B-DES in System Design at Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Udupi, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is System Design at Manipal Academy of Higher Education Udupi?
This System Design program at Manipal Academy of Higher Education focuses on applying design principles to complex systems, services, and policies. It equips students with a holistic approach to address challenges in areas like public services, healthcare, smart cities, and digital ecosystems. The curriculum emphasizes understanding interconnectedness, user journeys, and systemic impact, preparing designers for strategic roles in India''''s rapidly evolving digital and service-led economy.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative thinkers and problem-solvers interested in large-scale challenges and human-centered innovation. It is suited for fresh graduates from diverse backgrounds seeking entry into strategic design roles, working professionals looking to upskill in service or systems thinking, and career changers transitioning into policy design or digital transformation. Strong analytical and communication skills are beneficial prerequisites.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue India-specific career paths as Service Designers, UX Strategists, System Thinkers, Design Researchers, or Policy Designers in various sectors. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-10 LPA, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 15-30 LPA. The program aligns with emerging industry demands for designers who can navigate complexity and drive impactful change within Indian startups, corporations, and government initiatives.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Foundational Design Skills Broadly- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in all core design studios, mastering drawing, rendering, form, space, and basic digital tools. Participate in workshops to gain hands-on proficiency with materials and prototyping. Focus on understanding the fundamental elements and principles of design across disciplines.
Tools & Resources
Sketchbooks, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), Basic workshop tools, Design history books
Career Connection
Strong foundational skills are essential for any design specialization, providing a versatile base for future problem-solving and visual communication, critical for junior designer roles.
Cultivate Observation & Contextual Awareness- (Semester 1-2)
Develop a habit of critical observation of daily objects, services, and environments. Document your observations through sketching, photography, and journaling. Actively participate in ''''Contextual Studies'''' to understand social, cultural, and historical influences on design, particularly in India.
Tools & Resources
Journal, Camera, Local markets, Public spaces, Museums, Online articles on Indian design heritage
Career Connection
This fosters empathy and deep understanding of user needs and societal contexts, crucial for human-centered system design and invaluable for research-based roles.
Initiate Basic Digital & Communication Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond mandatory courses, independently practice digital tools for visual communication and presentation. Join college clubs focused on photography or graphic design to enhance practical application. Focus on refining written and oral communication skills through presentations and group discussions.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn Learning, Coursera for Adobe tutorials, Campus debate/presentation clubs, Peer feedback sessions
Career Connection
Strong digital literacy and articulate communication are non-negotiable for presenting design concepts, collaborating in teams, and securing internships in a digital-first design industry.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Systems Thinking & Research- (Semester 3-5)
Go beyond course material in System Thinking & Design. Engage in independent case studies of complex Indian systems (e.g., public transport, banking, healthcare). Actively practice design research methods, conducting mini-projects involving user interviews, surveys, and data analysis to uncover systemic issues.
Tools & Resources
Miro, FigJam, User research platforms, Academic papers on systems design, Industry blogs
Career Connection
This specialization directly prepares you for roles requiring analytical problem-solving for complex services and systems, highly valued by consultancies and large organizations.
Build a Portfolio of System & Service Design Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Document every stage of your System Design projects, from research and ideation to prototyping and testing. Create detailed case studies showcasing your process, insights, and impact. Seek faculty mentorship to refine your project narratives and presentation.
Tools & Resources
Behance, Dribbble, Personal website builders (e.g., Webflow, Notion), Portfolio review sessions
Career Connection
A strong, well-documented portfolio is the primary gateway to internships and job opportunities in system and service design roles in India, demonstrating your practical skills.
Network with Industry Professionals & Attend Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek out networking opportunities through industry events, design conferences (e.g., India Design Week, UXIndia), and LinkedIn. Connect with professionals in service design, UX strategy, and policy design. Participate in workshops focused on specific tools (e.g., Figma for UI/UX) or methodologies (e.g., Design Sprints).
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Eventbrite, Local design communities, Industry newsletters, University career fairs
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to mentorship, internship leads, and a deeper understanding of industry expectations, significantly boosting placement prospects in India''''s competitive design job market.
Advanced Stage
Secure a Relevant Design Internship- (Semester 7)
Prioritize securing a substantial internship (as per MAD4040) at a company or organization specializing in system, service, or UX strategy. Treat the internship as an extended interview, demonstrating your skills, professionalism, and ability to contribute effectively to real-world projects.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell, Personal network, Company careers pages, Professional design job boards
Career Connection
A successful internship is often a direct pathway to a pre-placement offer (PPO) and provides invaluable industry experience, making you highly employable in India''''s design landscape.
Focus on a High-Impact Graduation Project/Thesis- (Semester 8)
Choose a Graduation Project that addresses a complex, real-world system problem with significant societal or business impact, ideally with a focus on an Indian context. Conduct rigorous research, iterate extensively, and create a robust, well-justified solution. Prepare for a compelling final presentation.
Tools & Resources
Advanced design software, User testing platforms, Industry experts for feedback, Presentation design tools
Career Connection
A strong graduation project serves as your ultimate portfolio piece, showcasing your mastery of system design and strategic thinking, often impressing recruiters and opening doors to leadership-track roles.
Develop Leadership & Business Acumen- (Semester 6-8)
Beyond design skills, focus on developing soft skills like project management, team leadership, negotiation, and client communication. Take electives or online courses in entrepreneurship or design management. Understand how design integrates with business goals and market dynamics.
Tools & Resources
Management courses, Leadership workshops, Business case study analysis, Design thinking for business books
Career Connection
These skills are crucial for career progression into senior, lead, and management positions within design teams in Indian companies or for launching your own design venture.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in 10+2 / A Level / IB / American 12th grade or equivalent with minimum 45% marks in aggregate. Admission is based on the Manipal Entrance Test (MET) followed by portfolio review and interview.
Duration: 4 years / 8 semesters
Credits: 164 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAD1010 | Contextual Studies - I | Core | 2 | Fundamentals of design, Social & cultural contexts, Historical perspectives, Global movements, Environmental factors |
| MAD1020 | Drawing & Rendering - I | Core | 4 | Basic drawing techniques, Perspective drawing, Still life, Human figure, Material rendering |
| MAD1030 | Form, Space & Structure - I | Core | 4 | Elements of form, Principles of space, Structural systems, Material properties, Model making |
| MAD1040 | Fundamentals of Visual Communication | Core | 4 | Visual perception, Layout & composition, Typography basics, Color theory, Introduction to digital tools |
| MAD1050 | Digital Tools - I (Visual & Communication Design) | Core (Lab) | 2 | Adobe Photoshop basics, Adobe Illustrator basics, Digital image editing, Vector graphics, Output formats |
| MAD1060 | Workshop - I | Core (Lab) | 4 | Basic craft skills, Material exploration, Prototyping techniques, Tool safety, Model fabrication |
| MAD1070 | Introduction to Design Studies | Core | 2 | Design thinking overview, Design process, User-centered design, Problem identification, Design brief |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAD1080 | Contextual Studies - II | Core | 2 | Contemporary design issues, Cultural influences, Design ethics, Sustainability in design, Global design trends |
| MAD1090 | Drawing & Rendering - II | Core | 4 | Advanced perspective, Live sketching, Portraiture, Expressive rendering, Digital drawing |
| MAD1100 | Form, Space & Structure - II | Core | 4 | Complex forms, Spatial relationships, Advanced structural principles, Ergonomics, Experiential design |
| MAD1110 | Principles of Photography | Core | 2 | Camera functions, Lighting principles, Composition, Digital photography, Image post-processing |
| MAD1120 | Digital Tools - II (Visual & Communication Design) | Core (Lab) | 2 | Adobe InDesign, UI/UX software basics, Web design principles, Interactive media, Portfolio creation |
| MAD1130 | Workshop - II | Core (Lab) | 4 | Advanced model making, Material manipulation, Fabrication techniques, Rapid prototyping, Presentation models |
| MAD1140 | Communication Skills | Core | 2 | Oral presentation, Written communication, Report writing, Team communication, Professional etiquette |
| MAD1150 | Design Project - I | Core (Project) | 2 | Project brief analysis, Research methods, Conceptualization, Design development, Presentation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAD2010 | Design Research Methods | Core | 2 | Qualitative & quantitative research, User interviews, Surveys, Data analysis, Research ethics |
| MAD2020 | Introduction to System Design | Core (Specialization) | 4 | Systems thinking, Service design, Interaction design, Design for complex systems, Human-centered systems |
| MAD2030 | Ergonomics & Human Factors | Core | 2 | Anthropometry, Cognitive ergonomics, Usability testing, Accessibility, Environmental factors |
| MAD2040 | Material & Manufacturing Processes - I | Core | 2 | Material properties, Manufacturing techniques, Sustainable materials, Lifecycle assessment, Material selection |
| MAD2050 | Digital Tools - III (CAD & Product Design) | Core (Lab) | 2 | Basic CAD software, 3D modeling, Technical drawing, Rendering, Prototyping tools |
| MAD2060 | Workshop - III | Core (Lab) | 4 | Prototyping advanced forms, Tooling, Finishing techniques, Assembly methods, Workshop safety |
| MAD2070 | Design Project - II (System Design) | Core (Project) | 4 | System analysis, User journey mapping, Service blueprinting, Interaction flows, Prototyping system concepts |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAD2080 | Futures Studies & Trends | Core | 2 | Trend forecasting, Scenario planning, Speculative design, Future technologies, Societal implications |
| MAD2090 | Service Design Principles | Core (Specialization) | 4 | Service ecosystem, Touchpoint design, Customer journey, Stakeholder mapping, Value co-creation |
| MAD2100 | Design Management & Strategy | Core | 2 | Design leadership, Project management, Design thinking for business, Branding, Innovation strategy |
| MAD2110 | Material & Manufacturing Processes - II | Core | 2 | Advanced manufacturing, Digital fabrication, Smart materials, Mass production techniques, Quality control |
| MAD2120 | Digital Tools - IV (UI/UX & Interaction Design) | Core (Lab) | 2 | UI design tools, Prototyping interactions, User testing, Information architecture, Wireframing |
| MAD2130 | Workshop - IV | Core (Lab) | 4 | Advanced fabrication, User experience prototyping, Interface mock-ups, Rapid iterative prototyping, Testing |
| MAD2140 | Design Project - III (System Design) | Core (Project) | 4 | Complex system design, Service innovation, User experience strategy, System architecture, Validation |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAD3010 | Design for Behaviour & Social Change | Core | 2 | Behavioural economics, Social innovation, Persuasive design, Nudge theory, Ethical design |
| MAD3020 | System Thinking & Design | Core (Specialization) | 4 | Complex adaptive systems, Feedback loops, System dynamics, Resilience, Holism |
| MAD3030 | Design for AI & Emerging Technologies | Core | 2 | AI ethics, Conversational AI, Augmented reality, Virtual reality, Human-AI interaction |
| MAD3040 | Marketing & Entrepreneurship for Designers | Core | 2 | Market research, Business models, Branding, Pitching, Intellectual property |
| MAD3050 | Digital Tools - V (Data Visualization & Analytics) | Core (Lab) | 2 | Data analysis tools, Information visualization, Storytelling with data, Infographics, Dashboards |
| MAD3060 | Workshop - V | Core (Lab) | 4 | Advanced digital fabrication, Interactive prototypes, Sensor integration, Experiential installations, Testing |
| MAD3070 | Design Project - IV (System Design) | Core (Project) | 4 | Large-scale system challenges, Strategic design, Policy design, Social impact, Implementation planning |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAD3080 | Intellectual Property & Professional Practice | Core | 2 | IP rights, Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, Professional contracts, Ethics in practice |
| MAD3090 | Design for Policy & Governance | Core (Specialization) | 4 | Public policy design, Citizen engagement, Governance systems, Regulatory frameworks, Social equity |
| MAD3100 | Data-Driven Design | Core | 2 | Big data in design, A/B testing, User analytics, Personalization, Ethical data use |
| MAD3110 | Research Project - I | Core (Project) | 4 | Research proposal, Literature review, Methodology development, Data collection, Preliminary analysis |
| MAD3120 | Design Elective - I (System Design) | Elective | 2 | Elective topics are chosen from a list not detailed in the syllabus, focusing on advanced system design areas., Specific topics NA |
| MAD3130 | Design Project - V (System Design) | Core (Project) | 6 | Capstone project initiation, Advanced problem framing, Stakeholder collaboration, Iterative design, Refined solutions |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAD4010 | Design for Complex Adaptive Systems | Core (Specialization) | 4 | Network theory, Emergence, Self-organization, Agent-based modeling, System resilience |
| MAD4020 | Research Project - II | Core (Project) | 4 | Advanced data analysis, Result interpretation, Discussion, Conclusion, Research paper writing |
| MAD4030 | Design Elective - II (System Design) | Elective | 2 | Elective topics are chosen from a list not detailed in the syllabus, focusing on advanced system design areas., Specific topics NA |
| MAD4040 | Design Internship | Core (Internship) | 10 | Industry exposure, Practical skill application, Professional networking, Project execution, Report submission |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAD4050 | Design Project - VI (Graduation Project / Thesis) | Core (Project) | 20 | Independent research, Comprehensive design solution, Advanced prototyping, User validation, Final presentation |