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PHD 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 PhD program at National Institute of Technology Rourkela focuses on advanced research in product innovation, user experience, sustainable design, and human factors. It addresses the growing need for highly specialized design researchers and educators in India''''s expanding manufacturing and service sectors, pushing boundaries in interdisciplinary design thinking to create impactful solutions.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for M.Tech/M.Des graduates in Design, Mechanical, or Production Engineering, and B.Tech graduates with exceptional academic records seeking to contribute to theoretical and applied design research. It also suits design professionals looking to transition into academia or R&D roles requiring deep scholarly inquiry and problem-solving expertise in the Indian context.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as design researchers in R&D centers, advanced design consultants, or esteemed faculty members in academic institutions across India. Potential salary ranges from INR 8-15 LPA for entry-level research roles to INR 20+ LPA for experienced positions, with growth trajectories towards leadership in design innovation, policy-making, and specialized product development within Indian and global companies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology and Ethics- (First year (Semesters 1-2))
Thoroughly engage with the mandatory Research Methodology course, focusing on formulating robust research questions, conducting critical literature reviews, and understanding ethical considerations specific to design research. Participate actively in departmental seminars to grasp diverse research approaches and refine your initial research proposal.
Tools & Resources
Research paper databases (Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar), Reference management tools (Mendeley, Zotero), NIT Rourkela Library resources
Career Connection
A strong foundation in methodology is critical for conducting credible, high-quality research, leading to impactful publications and a robust dissertation, essential for academic and R&D careers.
Deep Dive into Specialization Literature- (First year (Semesters 1-2))
Beyond coursework, conduct an extensive and focused literature review in your chosen Industrial Design sub-domain (e.g., UX, sustainable product design, advanced ergonomics). Identify key researchers, foundational theories, and existing research gaps to refine and solidify your unique research problem statement effectively.
Tools & Resources
Open-access journals in design and related fields, Design-specific conference proceedings (e.g., ADI Design Summit), Regular consultations with your Doctoral Supervisor
Career Connection
This practice helps in identifying a unique research niche, which is vital for publishing in top-tier journals and positioning oneself as an expert in a specialized area, enhancing future career prospects in academia or industry R&D.
Network with Peers and Faculty- (First year (Semesters 1-2))
Actively participate in departmental activities, join relevant research groups, and engage in discussions with senior PhD scholars and faculty members. This fosters a collaborative environment, provides insights into research challenges, and uncovers potential interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities within NIT Rourkela.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars and workshops, Research group meetings, NIT Rourkela''''s internal academic platforms
Career Connection
Building a strong academic network can open doors to collaborative research opportunities, mentorship, and invaluable connections for future post-doctoral positions or faculty roles in India and abroad.
Intermediate Stage
Develop Advanced Research Skills and Tools- (Second to Third Year (Semesters 3-5))
Acquire proficiency in specialized software and techniques critical to Industrial Design research, such as advanced CAD for complex prototyping, simulation tools for ergonomic analysis, user research platforms, or statistical software for design evaluation. Seek out workshops or online certifications to build these essential skills.
Tools & Resources
Specialized CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Rhino), Ergonomic simulation software (e.g., Siemens Jack), User testing platforms (e.g., Usability Hub, Maze), Statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS, Python libraries)
Career Connection
Mastering advanced tools and techniques makes you highly competitive for R&D roles in industry and strengthens your dissertation''''s practical impact, proving your capability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems.
Present Research at National Conferences- (Second to Third Year (Semesters 3-5))
Regularly present your research progress and preliminary findings at national design or engineering conferences (e.g., ADI Design Summit, NID International Conference, Design India). This provides crucial feedback from experts, helps build your academic profile, and facilitates networking within the broader Indian research community.
Tools & Resources
Conference websites and call for papers (e.g., ADI, NID, Design India), Departmental travel grants and funding opportunities, Guidance from your faculty for abstract and paper submission
Career Connection
Conference presentations enhance your visibility as a researcher, improve your presentation and communication skills, and are crucial for securing postdoctoral positions or academic faculty roles by demonstrating consistent research output.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Projects- (Second to Third Year (Semesters 3-5))
Seek opportunities to collaborate on research projects with faculty or fellow PhD students from other engineering, management, or social sciences departments within NIT Rourkela. This fosters a holistic understanding and broadens the applicability and impact of your design research across various domains.
Tools & Resources
NIT Rourkela''''s inter-departmental research calls, Industry collaboration centers and incubators, Innovation cells and entrepreneurial hubs
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary work is highly valued in both academia and industry, demonstrating versatility and the ability to solve complex, real-world problems, making you a more attractive candidate for diverse research and leadership roles.
Advanced Stage
Focus on High-Impact Publications- (Fourth to Fifth Year (Semesters 6-8+))
Prioritize publishing your research findings in reputable, peer-reviewed international journals with good impact factors (e.g., Design Studies, Ergonomics, Journal of Industrial Design). Work closely with your supervisor to refine manuscripts, address reviewer comments, and navigate the publication process effectively.
Tools & Resources
Journal submission platforms (e.g., Elsevier, Springer, Taylor & Francis portals), Academic writing and grammar checking tools, Supervisor''''s extensive expertise and network
Career Connection
High-quality publications are the cornerstone of an academic career, significantly boosting your profile for faculty positions, advanced research roles, and competitive grant applications within India and globally.
Prepare for Dissertation Defense and Viva Voce- (Fourth to Fifth Year (Semesters 6-8+))
Systematically organize your entire research work, compile a compelling dissertation document that meets institutional standards, and rigorously practice your presentation for the final defense. Seek mock vivas with faculty and peers to refine your arguments, anticipate challenging questions, and build confidence.
Tools & Resources
NIT Rourkela thesis submission guidelines and templates, Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides), Organized mock viva panels within the department
Career Connection
A successful dissertation defense is the final academic hurdle, validating your research contributions and certifying your expertise, directly leading to the conferral of your PhD degree and enabling seamless career progression.
Explore Post-PhD Opportunities- (Final year of PhD (Semesters 7-8+))
Actively network with potential employers in academia, national and international R&D labs, and leading design consulting firms. Prepare a strong academic CV, a compelling cover letter, and a detailed teaching philosophy statement (if pursuing academia), or a comprehensive portfolio showcasing your research projects for industry roles.
Tools & Resources
Professional networking platforms (LinkedIn, ResearchGate), Academic job portals (e.g., UGC CARE, Indian university career pages, international sites), NIT Rourkela Career Services guidance, Professional design associations and networks
Career Connection
Proactive job searching, strategic networking, and tailoring your application materials are essential for a smooth and successful transition into your desired post-PhD career path, whether in research, teaching, or industry leadership roles.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in Engineering/Technology/Science/Humanities/Management/Planning/Architecture or equivalent with 6.5 CGPA or 60% marks. OR Bachelor''''s degree in Engineering/Technology or equivalent with 8.5 CGPA or 80% marks. Specific departmental requirements may apply.
Duration: Minimum 3 years (full-time) / 4 years (part-time) including coursework
Credits: Minimum 8 credits (for Master''''s degree holders) or 16 credits (for Bachelor''''s degree holders) for coursework Credits
Assessment: Internal: undefined, External: undefined
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester coursework
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RMXXX | Research Methodology | Core (Mandatory for PhD) | 4 | Research Problem Formulation, Literature Review, Research Design and Methods, Data Collection and Analysis, Statistical Interpretation, Technical Writing and Research Ethics |
Semester coursework
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ID6010 | Industrial Design Theory | Elective/Core Workload for PhD | 3 | History and Evolution of Industrial Design, Major Design Movements and Philosophies, Design Process Models, Role of Ergonomics and Aesthetics, Sustainability and Circular Design, Cultural and Social Impact of Design |
| ID6020 | Design Methods and Prototyping | Elective/Core Workload for PhD | 3 | Design Research Techniques, Ideation and Concept Generation, User-Centered Design Approaches, Rapid Prototyping Technologies, Digital Fabrication and Additive Manufacturing, Evaluation and Testing of Prototypes |
| ID6030 | Ergonomics and Human Factors | Elective/Core Workload for PhD | 3 | Anthropometry and Biomechanics, Workspace Design and Posture, Cognitive Ergonomics, Environmental Factors in Design, Usability Engineering and Testing, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Principles |
| ID6040 | Materials and Manufacturing Processes | Elective/Core Workload for PhD | 3 | Properties of Engineering Materials, Selection of Materials for Design, Conventional Manufacturing Processes, Advanced Manufacturing Techniques, Surface Treatment and Finishing, Cost and Environmental Considerations in Production |
| ID6060 | Design Management and Marketing | Elective/Core Workload for PhD | 3 | Design Strategy and Innovation, Brand Identity and Management, Market Research for Design, Intellectual Property Rights in Design, Product Lifecycle Management, Role of Design in Business Development |
| ID6070 | Advanced Product Design | Elective/Core Workload for PhD | 3 | User Experience (UX) Design, Service Design Principles, Interaction Design and Information Architecture, Design for Inclusivity and Accessibility, Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Assembly (DFA), Value Engineering and Product Optimization |
