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M-DES in Industrial Design at School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi
Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Industrial Design at School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi Delhi?
This Industrial Design program at the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, focuses on developing professionals capable of innovative product and system design, addressing complex challenges across diverse industries. The curriculum emphasizes a holistic approach, integrating aesthetics, ergonomics, technology, and sustainability, highly relevant to India''''s burgeoning manufacturing and startup ecosystem. The program aims to foster creative problem-solving and user-centered design thinking, catering to the evolving demands of the Indian market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree in design, architecture, or engineering who are passionate about shaping the user experience of products and services. It attracts individuals seeking entry into product development roles, working professionals looking to upskill in design strategy, and career changers aiming to transition into the dynamic Indian industrial design sector. Prior exposure to design principles or technical drawing is a beneficial prerequisite.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding career paths as product designers, UX/UI designers, design managers, and design researchers in leading Indian and multinational companies. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-8 LPA, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 15-25 LPA. The program''''s interdisciplinary nature prepares students for growth trajectories in fields like automotive design, consumer electronics, and healthcare product development, aligning with industry certifications in design software.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Design Fundamentals & Observation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering basic design principles, visual communication, and sketching techniques. Regularly observe and analyze everyday products, documenting observations in a sketchbook. Engage in peer reviews to refine initial design concepts and presentation skills. Utilize online tutorials and workshops for software proficiency in basic CAD and rendering tools.
Tools & Resources
Sketchbooks, Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator, Rhino 3D/Fusion 360 basics, Design thinking resources like IDEO U
Career Connection
A solid foundation is crucial for any design role, enabling effective communication of ideas and robust conceptualization, which are highly valued by employers for entry-level positions.
Develop Research-Driven Design Thinking- (Semester 1-2)
Cultivate a habit of thorough user research and problem definition before jumping to solutions. Participate actively in classroom projects that require ethnographic studies, user interviews, and market analysis. Practice synthesizing research findings into actionable design insights. Collaborate with classmates on initial projects to learn from diverse perspectives.
Tools & Resources
User research methodologies (e.g., surveys, interviews), Persona creation tools, Empathy mapping templates
Career Connection
This builds the analytical backbone for a designer, leading to more impactful and user-centric solutions, a critical skill for design strategists and product managers.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Workshops- (Semester 1-2)
Seek out and participate in workshops or introductory courses beyond the core design curriculum, such as basic electronics, material science, or manufacturing processes. Understanding related disciplines broadens design perspectives and facilitates better collaboration with engineering teams in real-world projects. Attend design talks and exhibitions in Delhi to stay updated.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on engineering fundamentals, Local industry workshops, National Design Awards exhibitions
Career Connection
Cross-disciplinary knowledge makes designers more adaptable and valuable, especially in India''''s complex manufacturing ecosystem, opening doors to roles requiring holistic product understanding.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Industry-Relevant Projects & Internships- (Semester 3)
Actively seek and participate in live projects or internships with design studios, manufacturing companies, or startups. Focus on applying learned principles to real-world challenges, gaining hands-on experience in prototyping, testing, and client interaction. Document project work meticulously for portfolio building.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for networking, College placement cell, Behance/Dribbble for portfolio showcase
Career Connection
Internships are pivotal for gaining practical experience and networking, often leading directly to pre-placement offers or strong recommendations, essential for securing jobs in India.
Specialize in a Niche Design Area- (Semester 3)
Identify a specific area of interest within industrial design, such as automotive, consumer electronics, interaction design, or medical devices, and focus elective choices and personal projects around it. Develop advanced skills in specialized software relevant to the chosen niche and build a targeted portfolio.
Tools & Resources
SolidWorks/CATIA (for automotive/product), Figma/Sketch (for interaction), Relevant industry journals and conferences
Career Connection
Specialization makes you a more attractive candidate for specific industry roles, allowing you to command higher packages and accelerate career growth in a competitive Indian market.
Participate in Design Competitions & Hackathons- (Semester 3)
Actively join national and international design competitions like India Design Mark, Lexus Design Award India, or student hackathons focusing on product innovation. This provides exposure to industry standards, critical feedback, and opportunities to showcase skills and build a public profile. It also hones rapid prototyping and presentation abilities.
Tools & Resources
Designboom competitions, Core77 Design Awards, Local university/industry hackathons
Career Connection
Winning or being shortlisted in competitions boosts visibility, provides credible portfolio pieces, and demonstrates problem-solving under pressure, highly valued by recruiters.
Advanced Stage
Develop a Professional & Comprehensive Portfolio- (Semester 4)
Curate a high-quality portfolio showcasing your best projects, including detailed design processes, research, conceptualization, prototyping, and final renders. Tailor the portfolio to the types of roles and companies you aspire to join. Seek feedback from industry mentors and faculty before finalizing.
Tools & Resources
Adobe InDesign/Portfolio websites (e.g., Squarespace, Wix), Professional photography of prototypes
Career Connection
A strong portfolio is the single most important tool for securing placements in design, demonstrating capabilities and thought process to potential employers effectively.
Network Extensively with Industry Leaders- (Semester 4)
Attend industry conferences, design festivals (like India Design Week), and alumni events. Connect with professionals on LinkedIn, participate in informational interviews, and build a network of mentors. These connections are invaluable for job leads, mentorship, and understanding industry trends.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Industry conferences (e.g., NID Design Summit), Alumni groups
Career Connection
Networking is crucial for discovering hidden job opportunities, gaining insights into company culture, and getting referrals, significantly increasing placement success rates.
Master Advanced Prototyping and Fabrication- (Semester 4)
Gain expertise in advanced prototyping techniques, including 3D printing, CNC machining, and model making with various materials. Understand design for manufacturing principles and communicate effectively with production teams. This hands-on skill is critical for translating designs into tangible products.
Tools & Resources
3D printers, Laser cutters, Workshop facilities at SPA, Courses on manufacturing processes
Career Connection
Proficiency in prototyping and understanding manufacturing makes you a highly practical and employable designer, especially in roles requiring close collaboration with engineering and production teams in India''''s manufacturing sector.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s Degree in Industrial Design/Product Design/Furniture Design/Ceramic Design/Accessory Design/Fashion Design/Graphic Design/Animation Design/Visual Communication/Interior Design/Architecture/Engineering or equivalent (4 years duration) with 55% marks or equivalent from a recognised University/Institution. (50% for SC/ST/OBC (NCL)/PwD candidates).
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: Credits not specified
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
