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B-DES in Product Design at RK University
Rajkot, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is Product Design at RK University Rajkot?
This Product Design program at RK University focuses on cultivating innovative designers capable of creating impactful physical and digital products. It blends aesthetics, ergonomics, engineering, and user experience, critical for India''''s rapidly expanding manufacturing and consumer goods sectors. The curriculum emphasizes practical problem-solving, making it highly relevant to evolving industry demands.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative fresh graduates seeking entry into the design industry, particularly those passionate about shaping objects and experiences. It also attracts individuals interested in blending technology with human needs. Candidates with a keen eye for detail, a problem-solving mindset, and an inclination towards hands-on creation will thrive in this dynamic learning environment.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths in product development, UX/UI design, and design management. Entry-level salaries range from INR 4-7 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities abound in Indian MNCs, startups, and design consultancies. Graduates are well-prepared for roles as Industrial Designers, UX Designers, Design Researchers, and Entrepreneurs.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Design Principles- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to deeply understand and practice fundamental design elements, principles, and the design process. Engage actively in workshop sessions to build foundational material handling and model-making skills. Regularly sketch and document observations to enhance visual communication abilities.
Tools & Resources
Sketchbooks, Basic Model Making Kits, Design Theory Books, Online Tutorials (e.g., NPTEL Design courses)
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures proficiency in basic design tasks, enabling faster integration into entry-level design roles and improving performance in initial academic projects.
Build Digital Proficiency Early- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond classroom instruction, proactively learn and practice industry-standard digital tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and basic CAD software (e.g., Fusion 360, SolidWorks trials). Utilize free online resources and student versions to develop a robust digital skill set.
Tools & Resources
Adobe Creative Cloud, Autodesk Fusion 360 (Student Version), YouTube tutorials, LinkedIn Learning
Career Connection
Digital fluency is non-negotiable in modern product design. Early mastery makes you more competitive for internships and future employment, especially in roles requiring CAD and rendering skills.
Engage in Peer Learning & Feedback- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups and actively participate in design critiques. Offer and receive constructive feedback on projects. This collaborative environment sharpens critical thinking, exposes you to diverse perspectives, and improves communication skills essential for design teams.
Tools & Resources
Design Studio Sessions, Peer Review Platforms, Collaborative Whiteboards (e.g., Miro)
Career Connection
Developing strong teamwork and communication skills is vital for working in design firms. Learning to articulate design decisions and receive feedback effectively prepares you for professional design critiques.
Intermediate Stage
Seek Out Industry Exposure through Internships & Live Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Actively pursue internships, even short-term ones, or engage in live projects offered by local startups and SMEs. Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, build a professional network, and understand industry workflows beyond academics. Leverage university career services.
Tools & Resources
University Career Services, LinkedIn, Internshala, Local Startup Hubs
Career Connection
Practical industry experience significantly boosts your resume, provides valuable portfolio content, and often leads to pre-placement offers or strong referrals for future job opportunities in India.
Deepen Specialization Skills- (Semester 3-5)
As specialization begins, identify areas of interest (e.g., transportation, medical products, UX). Enroll in relevant electives and undertake mini-projects focused on these niches. Attend specialized workshops and follow industry leaders in your chosen field.
Tools & Resources
Specialized Electives, Design Magazines (e.g., India Design), Industry Blogs, Online Courses (Coursera, edX) in specific design areas
Career Connection
Developing a niche makes you a more attractive candidate for specialized roles in companies that focus on particular product categories, increasing your employability and potential salary.
Build a Robust Digital & Physical Portfolio- (Semester 3-5)
Systematically document all design projects, from concept sketches to final prototypes. Create a professional online portfolio (e.g., Behance, Dribbble) and a well-curated physical portfolio. Focus on storytelling for each project, highlighting your process and learning.
Tools & Resources
Behance, Dribbble, Adobe Portfolio, High-Quality Photography Equipment, Portfolio Printing Services
Career Connection
A compelling portfolio is your primary tool for securing internships and jobs. It showcases your skills, process, and creative thinking, making a strong impression on potential employers.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Socially Impactful Capstone Project- (Semester 6-8)
For your final year project, choose a problem with a significant social or environmental impact, relevant to the Indian context. Collaborate with NGOs or community groups. This demonstrates design thinking beyond commercial gains and highlights your empathy as a designer.
Tools & Resources
Design Research Reports, Community Engagement Platforms, Expert Mentors, Funding for Prototype (if applicable)
Career Connection
Such projects stand out to employers and can open doors to roles in social innovation, sustainability-focused design, or even entrepreneurial ventures addressing local challenges in India.
Network Actively & Attend Industry Events- (Semester 6-8)
Regularly attend design conferences, workshops, and seminars in major Indian cities. Connect with design professionals, alumni, and potential employers. Build meaningful relationships, seek mentorship, and stay updated on the latest industry trends and job opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Eventbrite, Design India, IDC Design Summit, Local Meetups
Career Connection
Networking is crucial for career advancement. Many job opportunities are found through connections. Building a professional network provides insights, mentorship, and direct access to job leads in the Indian design ecosystem.
Develop Entrepreneurial Mindset & Skills- (Semester 6-8)
Explore the startup ecosystem in India by attending entrepreneurship talks, participating in hackathons, and developing a business plan for one of your design concepts. Understand funding, intellectual property, and market entry strategies relevant to launching a product in India.
Tools & Resources
Startup India Resources, NITI Aayog Initiatives, Business Plan Templates, Mentorship from Incubation Centers
Career Connection
Beyond traditional jobs, this prepares you to launch your own design venture or to be a valuable asset in a startup, leveraging India''''s thriving entrepreneurial landscape. It demonstrates initiative and a holistic understanding of product lifecycle.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 with minimum 45% aggregate marks from any recognized board in any stream. A valid score in Design Aptitude Test (DAT) conducted by RK University is also required, followed by a personal interview.
Duration: 8 semesters / 4 years
Credits: 164 Credits
Assessment: Internal: undefined, External: undefined
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BD101 | Communication Skills | Core | 2 | Fundamentals of Communication, Grammar and Vocabulary, Verbal and Non-verbal Communication, Presentation Skills, Interpersonal Communication |
| BD102 | Design Fundamentals | Core | 3 | Elements of Design, Principles of Design, Composition and Form, Visual Perception, Design Thinking Introduction |
| BD103 | Elements of Design | Core | 3 | Point, Line, Plane, Volume, Texture, Pattern, Color, Space and Form, Gestalt Principles, Visual Hierarchy |
| BD104 | Material Exploration | Core | 3 | Material Properties, Sensory Qualities of Materials, Material Handling Techniques, Form Generation with Materials, Experimentation with Textiles, Wood, Metal |
| BD105 | Digital Illustration I | Practical | 2 | Introduction to Digital Tools, Raster and Vector Graphics, Image Manipulation, Digital Painting Basics, Typography in Digital Media |
| BD106 | Craft Documentation | Practical | 2 | Indian Traditional Crafts, Documentation Techniques, Field Study and Research, Visual and Written Reports, Craft Revival and Preservation |
| BD107 | Design Process | Core | 2 | Problem Identification, Research and Analysis, Ideation and Concept Generation, Prototyping and Testing, Design Solution Presentation |
| BD108 | Design Workshop I | Practical | 4 | Basic Hand Tools, Prototyping Techniques, Model Making Basics, Material Jointing Methods, Hands-on Project Fabrication |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BD201 | Environmental Studies | Core | 2 | Ecology and Ecosystems, Environmental Pollution, Sustainable Development, Environmental Policies, Resource Management |
| BD202 | History of Art & Design I | Core | 2 | Prehistoric Art, Ancient Civilizations Design, Classical Art and Architecture, Medieval Art and Gothic Design, Renaissance and Baroque |
| BD203 | Ergonomics & Anthropometry | Core | 3 | Human Factors in Design, Anthropometric Data Application, Workspace Design, Biomechanics, User Comfort and Safety |
| BD204 | Digital Illustration II | Practical | 2 | Advanced Digital Drawing, Composition in Digital Media, Color Theory Application, Rendering Techniques, Digital Portfolio Creation |
| BD205 | Basic CAD | Practical | 2 | Introduction to CAD Software, 2D Sketching, 3D Modeling Fundamentals, Orthographic Projections, Basic Assembly Design |
| BD206 | Photography & Videography | Practical | 2 | Camera Operation, Composition and Lighting, Image Editing Software, Basic Video Production, Visual Storytelling |
| BD207 | Design Workshop II | Practical | 4 | Advanced Prototyping, Precision Model Making, Working with Various Materials, Finishing Techniques, Functional Model Development |
| BD208 | Elective I (e.g., Clay Modelling, Basic Weaving, Basic Pottery, Jewellery Making, Wood Craft) | Elective | 4 | Varies by chosen elective, Hands-on skill development, Exploration of specific craft, Material properties and techniques, Creative expression |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BDPD301 | History of Art & Design II | Core | 2 | Industrial Revolution Design, Art Nouveau and Art Deco, Bauhaus Movement, Modernism and Postmodernism, Contemporary Design Trends |
| BDPD302 | Product Design Studio I | Studio | 6 | Product Brief Analysis, User-Centric Design, Ideation and Sketching, Form Development, Concept Model Making |
| BDPD303 | Materials & Manufacturing Processes I | Core | 3 | Plastics and Composites, Metal Forming Processes, Woodworking Techniques, Ceramics Manufacturing, Material Selection Criteria |
| BDPD304 | Computer Aided Design I | Practical | 2 | Advanced 3D Modeling, Surface Modeling, Assembly Design, Parametric Modeling, Rendering Basics |
| BDPD305 | Model Making I | Practical | 2 | Rapid Prototyping Techniques, Material Exploration for Models, Scale Model Fabrication, Finishing and Detailing, Presentation Model Development |
| BDPD306 | Design Research Methods | Core | 3 | Qualitative and Quantitative Research, User Observation and Interviews, Market Research, Data Analysis, Research Report Writing |
| BDPD307 | Design Management & Professional Practice | Core | 2 | Design Project Management, Client Communication, Team Collaboration, Professional Ethics, Business Aspects of Design |
| BDPD308 | Elective II (e.g., Furniture Design, Toy Design, Lifestyle Product Design) | Elective | 2 | Varies by chosen elective, Specialized product category study, Design constraints and opportunities, Market analysis for niche products, Advanced material applications |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BDPD401 | Applied Ergonomics | Core | 3 | Cognitive Ergonomics, Physical Ergonomics, Environmental Ergonomics, User Experience Principles, Ergonomic Evaluation Methods |
| BDPD402 | Product Design Studio II | Studio | 6 | Contextual Design, System Thinking in Product Design, Detailing and Refinement, Functional Prototyping, Manufacturing Feasibility |
| BDPD403 | Materials & Manufacturing Processes II | Core | 3 | Advanced Materials, Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing), Assembly and Finishing Processes, Quality Control, Costing and Production Planning |
| BDPD404 | Computer Aided Design II | Practical | 2 | Advanced Rendering and Visualization, CAD for Manufacturing, Design Automation, Reverse Engineering, Digital Mock-ups |
| BDPD405 | Model Making II | Practical | 2 | Advanced Prototyping Technologies, CNC Machining, Vacuum Forming, Fiberglass and Resin Casting, Realistic Model Finishing |
| BDPD406 | Marketing & Entrepreneurship for Designers | Core | 2 | Market Research, Branding and Positioning, Business Plan Development, Intellectual Property Basics, Startup Strategies |
| BDPD407 | Design Internship I | Practical | 2 | Industry Exposure, Practical Skill Application, Professional Environment, Team Collaboration, Project Documentation |
| BDPD408 | Elective III (e.g., Packaging Design, Exhibition Design, Lighting Design) | Elective | 2 | Varies by chosen elective, Design for specific contexts, Material and structural considerations, User interaction in specialized areas, Visual communication |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BDPD501 | Product Semantics | Core | 2 | Meaning in Products, Symbolism and Metaphors, Emotional Design, User-Product Relationship, Cultural Significance in Design |
| BDPD502 | Product Design Studio III (Advanced Product Design) | Studio | 6 | Complex Problem Solving, Strategic Design Thinking, Systemic Design Solutions, Detailed Engineering Integration, Professional Presentation |
| BDPD503 | Digital Prototyping | Practical | 2 | Virtual Reality for Design, Augmented Reality Prototyping, Interactive Mock-ups, Simulation and Analysis, Digital Fabrication Workflow |
| BDPD504 | Design for Sustainability | Core | 3 | Life Cycle Assessment, Eco-Design Principles, Circular Economy, Sustainable Materials, Green Manufacturing |
| BDPD505 | Design for Interaction | Core | 3 | Human-Computer Interaction, User Interface Design, Usability Testing, Interaction Models, Information Architecture |
| BDPD506 | Design Management & IP Rights | Core | 2 | Design Strategy, Innovation Management, Patent and Trademark Law, Copyright in Design, Design Registration |
| BDPD507 | Elective IV (e.g., Transportation Design, Medical Product Design, Consumer Electronics Design) | Elective | 2 | Varies by chosen elective, Specialized product industry focus, Regulatory and safety standards, Advanced technical considerations, Market dynamics of niche sectors |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BDPD601 | Professional Practice & Ethics | Core | 2 | Professionalism in Design, Ethical Dilemmas in Design, Contracts and Agreements, Client Management, Design Business Models |
| BDPD602 | Product Design Project I | Project | 6 | Problem Definition, Detailed Research, Conceptual Development, Prototyping and User Testing, Comprehensive Documentation |
| BDPD603 | User Experience Design | Core | 3 | UX Research Methods, Information Architecture, Wireframing and Prototyping, Usability Testing, User Journeys and Personas |
| BDPD604 | Design for Services | Core | 3 | Service Design Principles, Service Blueprinting, Stakeholder Mapping, Touchpoint Design, Experience Prototyping |
| BDPD605 | Design Portfolio Development | Practical | 2 | Portfolio Curation, Project Storytelling, Visual Communication, Digital and Physical Portfolios, Presentation Strategies |
| BDPD606 | Design Internship II | Practical | 2 | Advanced Industry Project, Mentorship and Feedback, Professional Skill Refinement, Networking Opportunities, Real-world Problem Solving |
| BDPD607 | Elective V (e.g., Inclusive Design, Smart Product Design, Craft & Design) | Elective | 2 | Varies by chosen elective, Design for diverse user groups, Integration of technology, Fusion of traditional crafts with modern design, Social impact of design |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BDPD701 | Research Project (Product Design) | Project | 4 | Advanced Research Methodology, Literature Review, Primary and Secondary Research, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Academic Writing and Reporting |
| BDPD702 | Design Project II (Major Project) | Project | 8 | Comprehensive Design Solution, Deep Dive into Specialization, Market Viability Analysis, Full-Scale Prototyping, Final Design Presentation and Evaluation |
| BDPD703 | Professional Seminars & Workshops | Practical | 2 | Industry Expert Sessions, Advanced Skill Workshops, Current Design Trends, Case Study Analysis, Networking Events |
| BDPD704 | Design Entrepreneurship & Start-up Strategies | Core | 2 | Startup Ecosystem in India, Funding and Investment, Business Scaling, Team Building, Legal Aspects for Startups |
| BDPD705 | Elective VI (e.g., Advanced Materials, Design for IoT, Strategic Design) | Elective | 4 | Varies by chosen elective, Emerging materials and technologies, Connecting products in smart ecosystems, Long-term design planning, Innovation and future trends |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BDPD801 | Degree Project / Dissertation (Product Design) | Project | 12 | Independent Research and Design, Comprehensive Problem Solving, Advanced Prototyping, Market Validation, Final Thesis and Presentation |
| BDPD802 | Professional Portfolio & Interview Skills | Practical | 2 | Job Application Strategies, Mock Interviews, Salary Negotiations, Online Portfolio Presence, Personal Branding |
| BDPD803 | Viva Voce | Practical | 2 | Oral Examination of Projects, Defense of Design Decisions, Technical Knowledge Assessment, Critical Thinking Evaluation, Communication of Design Process |
| BDPD804 | Elective VII (e.g., Design Futurism, Global Design Trends, Advanced Manufacturing Technologies) | Elective | 2 | Varies by chosen elective, Speculative design thinking, International design market analysis, Industry 4.0 applications, Emerging design methodologies |
