M-DES in Product Design at Manipal University Jaipur
Jaipur, Rajasthan
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About the Specialization
What is Product Design at Manipal University Jaipur Jaipur?
This Product Design program at Manipal University Jaipur focuses on cultivating innovative product designers capable of addressing contemporary challenges. It integrates aesthetics, ergonomics, technology, and user experience, preparing students for India''''s rapidly evolving manufacturing and tech industries. The curriculum emphasizes a holistic approach from concept to market, fostering a deep understanding of user needs and sustainable practices. The program stands out by its strong studio-based learning and industry-aligned projects.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative individuals holding a B.Des, B.Arch, B.Tech, or B.E degree, or a relevant undergraduate degree, who possess a keen interest in shaping physical and digital products. It is suited for fresh graduates aspiring to enter the product development field, as well as working professionals aiming to upskill or transition into advanced product design roles. Candidates with a strong portfolio showcasing design aptitude and problem-solving skills will find this program highly beneficial for their career progression.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding India-specific career paths as Product Designers, UX Designers, Design Strategists, or Design Entrepreneurs in diverse sectors like consumer electronics, automotive, healthcare, and digital services. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, growing significantly with experience to INR 12-25 LPA or more for senior roles. The program aligns with professional certifications in design thinking and usability, preparing students for leadership roles in Indian and multinational corporations.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Foundational Design & Research Skills- (Semester 1)
Dive deep into core subjects like Design Research Methodologies, Advanced Ergonomics, and Materials & Manufacturing. Actively participate in Design Studio I projects, focusing on fundamental sketching, modeling, and user understanding. Document processes thoroughly for future portfolio use.
Tools & Resources
MUJ Design Labs, Adobe Creative Suite, CAD software (e.g., Rhino, SolidWorks), MUJ Library, academic journals
Career Connection
A solid grounding in these areas is non-negotiable for any product design role and forms the basis for advanced learning and project work.
Build Digital Prototyping Proficiency- (Semester 1)
Develop expertise in Advanced Digital Prototyping. Go beyond classroom assignments by exploring tutorials and personal projects using various 3D modeling and rendering software. Seek to create realistic visualizations and functional digital mock-ups.
Tools & Resources
Keyshot, Blender, Fusion 360, university workshops, online platforms like YouTube, Coursera
Career Connection
Strong digital prototyping skills are critical for communicating design concepts effectively to clients and teams, a key requirement for design jobs.
Engage in Peer Learning and Critique- (Semester 1)
Form study groups with peers to discuss concepts, share software tips, and conduct design critiques. Providing and receiving constructive feedback is crucial for refining your design thinking and improving presentation skills.
Tools & Resources
Collaborative platforms (e.g., Miro, Figma), group discussions, faculty mentorship during studio hours
Career Connection
Collaborative skills and the ability to articulate design rationale are highly valued in team-based industry environments, enhancing your professional communication.
Intermediate Stage
Apply Sustainable and Innovative Design Thinking- (Semester 2)
Focus on integrating concepts from Design for Sustainability and Design for IoT & Smart Products into your projects, especially in Design Studio II. Challenge yourself to create solutions that are not only functional but also environmentally conscious and technologically advanced.
Tools & Resources
Life Cycle Assessment tools (e.g., OpenLCA), Arduino/Raspberry Pi, IoT platforms (e.g., Blynk), green material databases
Career Connection
Expertise in sustainable and smart product design is increasingly sought after by forward-thinking companies in India and globally, opening doors to specialized roles.
Develop Entrepreneurial & Service Design Acumen- (Semester 2)
Engage deeply with Design Management & Entrepreneurship and Service Design & Innovation. Consider how products fit into broader service ecosystems and explore the business viability of your design concepts. Participate in university innovation challenges.
Tools & Resources
Business model canvas, market research tools, pitch deck templates, MUJ incubation center support
Career Connection
This prepares you for roles in design strategy, product management, or even launching your own design venture, highly valuable in India''''s startup ecosystem.
Start Portfolio Refinement & Networking- (Semester 2)
Begin curating your best projects from Semesters 1 and 2 for an online portfolio. Attend industry events, webinars, and connect with design professionals on LinkedIn. Seek early mentorship or advice on internship applications.
Tools & Resources
Behance, Dribbble, personal website builders, LinkedIn, industry conferences
Career Connection
A well-curated portfolio and an early professional network are crucial for securing internships and future job opportunities in a competitive market.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Major Project & Strategic Electives- (Semester 3-4)
Dedicate significant effort to Design Project I and Major Project (Dissertation). Choose Elective I and II strategically to deepen your specialization (e.g., UX Research, Future of Mobility). This is your opportunity to develop a signature project that showcases your advanced skills.
Tools & Resources
Advanced CAD/CAE software, user testing labs, fabrication workshops, specialized research databases, faculty supervisors
Career Connection
The Major Project is often the centerpiece of your professional portfolio, directly influencing placements and demonstrating your ability to lead complex design initiatives.
Leverage Industry Internship for Career Launch- (Semester 3-4)
Maximize the learning from Internship I and II. Take on challenging responsibilities, contribute to ongoing projects, and seek opportunities to lead small initiatives. Focus on building professional relationships and gaining practical industry exposure relevant to your chosen career path.
Tools & Resources
Company-specific tools, internal documentation, performance review mechanisms, mentor guidance
Career Connection
Strong performance in internships frequently converts into pre-placement offers, and provides invaluable experience and references for job applications.
Develop Professional Presence & Interview Readiness- (Semester 4)
Continuously refine your professional portfolio, resume, and communication skills. Practice design challenges, technical interviews, and behavioral questions. Seek guidance from the university''''s placement cell for mock interviews and career counseling specific to the design industry.
Tools & Resources
University Career Services, online interview platforms, professional networking events, portfolio review sessions
Career Connection
A polished professional presence and interview readiness are critical for successfully converting opportunities into placements and securing your desired role in the competitive design industry.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Des/B.Arch/B.Tech/B.E/UG Degree in relevant discipline with 50% aggregate marks
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDES 5101 | Design Research Methodologies | Core | 4 | Research Philosophy & Design, Qualitative Research Methods, Quantitative Research Methods, Data Analysis & Interpretation, Design Driven Research, Research Ethics |
| MDES 5102 | Advanced Ergonomics & Human Factors | Core | 4 | Ergonomics Principles, Anthropometry & Biomechanics, Cognitive Ergonomics, Human-Computer Interaction, Environmental Ergonomics, Usability & Inclusive Design |
| MDES 5103 | Materials & Manufacturing Processes | Core | 4 | Material Properties & Selection, Polymers, Metals & Composites, Casting & Forming Processes, Machining & Joining Processes, Rapid Prototyping, Sustainable Materials & Processes |
| MDES 5104 | Advanced Digital Prototyping | Core | 4 | CAD Software & 3D Modeling, Surface & Parametric Design, Rendering & Animation, Virtual & Augmented Reality, Digital Mock-ups & Simulations, Reverse Engineering |
| MDES 5105 | Design Studio I - Product Development | Core / Studio | 4 | Problem Identification & User Research, Concept Generation & Ideation, Sketching & Visual Communication, Physical & Digital Model Making, Prototyping & Testing, Design Refinement & Presentation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDES 5201 | Design for Sustainability | Core | 4 | Sustainable Design Principles, Life Cycle Assessment, Eco-Design & Circular Economy, Green Materials & Processes, Ethical Sourcing & Social Responsibility, Policy & Regulations in Design |
| MDES 5202 | Service Design & Innovation | Core | 4 | Service Design Principles, Service Blueprinting, User Journey Mapping, Stakeholder Analysis & Engagement, Prototyping Services & Experiences, Business Model Innovation |
| MDES 5203 | Design for IoT & Smart Products | Core | 4 | IoT Ecosystem & Architecture, Sensors, Actuators & Connectivity, Data Privacy & Security, User Experience for IoT, Smart Home & City Concepts, Wearable Technology & System Integration |
| MDES 5204 | Design Management & Entrepreneurship | Core | 4 | Design Strategy & Innovation Management, Business Models & Intellectual Property, Marketing & Branding for Design, Design Project Management, Design Leadership & Team Building, Entrepreneurial Mindset & Start-up Culture |
| MDES 5205 | Design Studio II - System Design | Core / Studio | 4 | Complex Systems Analysis, User Scenarios & Interaction Design, Interface Design & Information Architecture, Service Systems & Ecosystems, Contextual Inquiry & User Testing, Design Validation & Documentation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDES 6101 | Design Project I | Project | 8 | Project Proposal Development, Literature Review & Benchmarking, User Study & Insights Generation, Concept Development & Refinement, Technical Feasibility & Prototyping, Testing, Documentation & Presentation |
| MDES 6102 | Elective I | Elective | 4 | Choose one from: Advanced Visualization Techniques (Advanced Rendering, Animation, VFX, Storyboarding, Interactive Visualizations) OR UX Research & Strategy (UX Principles, User Research Methods, Information Architecture, Wireframing, Usability Testing, UX Strategy) |
| MDES 6103 | Elective II | Elective | 4 | Choose one from: Product Branding & Packaging (Brand Identity, Packaging Design, Material Selection, Graphics, Consumer Psychology) OR Future of Mobility Design (Autonomous Vehicles, Electric Mobility, Public Transport, Shared Mobility, Future User Scenarios, Urban Planning) |
| MDES 6104 | Internship I / Industry Mentored Project | Internship/Project | 4 | Real-world Project Application, Industry Exposure & Problem-solving, Professional Skills Development, Project Execution & Reporting, Mentorship & Networking, Domain-specific Challenges |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDES 6201 | Major Project (Dissertation) | Major Project | 12 | Comprehensive Research Question, Advanced Design Process, Concept Realization & Detailed Design, Extensive Prototyping & Validation, User Feedback & Iteration, Thesis Writing & Final Defense |
| MDES 6202 | Internship II / Industry Mentored Project | Internship/Project | 8 | Advanced Industry Experience, Strategic Problem Solving, Leadership in Design Initiatives, Team Collaboration & Project Management, Professional Development, Career Preparedness |