top design firms.
Engage in Mini Projects- (Semester 1-2)
Utilize the Mini Project (DS 298) to explore an area of electronic product design early on. Choose a topic that integrates a basic electronic component or system. Focus on the entire design cycle from conceptualization to a simple functional prototype. Document the process thoroughly.
Tools & Resources
Arduino/Raspberry Pi kits, Basic electronics components, 3D printers (available in labs)
Career Connection
Early hands-on project experience with electronic components demonstrates practical skills and a problem-solving mindset, directly appealing to recruiters seeking candidates for hardware or IoT product roles.
Network with Peers and Faculty- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in departmental seminars, guest lectures, and design critiques. Engage with faculty members to discuss research interests and potential project ideas. Connect with senior students to understand their project experiences and gather insights into elective choices for electronic product focus.
Tools & Resources
Departmental events, LinkedIn for professional connections
Career Connection
Building a strong academic and professional network within IISc can open doors to collaborative projects, research opportunities, and valuable mentorship, which are crucial for navigating career paths in specialized design fields.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Electronic Product Electives- (Semester 3)
Strategically choose electives like IoT Product Design, Wearable Technology Design, or Smart Product Design. Complement these with courses in Interaction Design and HCI. Focus on understanding the technical aspects of electronic components, embedded systems, and sensor integration, alongside user interaction.
Tools & Resources
Specialized software (e.g., Altium Designer, Eagle - student versions), Advanced microcontrollers, Online courses (Coursera, edX) on embedded systems
Career Connection
Specialized elective knowledge makes you a highly attractive candidate for roles requiring expertise in specific electronic product categories, leading to better internship and placement opportunities in companies focused on these areas.
Seek Industry Internships- (Between Semester 2 & 3)
Apply for summer internships in companies that design or manufacture electronic products. Look for roles in R&D, product development, or UX design for hardware. This provides invaluable real-world experience, helps apply academic learning, and builds industry contacts. Prepare a strong portfolio highlighting electronic product-related projects.
Tools & Resources
IISc Placement Cell, Internshala, LinkedIn, Personal design portfolio website
Career Connection
Internships are often a direct pathway to pre-placement offers (PPOs) and provide a significant advantage during final placements, giving you a competitive edge in the Indian job market.
Participate in Design Challenges/Competitions- (Semester 2-3)
Engage in national-level design competitions or hackathons focused on hardware, IoT, or smart product development. This provides an opportunity to test skills under pressure, collaborate in teams, and gain exposure. These platforms are excellent for showcasing innovative solutions to real-world problems.
Tools & Resources
Hackathon platforms (Devfolio, Major League Hacking), Design challenge websites (e.g., Core77 Design Awards, India Innovation Challenge)
Career Connection
Winning or even participating meaningfully in competitions adds significant weight to your resume and portfolio, demonstrating initiative, problem-solving skills, and a competitive spirit, which are highly valued by employers.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Major Project/Dissertation- (Semester 3-4)
Dedicate significant effort to your Major Project (DS 299), choosing a topic directly related to Electronic Product Design. Aim for a novel solution, a well-engineered prototype, and a thorough research report. Seek continuous feedback from your advisor and present your work regularly to peers and faculty.
Tools & Resources
Advanced prototyping tools, Research papers (IEEE, ACM, Springer), Statistical analysis software
Career Connection
A strong, well-executed major project serves as the cornerstone of your professional portfolio, showcasing your ability to conduct independent research, innovate, and deliver a complex electronic product, which is critical for senior design or R&D roles.
Build a Professional Portfolio- (Semester 3-4)
Curate a high-quality portfolio that effectively showcases your best design projects, especially those related to electronic products. Include sketches, CAD models, prototypes, user research, and process documentation. Tailor your portfolio to the specific companies and roles you are targeting, highlighting your skills in electronic product design.
Tools & Resources
Behance, Dribbble, Personal website platform (e.g., Squarespace, Wix)
Career Connection
A compelling portfolio is non-negotiable for design roles in India. It''''s your primary tool to communicate your skills and design thinking, directly influencing interview shortlists and job offers from top design and tech companies.
Focus on Placement Preparedness- (Semester 4)
Engage with the IISc placement cell, attend resume-building workshops, and participate in mock interviews. Practice articulating your design process, technical understanding of electronic components, and problem-solving approaches. Understand the company-specific requirements and interview patterns for electronic product design roles.
Tools & Resources
IISc Placement Cell services, Online interview platforms (e.g., LeetCode for technical design questions)
Career Connection
Proactive placement preparation is key to securing your desired role. Being articulate about your skills and projects, coupled with a strong portfolio, ensures you stand out among candidates for coveted positions in India''''s competitive tech and design industry.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree (4-year program) in Engineering/Technology/Design/Architecture OR a 4-year professional degree in Fine Arts (BFA). Valid GATE score (Engineering/Technology/Architecture), CEED score (Design), or NID DAT (B.Des/M.Des). Specific disciplines for CPDM include Mechanical, Industrial Production, Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science, IT, EC, EEE, Instrumentation, Chemical, Materials, Civil, Aerospace, etc., or B.Arch, B.Planning, B.Des, 4-year BFA.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: Minimum 64 credits Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS 201 | Elements of Design | Core | 3 | Fundamentals of form and space, Visual communication principles, Design perception and aesthetics, Creative problem solving, 2D and 3D design exercises |
| DS 202 | Design Methods and Process | Core | 3 | Design thinking framework, Problem definition and ideation, User research methodologies, Concept generation and evaluation, Prototyping and testing strategies |
| DS 205 | Human Factors in Design | Core | 3 | Anthropometry and biomechanics, Cognitive psychology in design, Perception and human information processing, Ergonomic design principles, User experience research methods |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS 208 | Design Studio I | Core | 6 | Hands-on design projects, Problem-solving in design contexts, Conceptualization and prototyping, Design iteration and refinement, Presentation and critique |
| DS 298 | Mini Project | Core | 6 | Individual design project, Problem identification and scope definition, Literature review and research, Design development and implementation, Report writing and presentation |
| DS 217 | IoT Product Design | Elective | 3 | IoT ecosystem and architecture, Sensor technologies and data acquisition, Connectivity protocols and cloud platforms, User interface for IoT devices, Security and privacy in IoT design |
| DS 224 | Wearable Technology Design | Elective | 3 | Fundamentals of wearable devices, Physiological sensing and data interpretation, Materials and form factors for wearables, Interaction design for wearable interfaces, Power management and connectivity |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS 209 | Design Studio II | Core | 6 | Advanced design challenges, Complex problem-solving, Interdisciplinary design approaches, User-centered design methodologies, High-fidelity prototyping |
| DS 299 | Dissertation/Major Project (Part 1) | Core | 12 | Research problem identification, Extensive literature review, Methodology development, Initial design exploration, Project planning and scheduling |
| DS 228 | Smart Product Design | Elective | 3 | Integration of intelligence in products, Sensor-actuator systems, Embedded systems and microcontrollers, Data analytics for product behavior, User interaction with smart products |
| DS 233 | Human-Computer Interaction | Elective | 3 | HCI principles and theories, User interface design, Usability evaluation methods, Interaction paradigms, Design for different modalities and contexts |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS 299 | Dissertation/Major Project (Part 2) | Core | 12 | Design development and refinement, Prototyping and implementation, Testing and validation, Data analysis and interpretation, Final thesis writing and defense |
| DS 210 | Interaction Design | Elective | 3 | User-centered interaction design, Information architecture, Wireframing and prototyping, Usability testing, Feedback and feedforward mechanisms |
| DS 214 | Digital Prototyping and Simulation | Elective | 3 | CAD/CAE tools for product design, Virtual prototyping techniques, Simulation for performance analysis, Additive manufacturing for rapid prototyping, Material selection and fabrication strategies |
