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M-DES in Product Design And Engineering at Indian Institute of Science
Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Product Design and Engineering at Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru?
This Product Design and Engineering program at Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, focuses on developing professionals capable of innovating and engineering products for the Indian and global markets. The program''''s interdisciplinary approach combines design aesthetics, user experience, and robust engineering principles, addressing the evolving demands of Indian industry. It stands out for its strong research focus and blend of theoretical knowledge with practical application.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering, architecture, or design graduates seeking entry into product development, UX/UI, or innovation roles. Working professionals aiming to upskill in design strategy, product management, or human-centered design will also benefit. It suits career changers transitioning into the rapidly growing Indian design and manufacturing sector, provided they possess a foundational technical or creative background.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue India-specific career paths in product management, design consulting, user experience design, and R&D within top Indian companies and MNCs. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 8-15 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program prepares students for leadership roles in product innovation and can align with professional certifications in design thinking or project management.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Design Fundamentals and Theory- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicating early semesters to thoroughly grasp core design principles, methodologies, and theories. Attend all lectures, actively participate in studio sessions, and review seminal design literature. Engage with professors for conceptual clarity and feedback on initial projects.
Tools & Resources
CPDM Design Studios, IISc Library resources, Design textbooks (e.g., ''''The Design of Everyday Things'''')
Career Connection
A strong theoretical foundation is crucial for innovative problem-solving and articulating design decisions, which are highly valued in design and product management roles.
Develop Core Technical and Prototyping Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on acquiring foundational technical skills essential for product design, including CAD modeling, rapid prototyping, and basic electronics for smart product development. Utilize laboratory facilities and workshops extensively to build practical proficiency.
Tools & Resources
SolidWorks/Fusion 360, 3D printers and laser cutters (CPDM labs), Arduino/Raspberry Pi for basic IoT projects
Career Connection
Hands-on technical skills are directly applicable in engineering design, prototyping, and manufacturing roles, making graduates industry-ready for Indian hardware startups and R&D firms.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Learning Initiatives- (Semester 1-2)
Actively seek out opportunities to collaborate with students from engineering, computer science, and other disciplines at IISc. Participate in inter-departmental projects or clubs to gain diverse perspectives and develop team-based problem-solving skills.
Tools & Resources
IISc departmental seminars, Student innovation clubs, Interdisciplinary project platforms
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary collaboration is key in modern product development teams, enhancing adaptability and communication skills, vital for roles in complex Indian tech and manufacturing environments.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Applied Design Research and User Studies- (Semester 2-3)
Engage deeply in design research methodologies, user studies, and ethnographic research to understand user needs and market gaps. Take initiative to explore specific areas of interest by pursuing mini-projects or assisting faculty in ongoing research.
Tools & Resources
User testing software, Survey tools, Academic journals on design research
Career Connection
Proficiency in design research helps in identifying unmet needs and creating user-centric solutions, essential for UX researcher, product strategist, and innovation roles in Indian startups and corporates.
Seek Relevant Industry Internships- (Summer after Semester 2, or during Semester 3)
Actively apply for internships with design consultancies, product companies, or R&D departments in India. Gain real-world experience, apply academic learning, and build a professional network. Prioritize internships that align with long-term career goals.
Tools & Resources
IISc Career Centre, LinkedIn, Networking events
Career Connection
Internships are critical for practical exposure, skill validation, and often lead directly to pre-placement offers in leading Indian design and product companies.
Build a Compelling Design Portfolio- (Throughout Semester 2-3)
Systematically document all design projects, coursework, and research contributions. Focus on showcasing problem-solving abilities, design process, and final outcomes effectively. Seek feedback from mentors and peers for continuous improvement and refine presentation skills.
Tools & Resources
Behance, Adobe Creative Suite, Personal website/blog
Career Connection
A compelling portfolio is the primary tool for designers to demonstrate their skills and secure job opportunities in the highly competitive Indian design industry.
Advanced Stage
Excel in the M.Des Capstone Project- (Semester 3-4)
Dedicate significant effort to the M.Des project, treating it as a capstone experience to demonstrate mastery. Choose a project with real-world impact or strong research potential, collaborate with industry mentors if possible, and ensure rigorous execution and documentation.
Tools & Resources
Advanced CAD/CAE software, Specialized prototyping facilities, Faculty advisors
Career Connection
A strong M.Des project can serve as a highlight in your portfolio, showcasing advanced skills and research capabilities, critical for high-impact roles and further academic pursuits.
Network Professionally and Attend Industry Events- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in design conferences, workshops, and industry meetups in Bengaluru and across India. Network with professionals, recruiters, and alumni to stay updated on industry trends and explore potential career opportunities and collaborations.
Tools & Resources
India Design Forum, NASSCOM events, Design India magazine, IISc Alumni Network
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to exclusive job opportunities, mentorship, and insights into the evolving Indian design landscape, facilitating better placement and career growth.
Develop Business Acumen for Design Leadership- (Semester 3-4)
Complement design skills with an understanding of business strategy, market analysis, and product commercialization. Explore electives or self-study in areas like design management, intellectual property, and entrepreneurship to prepare for leadership roles in product innovation.
Tools & Resources
Online courses (e.g., Coursera, edX on business strategy), Business magazines, Startup India initiatives
Career Connection
Combining design and business acumen is crucial for roles like Product Manager or Design Lead, enabling graduates to drive innovation with a commercial lens in Indian companies.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Minimum Second Class in Bachelor''''s degree in Engineering / Technology / Architecture / Design (4-year programme after 10+2) OR a Master''''s degree in Science / Arts / Computer Applications (2-year programme after 10+2+3) are eligible to apply.
Duration: 4 semesters (2 years)
Credits: 96 (64 coursework, 32 project work) Credits
Assessment: Internal: undefined, External: undefined
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS 201 | Elements of Industrial Design | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 202 | Product Planning and Marketing | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 203 | Design Methods | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 204 | Design Realization | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 205 | Ergonomics for Design | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 206 | Visual Communication | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 207 | Cognitive Aspects of Design | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 208 | Product Design Theory | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 209 | Product Aesthetics | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 210 | History of Design | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 211 | Design Management | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 212 | Design for Manufacturing | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 213 | Design for Usability | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 214 | Design Engineering | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 215 | Interaction Design | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 216 | Materials and Manufacturing Processes | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 217 | Virtual Product Design | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 218 | Smart Product Design | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 219 | Product Lifecycle Management | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 220 | Human Factors in Design | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 221 | Service Design | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 222 | Design for Sustainability | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 223 | Entrepreneurship for Design | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 224 | Research Methods for Design | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 225 | Design Innovation and Strategy | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 226 | Design for X | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 227 | Inclusive Design | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 228 | Design Semiotics | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 229 | Design for Experience | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 230 | Prototyping and Fabrication | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 231 | Design for Healthcare | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 232 | Design for Mobility | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 233 | Design for Social Impact | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 234 | Data Driven Design | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 235 | Advanced Interaction Design | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 236 | Advanced Product Design | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 237 | Advanced Design Methods | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 238 | Advanced Ergonomics | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 239 | Advanced Visual Communication | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 240 | Design for AI | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 241 | Design for XR | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 242 | Circular Design | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 243 | Material Futures | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 244 | Biomimicry in Design | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 245 | Speculative Design | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 246 | Design for System Thinking | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 247 | Design Research and Methods | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 248 | Design Thinking and Innovation | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 249 | User Experience Design | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 250 | Information Design | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 251 | Design for Play | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 252 | Design for Well-being | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 253 | Design for Artificial Intelligence | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 254 | Design for Immersive Experiences | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 255 | Design for Trust | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 256 | Critical Design | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 257 | Social Innovation Design | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 258 | Design Futures | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 259 | Design for Circular Economy | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 260 | Design for Manufacturing and Assembly | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 261 | Design for Additive Manufacturing | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 262 | Design for Sustainability and Circularity | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 263 | Design for Human-Robot Interaction | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 264 | Design for Autonomous Systems | Core Option | Variable (2-3) | |
| DS 265 | Design for Bio-inspired Systems | Core Option | Variable (2-3) |
