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MASTER-OF-ARTS in Product Design at Pearl Academy
Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Product Design at Pearl Academy Delhi?
This Product Design program at Pearl Academy focuses on holistic product development, integrating user experience, cutting-edge technology, and robust business strategy. It addresses the growing demand for innovative, sustainable, and culturally relevant product solutions within the dynamic Indian market, differentiating itself through hands-on studio work and industry-led projects.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative graduates from design, engineering, or architecture disciplines seeking entry into the product design industry. It also suits working professionals aiming to upskill in areas like UX, industrial design, or design management, and career changers transitioning into the thriving Indian product development sector with a strong portfolio.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including Product Designer, UX/UI Designer, Design Strategist, or Innovation Consultant across various sectors. Entry-level salaries range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more in leading design firms and MNCs. The program prepares students for leadership roles in Indian design consultancies and manufacturing companies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Immerse in Design Thinking & User Research- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all design studio projects, applying iterative design thinking processes from problem identification to ideation. Master user research techniques by conducting real-world ethnography, user interviews, and usability testing to inform design decisions.
Tools & Resources
IDEO Design Kit, Nielsen Norman Group articles, Adobe XD/Figma for wireframing and prototyping, Observation and Interview techniques
Career Connection
Builds a strong foundational portfolio for junior product designer, UX researcher, or design thinking facilitator roles, crucial for understanding user needs in the Indian market.
Master Digital Prototyping & CAD- (Semester 1-2)
Develop proficiency in industry-standard 3D modeling and rendering software. Regularly practice creating high-fidelity digital prototypes and actively participate in workshops on rapid prototyping technologies like 3D printing and CNC machining.
Tools & Resources
SolidWorks, Rhino 3D, Keyshot, Fusion 360, Local fabrication labs and makerspaces
Career Connection
Essential skill for product visualization, engineering design, and communicating complex design intent effectively to manufacturing partners and clients in India''''s diverse industrial landscape.
Engage in Peer Critiques & Feedback Loops- (Semester 1-2)
Actively seek and provide constructive criticism during studio reviews, informal peer sessions, and design jams. Document feedback and iterate on designs, understanding that design is an evolutionary process, and learn to articulate design rationale effectively.
Tools & Resources
Miro, Trello for project management, Physical sketchbooks and whiteboards, Regular studio interactions
Career Connection
Develops critical communication skills, resilience, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative design team, all crucial for navigating professional design environments in India.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Industry Collaboration Projects- (Semester 3)
Proactively seek opportunities to work on live industry projects or case studies, collaborating with external organizations and brands. Focus on understanding real-world business constraints, market demands, and delivering innovative, market-ready design solutions.
Tools & Resources
Company websites, LinkedIn for professional networking, Project management tools like Asana or Jira, Industry case study repositories
Career Connection
Gains invaluable practical industry experience, builds a professional network within the Indian design ecosystem, and creates compelling portfolio pieces with tangible real-world impact for future employers.
Specialise in a Niche & Build Expertise- (Semester 3)
Identify a specific area within product design (e.g., sustainable design, medical devices, smart home products, mobility) and dive deep. Participate in specialized workshops, online courses, and focused research projects related to this chosen niche.
Tools & Resources
Coursera/edX for specialized courses, Industry-specific journals and publications, Design conferences and webinars, Networking with experts in the niche
Career Connection
Develops a unique selling proposition, making you a specialist sought after by niche design consultancies, startups, and product companies in India, enhancing your employability.
Participate in Design Competitions & Hackathons- (Semester 3)
Regularly engage in national and international design competitions (e.g., India Design Mark, Lexus Design Award India, Red Dot). This provides exposure, rigorous deadlines, opportunities to test innovative solutions, and peer benchmarking.
Tools & Resources
Design Award platforms (e.g., Core77, A''''Design Award), Hackathon registration sites (e.g., Major League Hacking), Pearl Academy''''s competition notification channels
Career Connection
Builds a highly competitive portfolio, tests skills under pressure, and enhances visibility within the design community, leading to recognition and potential job offers.
Advanced Stage
Develop a Comprehensive Master''''s Project- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to your final Master''''s project, ensuring it demonstrates advanced research, innovative design thinking, and a strong problem-solving approach. Focus on robust prototyping, user validation, and detailed project documentation.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases for research, Advanced CAD software and simulation tools, Professional fabrication labs, Design research methodologies and frameworks
Career Connection
Serves as the capstone portfolio piece, showcasing your capability for independent, in-depth design work, critical thinking, and advanced technical skills to potential employers.
Curate a Professional Design Portfolio & Resume- (Semester 4)
Systematically document all projects, focusing on the design process, challenges faced, innovative solutions, and measurable impact. Create a compelling online and physical portfolio tailored to target job roles and companies in India, showcasing your unique voice.
Tools & Resources
Behance, Personal website builders (e.g., Squarespace, Webflow), Adobe InDesign/Illustrator for print portfolios, AI tools for resume optimization
Career Connection
Crucial for securing interviews and effectively showcasing your skills, design process, and professional capabilities to recruiters and hiring managers in the competitive Indian design job market.
Engage in Strategic Networking & Placement Preparation- (Semester 4)
Attend industry events, design festivals, and alumni meets to actively network with professionals and potential mentors. Participate diligently in campus placement drives, refine interview skills, and prepare for technical design rounds and portfolio reviews.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for professional connections, Industry meetups and design conferences (e.g., India Design Week), Pearl Academy''''s career services and alumni network, Mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Facilitates job search, opens doors to internship and full-time opportunities, and helps secure desirable placements in top design firms, startups, and corporate design teams across India.
