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M-DES in General at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is General at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Kanpur Nagar?
This M.Des program at IIT Kanpur focuses on nurturing design leaders and innovators through a blend of rigorous theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience. Rooted in India''''s diverse cultural and industrial landscape, the program prepares students to tackle complex design challenges, emphasizing user-centered approaches and sustainable solutions relevant to the Indian market and global contexts.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative graduates from engineering, architecture, fine arts, and design disciplines seeking to deepen their understanding of design principles and research. It caters to those passionate about solving real-world problems through innovative design, aspiring to lead design teams, or contributing to product, interaction, and visual communication design sectors in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure roles as design strategists, UX/UI designers, product designers, design researchers, or design consultants within top Indian and multinational companies. Starting salaries for M.Des graduates in India typically range from INR 8-15 LPA, with significant growth potential. The program also fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, enabling graduates to launch their own design ventures.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Immerse in Design Thinking and Research- (Semester 1)
Actively engage in design thinking workshops and introductory research method courses. Focus on understanding user needs, problem framing, and ideation techniques. Participate in departmental design challenges to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
Tools & Resources
Design Sprint methodologies, IDEO toolkit, Nielson Norman Group resources for UX, academic journals on design research
Career Connection
Builds a strong foundation in core design processes, essential for any design role, and helps in identifying areas of interest for future specialization.
Build Foundational Prototyping Skills- (Semester 1)
Dedicate time to hands-on prototyping activities, using various materials and digital tools. Attend extra workshops on 3D printing, laser cutting, and basic electronics offered by the department or institute. Document your prototypes and learning journey thoroughly.
Tools & Resources
Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, Fusion 360, institute workshops, local maker spaces
Career Connection
Develops crucial practical skills required for product development, interaction design, and experiential design roles.
Cultivate Critical Design Observation- (Semester 1)
Develop a habit of observing and critically analyzing everyday objects, interfaces, and systems around you. Maintain a design journal to document observations, sketches, and insights on good/bad design. Engage in discussions with peers and faculty about design failures and successes.
Tools & Resources
Personal sketchbook, design blogs (e.g., Core77, Dezeen), design critiques
Career Connection
Sharpens analytical thinking and visual literacy, fundamental for innovative problem-solving and developing a unique design perspective.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize Through Electives and Projects- (Semesters 2-3)
Strategically choose electives that align with your emerging interests (e.g., UX, Product, Visual Communication). Leverage Semester III''''s M.Des Project - Stage I to deep-dive into a specific domain, collaborating with industry mentors or faculty on real-world problems.
Tools & Resources
Online courses in specialized areas (Coursera, edX), industry reports, faculty expertise, department research labs
Career Connection
Builds a focused portfolio and expertise in a chosen design domain, making you a strong candidate for specialized roles.
Seek Industry Internships and Collaborations- (Summer after Semester 2, or during Semester 3)
Actively apply for summer internships at leading design studios, tech companies, or consultancies in India. Participate in industry-sponsored design challenges or academic collaborations. Network with professionals through seminars and departmental events.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, career fair events, alumni network, departmental placement cell
Career Connection
Gain invaluable practical experience, build professional contacts, and improve placement prospects.
Present and Publish Design Work- (Semesters 2-3)
Prepare professional presentations of your project work. Seek opportunities to present at internal design forums, student conferences, or workshops. Consider documenting significant project work for publication in design journals or online platforms.
Tools & Resources
Behance, Dribbble, Medium, academic conference submission guidelines, departmental review sessions
Career Connection
Enhances communication skills, builds a strong online portfolio, and establishes a professional reputation, critical for job applications and academic pursuits.
Advanced Stage
Excel in the M.Des Thesis Project- (Semester 4)
Dedicate focused effort to your M.Des Project - Stage II, transforming your preliminary work into a comprehensive and impactful final thesis. Ensure robust research, iterative design, thorough testing, and impeccable documentation. Seek regular feedback from your advisor and peers.
Tools & Resources
Advanced design software (SolidWorks, Figma, Blender), user testing platforms, academic writing guides, statistical analysis tools
Career Connection
The thesis project is often the cornerstone of your portfolio, demonstrating your ability to independently conduct advanced design research and deliver complex solutions, crucial for high-level design roles.
Refine Portfolio and Interview Skills- (Semester 4)
Develop a polished professional portfolio showcasing your best work from the M.Des program, tailored to different job roles. Practice interview techniques, including design challenges and case studies. Attend mock interview sessions organized by the placement cell.
Tools & Resources
Online portfolio builders (Adobe Portfolio, Squarespace), mock interview platforms, industry design challenge prompts, IITK Career Development Center
Career Connection
Directly prepares you for job market entry, ensuring your skills and projects are effectively communicated to potential employers, leading to successful placements.
Engage in Professional Networking for Career Launch- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in campus placement drives, alumni networking events, and design industry meetups. Connect with designers and hiring managers on platforms like LinkedIn. Seek advice from alumni regarding career paths and industry trends in India.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, professional design associations (e.g., ADI India), IITK alumni network portal, industry conferences
Career Connection
Expands your professional circle, uncovers hidden job opportunities, provides insights into industry expectations, and facilitates a smooth transition into your desired career path.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree in Engineering (B.E./B.Tech.), Design (B.Des./B.Arch./B.Plan./B.A.(Fine Arts)), or other equivalent 4-year professional degrees with a minimum aggregate of 55% or 5.5/10 CGPA. Candidates must also have a valid CEED (Common Entrance Exam for Design) score.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 96 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE601 | Design Principles and Practices | Core | 6 | Fundamentals of design, Visual communication, Form and aesthetics, Design thinking process, Material characteristics, Societal impact of design |
| DE602 | Human Factors in Design | Core | 6 | Anthropometry, Ergonomics, Cognitive psychology, User experience, Interface design, Accessibility |
| DE603 | Design Methods and Research | Core | 6 | Qualitative research, Quantitative methods, Data collection, Analysis techniques, Research ethics, Design thinking frameworks |
| DE6xx | Elective 1 | Elective | 6 | Specialized design topics (e.g., Product Design, Interaction Design, Visual Communication), Advanced tools and techniques, Case studies, Contemporary design issues |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE604 | Design Realization | Core | 6 | Prototyping techniques, Manufacturing processes, Material selection, Design for production, Quality control, Costing and economics of design |
| DE6xx | Elective 2 | Elective | 6 | Domain-specific design principles, Advanced problem-solving, Emerging technologies in design, Interdisciplinary design approaches |
| DE6xx | Elective 3 | Elective | 6 | Specialized design software and tools, Project-based learning, Advanced visual communication, Service design principles |
| DE6xx | Elective 4 | Elective | 6 | Design for sustainability, Innovation and entrepreneurship, Design management, Social impact design |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE701 | M.Des Project - Stage I | Core | 12 | Problem definition and scoping, Literature review and gap analysis, Concept generation and evaluation, Methodology development, Preliminary design and prototyping, Initial report writing |
| DE702 | Seminar | Core | 0 | Presentation skills, Research communication, Critical analysis, Academic discourse, Peer review of research |
| DE6xx | Elective 5 | Elective | 6 | Advanced topics in chosen specialization, Research frontiers in design, Industry case studies, Specific design software proficiency |
| DE6xx | Elective 6 | Elective | 6 | Cross-disciplinary design projects, Ethical considerations in design, Design leadership, Patent and intellectual property in design |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE703 | M.Des Project - Stage II | Core | 24 | Advanced design development, Prototyping and user testing, Validation and refinement, Final documentation and report writing, Thesis defense preparation, Impact assessment of design solution |
