

M-DES in Product Design at Manipal Academy of Higher Education


Udupi, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Product Design at Manipal Academy of Higher Education Udupi?
This M.Des Product Design program at Manipal Academy of Higher Education focuses on nurturing innovative designers for a rapidly evolving market. With a strong emphasis on user-centricity and sustainable practices, the curriculum prepares students to address complex challenges in India''''s diverse consumer and industrial sectors, from traditional crafts to high-tech manufacturing.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative fresh graduates from engineering, architecture, or design backgrounds seeking entry into the thriving Indian product design industry. It also caters to working professionals aiming to upskill in advanced design methodologies, innovation, and digital tools, enabling them to transition into leadership roles or launch their design ventures.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect fulfilling career paths as Product Designers, UX/UI Designers, Design Strategists, or Innovation Consultants in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-8 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program equips students with a portfolio competitive for top Indian design firms, tech startups, and multinational corporations operating in India.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Design Research & Fundamentals- (Semester 1)
Focus intensely on understanding design research methodologies and core product design principles. Form study groups, analyze case studies of successful Indian products, and practice critical thinking in design problem-solving.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals, Design ethnography tools, Design history resources, Peer review sessions
Career Connection
A strong theoretical foundation is crucial for effective problem definition and innovative solution generation, a key skill for any design role.
Develop Strong Visual Communication Skills- (Semester 1)
Beyond academic projects, actively work on improving your sketching, rendering, and digital presentation skills. Experiment with different visual styles and software to effectively convey design concepts and narratives.
Tools & Resources
Procreate, Sketchbook Pro, Adobe Illustrator, PowerPoint/Keynote for presentations
Career Connection
Clear communication of design ideas is vital for collaboration with engineers and marketers in Indian design teams.
Understand Human Factors and Ergonomics- (Semester 1)
Deep dive into user behavior, anthropometry, and ergonomic principles. Conduct mini-observational studies and usability tests for everyday products, focusing on diverse Indian user groups.
Tools & Resources
Usability testing kits, Observational checklists, Ergonomic guidelines
Career Connection
This understanding is fundamental to designing intuitive and comfortable products, highly sought after by user-centric companies.
