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PH-D in Product Design And Manufacturing at Indian Institute of Science
Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Product Design and Manufacturing at Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru?
This Product Design and Manufacturing Ph.D. program at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, focuses on advanced research in creating innovative products through integrated design, engineering, and manufacturing principles. It addresses the growing complexity of product development in India, from conceptualization and user experience to efficient and sustainable production processes. The program is distinguished by its emphasis on interdisciplinary research and cutting-edge technologies relevant to various Indian industries.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for master''''s degree holders in engineering, design, or science, as well as exceptional bachelor''''s graduates, who possess a strong aptitude for research and a passion for product innovation. It suits individuals aiming for academic careers, high-level R&D roles in Indian and multinational corporations, or those aspiring to lead technological advancements in product development within India''''s dynamic industrial landscape.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to become leading researchers, academics, or senior R&D managers in India''''s burgeoning product development sectors. Career paths include roles in automotive, consumer electronics, medical devices, and aerospace industries. With starting salaries potentially ranging from INR 10-18 lakhs annually for fresh PhDs, growth trajectories are strong, often aligning with professional certifications in areas like product lifecycle management or advanced manufacturing.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Design & Manufacturing Concepts- (undefined)
Dedicate early semesters to thoroughly understanding fundamental concepts in product design, materials science, manufacturing processes, and ergonomics through coursework. Actively engage in discussions and problem-solving exercises to build a robust theoretical base critical for advanced research.
Tools & Resources
IISc Department of Design Coursework, Academic journals (e.g., Journal of Product Innovation Management), Online learning platforms (Coursera, edX for foundational topics)
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures you can articulate and address complex research problems, a key skill sought by R&D departments and academic institutions.
Develop Foundational Research Skills- (undefined)
Enroll in research methodology courses and actively participate in departmental seminars. Begin identifying potential research gaps by conducting extensive literature reviews under faculty guidance, practicing critical analysis and scientific writing.
Tools & Resources
DE 220: Design Research, DE 224: Research Methods for Design, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar for literature review, Reference management software (Mendeley, Zotero)
Career Connection
These skills are indispensable for any research-intensive career, enabling independent problem-solving and knowledge creation.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Dialogue- (undefined)
Actively seek opportunities to collaborate with students and faculty from other engineering and science departments within IISc. Attend cross-disciplinary workshops and lectures to broaden your perspective and identify novel research avenues at the intersection of various fields.
Tools & Resources
IISc inter-departmental seminars and research clusters, Networking events with other PhD scholars, Research collaboration platforms
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary thinking is highly valued in modern R&D, leading to more innovative solutions and broader career applicability.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize and Deepen Technical Expertise- (undefined)
Beyond core coursework, strategically select advanced elective courses aligned with your evolving research interests, such as advanced manufacturing, mechatronics, or specialized design for specific industries (e.g., medical devices). This deepens your expertise and provides a strong theoretical basis for your thesis.
Tools & Resources
DE 211: Advanced Manufacturing Processes, DE 216: Mechatronics for Product Design, DE 221: Design for Medical Devices, Advanced CAD/CAE software (SolidWorks, ANSYS, CATIA), Specialized workshops and training programs
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge makes you a sought-after expert in specific product domains, enhancing your value in industry or niche academic areas.
Prepare for and Clear the Comprehensive Exam- (undefined)
Form study groups and regularly review core subject matter with peers. Practice answering broad and specific questions to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of your field and research area, which is crucial for PhD candidacy progression.
Tools & Resources
Peer study groups, faculty mentorship, Past comprehensive exam questions (if available), Review of foundational textbooks and research papers
Career Connection
Successfully clearing the comprehensive exam is a critical milestone, signifying readiness for independent research and boosting confidence for future academic/research roles.
Initiate and Present Research Findings- (undefined)
Actively work on your thesis proposal, conducting preliminary experiments or simulations. Present your early findings at departmental colloquia, national conferences (e.g., ICoRD, Nirma International Conference), and seek feedback for refinement, preparing for journal publications.
Tools & Resources
Research labs and facilities at IISc, Conference proceedings (e.g., ASME, IEEE, Design Society), Presentation software and public speaking practice
Career Connection
Early publication and presentation build your research profile, making you more competitive for post-doctoral positions, research grants, and high-impact industry roles.
Advanced Stage
Focus on High-Impact Thesis Research & Publication- (undefined)
Concentrate on executing your thesis research, ensuring rigor in methodology, data collection, and analysis. Aim for multiple high-quality publications in peer-reviewed international journals and conferences, solidifying your contribution to the field.
Tools & Resources
Advanced statistical software (R, Python, SPSS), High-performance computing resources (if applicable), Journal submission platforms (Elsevier, Springer, IEEE Xplore)
Career Connection
A strong publication record is paramount for academic positions, and highly valued in R&D, demonstrating your capability for innovative and impactful contributions.
Network Professionally & Explore Post-PhD Options- (undefined)
Attend national and international conferences, workshops, and industry events to network with leading researchers and potential employers. Explore various post-PhD career paths, whether in academia, industrial R&D, or entrepreneurship, and tailor your final thesis work accordingly.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, professional associations (e.g., Design Society, ASME), Career guidance cells at IISc, Networking events and alumni meetups
Career Connection
Effective networking opens doors to collaboration opportunities, post-doctoral fellowships, and desirable job placements, both in India and globally.
Refine Communication and Mentorship Skills- (undefined)
Take opportunities to mentor junior PhD or master''''s students, lead research group meetings, and present your work clearly to diverse audiences. Polish your thesis writing, presentation skills, and prepare for a successful public viva voce examination.
Tools & Resources
Writing centers, thesis defense mock sessions, Teaching assistantships or research mentorship roles, Public speaking workshops
Career Connection
Strong communication and leadership skills are vital for academic success, project management in industry, and for leading innovation teams.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in Engineering, Technology, Design, or Science with a strong academic record (e.g., M.Tech./M.Des./M.Sc. (Engg.)/M.Arch./M.Pharm. or equivalent). Alternatively, a Bachelor''''s degree in Engineering/Technology/4-year B.S. or M.Sc. or equivalent with a valid GATE/JEE Adv./JAM/CET score, or a relevant national level examination/fellowship, and a very good academic record.
Duration: Minimum 3 years (typically 3-5 years)
Credits: Minimum 12 credits (for M.Tech./M.Des. degree holders) or 24 credits (for B.E./B.Tech./B.S./M.Sc. degree holders) for coursework Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester coursework
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE 201 | Product Design I | Elective (Core for Specialization) | 3 | Product development lifecycle, User-centered design principles, Ideation and concept generation, Form, aesthetics, and user experience, Sketching and rapid prototyping |
| DE 202 | Materials & Manufacturing Processes | Elective (Core for Specialization) | 3 | Material selection for product design, Traditional manufacturing processes (forming, machining), Advanced manufacturing techniques (composites, smart materials), Prototyping and tooling considerations, Design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA) |
| DE 203 | Applied Ergonomics | Elective | 3 | Human factors in design, Anthropometry and biomechanics, Cognitive ergonomics and user interface, Workplace and product design for safety, Usability testing and evaluation |
| DE 204 | Design Thinking & Society | Elective | 3 | Principles of design thinking, Problem framing and stakeholder analysis, Innovation in societal contexts, Ethical considerations in design, Design for social impact |
| DE 205 | Engineering Drawing, CAD and Visualization | Elective | 3 | Engineering graphics and projections, 2D and 3D CAD modeling, Assembly modeling and detailing, Rendering and visualization techniques, Rapid prototyping file formats |
| DE 206 | Design Practice & Methods | Elective | 3 | Design process methodologies, Research and ethnographic studies, Concept validation and testing, Presentation and communication skills, Team-based design projects |
| DE 207 | Design for Product Experience | Elective | 3 | Emotional design and user engagement, Interaction design principles, Sensory experience in product design, Branding and product identity, Designing for memorable experiences |
| DE 208 | Intellectual Property & Law for Design | Elective | 2 | Intellectual property rights overview, Patents, trademarks, and copyrights in design, Industrial design protection, Legal aspects of design infringement, IP strategy for product development |
| DE 209 | Product Design II | Elective (Core for Specialization) | 3 | Advanced product detailing, Design for manufacturing constraints, Cost analysis in design, Prototyping and testing iterations, Product launch strategies |
| DE 210 | Digital Prototyping | Elective | 3 | Advanced CAD techniques, Parametric and generative design, Virtual prototyping and simulation, Rapid prototyping technologies (3D printing), Reverse engineering for design |
| DE 211 | Advanced Manufacturing Processes | Elective (Core for Specialization) | 3 | Additive manufacturing (e.g., FDM, SLA, SLS), Advanced machining and fabrication, Micro-manufacturing techniques, Smart materials and processing, Quality control in advanced manufacturing |
| DE 212 | Advanced Ergonomics | Elective | 3 | Specialized ergonomics for diverse populations, Human-robot interaction, Ergonomics in virtual environments, Physiological and psychological workload analysis, Advanced human-computer interaction (HCI) |
| DE 213 | Human Factors in Design | Elective | 3 | Perceptual and cognitive psychology in design, Decision-making and error prevention, Design for human reliability, User experience research methods, Affective design and emotional response |
| DE 214 | Design for Sustainability | Elective | 3 | Life cycle assessment (LCA), Eco-design principles, Circular economy models, Sustainable materials and processes, Social and environmental impact assessment |
| DE 215 | Design Management & Innovation | Elective | 3 | Strategic design management, Innovation processes and frameworks, Design leadership and team building, Market analysis and business models for design, Fostering a culture of innovation |
| DE 216 | Mechatronics for Product Design | Elective | 3 | Integration of mechanical, electrical, and control systems, Sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers, Robotics in product design, Embedded systems for smart products, System integration and testing |
| DE 217 | Interactive Product Design | Elective | 3 | Human-computer interaction (HCI) principles, User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design, Gestural and haptic interfaces, Internet of Things (IoT) product integration, Prototyping interactive experiences |
| DE 218 | Design for Additive Manufacturing | Elective (Specialized) | 3 | Principles of additive manufacturing (AM), Design considerations for 3D printing, Topology optimization for AM, Material selection for AM processes, Post-processing and quality control in AM |
| DE 219 | Design for X | Elective | 3 | Design for assembly (DFA), Design for manufacturing (DFM), Design for serviceability, Design for reliability, Design for cost |
| DE 220 | Design Research | Mandatory (for PhD students in some cases) | 2 | Qualitative and quantitative research methods, Literature review and critical analysis, Framing research questions and hypotheses, Data collection and analysis techniques, Academic writing and publication ethics |
| DE 221 | Design for Medical Devices | Elective (Specialized) | 3 | Medical device regulations and standards (e.g., ISO, FDA), Biomechanics and biomaterials in device design, User-centered design in healthcare, Prototyping and testing medical devices, Ethical considerations in medical device development |
| DE 222 | Design for Virtual and Augmented Realities | Elective (Specialized) | 3 | Principles of VR/AR/MR technologies, Spatial computing and interaction design, Content creation for immersive environments, User experience in virtual worlds, Applications of VR/AR in product development |
| DE 223 | Universal Design | Elective | 3 | Principles of inclusive design, Designing for diverse abilities and needs, Accessibility standards and guidelines, Ergonomics for universal access, Case studies in universally designed products |
| DE 224 | Research Methods for Design | Mandatory (for PhD students in some cases) | 3 | Philosophy of design research, Qualitative and mixed-methods approaches, Experiment design and statistical analysis, Data visualization and interpretation, Ethical considerations in design research |
