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M-TECH in Industrial Design at National Institute of Technology Rourkela
Sundargarh, Odisha
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About the Specialization
What is Industrial Design at National Institute of Technology Rourkela Sundargarh?
This Industrial Design program at NIT Rourkela focuses on integrating aesthetics, ergonomics, engineering, and user experience to create innovative products. It is highly relevant in India''''s growing manufacturing and consumer goods sector, emphasizing human-centered design, sustainable practices, and digital prototyping, setting it apart through its blend of technical and creative disciplines to solve complex design challenges for the Indian market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering or design graduates (B.E./B.Tech./B.Arch./B.Des.) with a passion for product innovation and problem-solving. It suits fresh graduates seeking entry into product development roles, as well as working professionals from manufacturing, R&D, or design agencies looking to upskill in advanced design methodologies and strategic thinking. Individuals from creative backgrounds wanting to apply design to real-world industrial contexts will also benefit.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths in product design, UX/UI design, design management, and R&D across various industries like automotive, consumer electronics, and healthcare. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-10 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities include working for Indian OEMs, design consultancies, or MNC R&D centers in India, with potential for leadership roles and entrepreneurial ventures.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Design Sketching & CAD Foundation- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to daily sketching practice to visualize ideas quickly. Simultaneously, master advanced CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Rhino) through online tutorials and personal projects, going beyond class assignments. This dual skill is fundamental for product conceptualization and detailed engineering.
Tools & Resources
Sketching pads, Wacom tablets, online courses (Coursera, Udemy for CAD), official software tutorials, Sketching for Industrial Design books
Career Connection
Essential for creating professional portfolios, excelling in design challenges during interviews, and accelerating design iterations in industry roles. Strong sketching and CAD skills are non-negotiable for product designers.
Dive Deep into Ergonomics & Human Factors- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond textbook knowledge, actively observe human interaction with products and environments in daily life. Document observations, analyze design flaws from an ergonomic perspective, and propose solutions. Attend workshops on human-centered design and conduct mini-usability studies on common products.
Tools & Resources
Journals for observation, NPTEL courses on Ergonomics, local design meetups, Usability.gov
Career Connection
Crucial for designing user-friendly products, leading to roles in UX/UI, human factors engineering, and product development where user satisfaction is key for market success.
Collaborate on Interdisciplinary Projects- (Semester 1-2)
Seek opportunities to collaborate with students from other engineering or management disciplines on small design challenges. This helps in understanding diverse perspectives, communication, and project management, which are vital in real-world product development teams. Participate in campus design competitions or hackathons.
Tools & Resources
Campus clubs, departmental project opportunities, online collaboration platforms (Miro, Figma)
Career Connection
Develops teamwork and communication skills, highly valued by employers. It simulates real-world project environments, enhancing readiness for industry roles involving cross-functional teams.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Industrial Internships & Live Projects- (End of Semester 2, during Semester 3 (Minor Project))
Actively seek and secure industrial internships during summer breaks or undertake live projects offered by companies. Focus on applying theoretical knowledge to real-world design problems, understanding industry workflows, and building a professional network. Document experiences meticulously for your portfolio.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, LinkedIn, company career pages, direct outreach to design consultancies/manufacturing firms
Career Connection
Provides invaluable practical experience, boosts resume, often leads to pre-placement offers, and helps in specializing in a chosen area of industrial design.
Develop Rapid Prototyping Skills- (Semester 2-3)
Get hands-on with rapid prototyping technologies like 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC machining available in college labs or local fabrication hubs. Experiment with different materials and techniques to quickly bring design concepts into tangible forms for testing and iteration.
Tools & Resources
College design labs, local makerspaces, YouTube tutorials on 3D printing, material suppliers
Career Connection
Essential for roles in product development and R&D. Companies highly value candidates who can efficiently prototype and test designs, reducing time-to-market.
Build a Professional Design Portfolio- (Semester 2-3 (continuous development))
Systematically compile all your best design projects, sketches, CAD models, and research work into a professional online portfolio. Emphasize the design process, problem-solving approach, and final outcomes. Seek feedback from professors and industry mentors to refine it continuously.
Tools & Resources
Behance, Adobe Portfolio, Squarespace, personal website, peer review groups
Career Connection
A strong portfolio is the most critical asset for a design graduate, directly impacting interview calls and securing desired placements in design-centric roles.
Advanced Stage
Execute a High-Impact Major Project/Dissertation- (Semester 4)
Choose a major project that addresses a significant industry problem or explores an innovative design solution. Engage thoroughly in research, conceptualization, detailed design, prototyping, and rigorous testing. Aim for publishable quality in your thesis and create a compelling presentation of your work.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases, research papers, industry contacts, faculty mentorship, advanced design software
Career Connection
A well-executed major project serves as a capstone experience, demonstrating deep expertise and research capabilities, critical for R&D roles, higher studies, or entrepreneurial ventures.
Network Strategically with Industry Leaders- (Semester 3-4)
Attend design conferences, workshops, and industry expos (e.g., India Design ID, PlastIndia). Connect with design professionals, thought leaders, and potential employers. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn for informational interviews and to stay updated on industry trends and job opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, industry event calendars, professional design associations (e.g., India Design Council)
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to hidden job opportunities, mentorship, and insights into career paths, significantly enhancing placement prospects and future career growth.
Prepare for Placement with Mock Interviews & Reviews- (Semester 3-4)
Practice technical design questions, behavioral interviews, and portfolio presentations with peers, seniors, and faculty. Get constructive feedback on your communication style, design rationale, and problem-solving approach. Tailor your resume and portfolio for specific companies and roles.
Tools & Resources
Career services office, alumni network, online interview preparation resources, peer mock interviews
Career Connection
Thorough preparation leads to confidence and competence in interviews, maximizing chances of securing dream placements and entering the industry effectively.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech. in Mechanical, Production, Industrial, Civil, Computer Science, IT, Electronics, Electrical, etc. or B.Arch., B.Plan, B.Des, BFA, B.Sc. in relevant fields with a valid GATE score (as per general M.Tech admission criteria at NIT Rourkela).
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDI-4101 | Product Design and Development | Core | 3 | Product Design Process, User Research, Ergonomics in Design, Design Thinking Methodologies, Product Lifecycle Management, Aesthetics and Form |
| MDI-4103 | Design Management and Innovation | Core | 3 | Design Strategy, Innovation Process, Brand Management, Intellectual Property Rights, Global Design Practices, Design Leadership |
| MDI-4105 | Human Factors in Design | Core | 3 | Cognitive Ergonomics, Human Perception, Anthropometry, Usability Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, Safety Design Principles |
| MDI-4107 | Product Design Lab | Lab | 2 | CAD Modeling Techniques, Concept Sketching, Physical Prototyping, Usability Testing, Material Selection for Products, Basic Manufacturing Processes |
| MDI-4109 | Research Methodology | Core | 3 | Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Statistical Analysis, Report and Thesis Writing, Ethical Considerations in Research, Literature Review Techniques |
| MDI-4111 | Industrial Design Studio I | Core | 4 | Concept Generation, Design Sketching, Model Making, Design Presentation Skills, Design Brief Interpretation, Ideation Techniques |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDI-4102 | Manufacturing Technology and Material Selection | Core | 3 | Advanced Manufacturing Processes, Rapid Prototyping, Materials Science, Composites and Smart Materials, Sustainable Manufacturing, Material Characterization |
| MDI-4104 | Design for Sustainability | Core | 3 | Green Design Principles, Life Cycle Assessment, Eco-design Strategies, Circular Economy, Waste Management in Design, Sustainable Material Innovation |
| MDI-4106 | Ergonomics in Product Design | Core | 3 | Physical Ergonomics, Biomechanics, Workstation Design, Posture Analysis, Human Movement Analysis, Environmental Ergonomics |
| MDI-4108 | Computer Aided Industrial Design Lab | Lab | 2 | Advanced CAD Software, CAM Integration, Reverse Engineering, Digital Prototyping, Rendering and Animation, Product Visualization |
| MDI-4110 | Industrial Design Studio II | Core | 4 | Advanced Concept Design, User-Centred Design, Design Documentation, Portfolio Development, Collaborative Design, Advanced Presentation Techniques |
| MDI-4112 | Elective I (Example: Advanced CAD/CAM) | Elective | 3 | Parametric Modeling, Surface Modeling, Assembly Design, FEA Integration, NC Programming, Design Optimization |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDI-5101 | Elective II (Example: Rapid Prototyping and Tooling) | Elective | 3 | Additive Manufacturing, FDM, SLA, SLS Technologies, 3D Printing Materials, Tool Design Principles, Jig and Fixture Design, Rapid Tooling |
| MDI-5103 | Elective III (Example: Value Engineering and Cost Management) | Elective | 3 | Value Analysis Techniques, Cost Reduction Strategies, Function Analysis, Target Costing, Design for Assembly, Life Cycle Costing |
| MDI-5105 | Minor Project | Core | 4 | Problem Identification, Literature Review, Project Planning, Prototype Development, Report Writing, Presentation Skills |
| MDI-5107 | Industrial Training | Core | 3 | Industry Exposure, Practical Skill Application, Professional Etiquette, Project Execution, Report Documentation, Networking in Industry |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDI-5102 | Major Project / Dissertation | Core | 15 | Advanced Research, Conceptualization and Ideation, Detailed Design Development, Prototyping and Testing, Thesis Writing, Project Defense |
