

BACHELOR-OF-DESIGN-B-DES-SID in Communication Design Graphic Design Video Film Design Animation Film Design User Experience Design at Symbiosis International University (SIU)


Pune, Maharashtra
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About the Specialization
What is Communication Design (Graphic Design, Video Film Design, Animation Film Design, User Experience Design) at Symbiosis International University (SIU) Pune?
This Communication Design program at Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) focuses on visual storytelling and problem-solving across diverse media. It offers specializations in Graphic, Video Film, Animation Film, and User Experience Design, preparing students for the dynamic Indian creative industry with a strong emphasis on practical skills and conceptual thinking.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative fresh graduates seeking entry into the vibrant Indian design sector. It attracts individuals passionate about visual communication, technology, and user-centered solutions, preparing them for roles in advertising, digital media, film, or UX. Prior artistic inclination and analytical thinking are beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect diverse India-specific career paths, including Graphic Designer, UI/UX Designer, Animator, Video Editor, or Brand Strategist. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs annually, with significant growth potential in burgeoning tech and media sectors. The program aligns with industry demand for versatile design professionals.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Immersive Sketching & Visual Journaling- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time daily to freehand sketching, life drawing, and conceptual doodling. Document visual inspirations, design elements, and project progress in a physical or digital journal.
Tools & Resources
Sketchbooks, Drawing pencils, Digital drawing tablets (e.g., Wacom), Pinterest, Behance
Career Connection
Builds fundamental visual communication skills, essential for concept generation and presentation in all design fields, aiding creative problem-solving.
Master Design Software Basics via Projects- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with introductory design software by applying them to small, self-initiated projects beyond class assignments. Create personal logos, posters, or digital art pieces.
Tools & Resources
Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), YouTube tutorials, Online courses (e.g., Coursera, Udemy)
Career Connection
Establishes a strong technical foundation, crucial for efficient workflow and industry-standard output, making future learning of complex tools easier.
Active Participation in Design Critiques- (Semester 1-2)
Embrace and contribute constructively to design critiques, learning to articulate design choices and receive feedback. Present work confidently, explain process, and critically evaluate peers'''' work.
Tools & Resources
Class presentations, Peer review sessions, Design blogs discussing critique etiquette
Career Connection
Develops communication and presentation skills vital for client interactions, team collaboration, and defending design decisions in a professional environment.
Intermediate Stage
Build a Specialization-Focused Project Portfolio- (Semester 3-5)
Systematically develop and document projects aligned with chosen communication design specializations (Graphic, Video, Animation, UX). Document the entire design process, from research to final output.
Tools & Resources
Adobe Creative Suite, Figma/Sketch (for UX), DaVinci Resolve/Premiere Pro (for video), Toon Boom Harmony/After Effects (for animation)
Career Connection
Creates a strong portfolio, the primary tool for securing internships and entry-level positions in the competitive Indian design job market.
Seek Industry Mentorship and Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Actively connect with design professionals and participate in workshops to gain practical insights and network. Attend industry events, guest lectures, and reach out on LinkedIn for mentorship.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Industry conferences (e.g., Kyoorius Design Yatra), Local design communities, SID alumni network
Career Connection
Bridges academic learning with real-world industry practices, helping students understand market demands and build professional connections for future opportunities.
Participate in Design Competitions & Hackathons- (Semester 3-5)
Engage in national and international design challenges to test skills, gain recognition, and collaborate with peers. Join competitions like Kyoorius Awards or local design hackathons.
Tools & Resources
Online competition platforms, University design clubs, Team collaboration tools
Career Connection
Provides valuable experience, boosts confidence, and offers tangible achievements for resumes and portfolios, demonstrating initiative and problem-solving abilities to Indian employers.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Internship & Live Project Engagement- (Semester 7)
Secure and maximize learning from a long-term industry internship or undertake significant live client projects. Actively contribute, learn from senior designers, and network extensively.
Tools & Resources
SID placement cell, LinkedIn, Professional networking, Project management tools
Career Connection
Offers crucial real-world experience, often leading to pre-placement offers, and ensures industry readiness, a key expectation from Indian employers.
Develop a Niche & Personal Brand- (Semester 6-8)
Identify a unique design niche (e.g., motion graphics for social impact, UX for healthcare) and cultivate a strong personal brand. Refine your portfolio and online presence.
Tools & Resources
Personal website builders (e.g., WordPress, Squarespace), Professional design portfolio platforms, Brand identity guidelines
Career Connection
Helps differentiate you in a competitive job market, attracting specific employers and opportunities that align with your specialized expertise and career aspirations in India.
Master Professional Communication & Presentation- (Semester 6-8)
Polish skills in presenting complex design solutions to diverse audiences, including clients and stakeholders. Practice clear, concise, and persuasive communication of design ideas and rationale.
Tools & Resources
PowerPoint/Keynote/Google Slides, Presentation workshops, Mock interviews, Public speaking clubs
Career Connection
Essential for client pitches, team meetings, and leadership roles. Strong communication skills are highly valued by Indian companies for effective collaboration and project success.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 (any stream) or equivalent diploma (10+3) from State Board of Technical Education, with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST). Must appear for Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED).
Duration: 4 years / 8 semesters
Credits: 192 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 60% (Continuous Assessment - CA) for most theory/studio courses, External: 40% (End Semester Examination - ESE) for most theory/studio courses; 100% CA for practical/project courses
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VCD101 | Visualisation Techniques | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Drawing, Perspective Drawing, Composition, Rendering, Observation Skills |
| ACD101 | Applied Art and Design Fundamentals | Core | 4 | Elements and Principles of Design, Color Theory, Typography Basics, Layout Principles, Gestalt Principles |
| DCD101 | Design Culture and History | Core | 2 | Evolution of Design, Art Movements, Cultural Context of Design, Indian Design Heritage, Global Design Trends |
| CED101 | Communication Skills | Core | 2 | Verbal Communication, Written Communication, Presentation Skills, Group Discussion, Professional Etiquette |
| ITD101 | Introduction to Design Tools | Core | 2 | Basic Software Tools, Digital Image Manipulation, Vector Graphics Fundamentals, File Formats, Interface Overview |
| PED101 | Portfolio and Exhibition Design | Core | 2 | Portfolio Development, Project Documentation, Exhibition Layout, Visual Storytelling, Self-Promotion |
| FDP101 | Foundation Design Project | Project | 8 | Problem Identification, Ideation, Concept Development, Prototyping, Presentation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VCD201 | Advanced Visualisation | Core | 4 | Human Figure Drawing, Storyboarding, Character Design, Environmental Design, Stylization Techniques |
| ACD201 | Principles of Design and Composition | Core | 4 | Advanced Layout, Grid Systems, Hierarchy in Design, Narrative Structures, Visual Communication Strategy |
| DCD201 | Design Research and Methodology | Core | 2 | Research Methods, Data Collection, Analysis, Design Brief Formulation, Ethnographic Studies |
| CED201 | English Communication | Core | 2 | Academic Writing, Report Writing, Technical Communication, Public Speaking, Business Communication |
| ITD201 | Digital Graphics and Imaging | Core | 2 | Advanced Photoshop Techniques, Image Retouching, Digital Painting, Compositing, Print Preparation |
| PED201 | Materials and Processes | Core | 2 | Material Properties, Fabrication Techniques, Sustainable Materials, Prototyping Processes, Finishing Techniques |
| FDP201 | Integrated Design Project | Project | 8 | Interdisciplinary Design, Collaborative Projects, User-Centered Design, Critical Thinking, Project Management |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCD301 | Introduction to Communication Design | Core | 4 | Scope of Communication Design, Role in Society, Design Process, Brand Communication, Visual Narratives |
| CCD302 | Typography and Layout | Core | 4 | Typographic Principles, Font Anatomy, Grid Systems, Information Hierarchy, Editorial Design |
| CCD303 | Principles of Photography | Core | 2 | Camera Operation, Lighting, Composition, Digital Image Editing, Photojournalism |
| CCD304 | Introduction to Film and Video | Core | 2 | History of Cinema, Film Language, Basic Camera Techniques, Editing Principles, Sound Design |
| CCD305 | Fundamentals of Animation | Core | 2 | Principles of Animation, Traditional Animation, Digital Animation Tools, Character Movement, Storytelling |
| CCD306 | Computer Graphics | Core | 2 | Vector Graphics, Raster Graphics, 2D Software, Digital Illustration, Graphic Tablet Use |
| CDP301 | Communication Design Project I | Project | 8 | Design Brief Interpretation, Conceptualization, Visual Solution Development, Client Communication, Presentation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCD401 | Visual Identity Design | Core | 4 | Branding Principles, Logo Design, Corporate Identity Systems, Style Guides, Brand Manuals |
| CCD402 | Publication Design | Core | 4 | Magazine Design, Book Design, Information Graphics, Page Layout Software, Print Production |
| CCD403 | Digital Photography and Imaging | Core | 2 | Advanced Digital Photography, Post-Processing, Studio Lighting, Portrait Photography, Product Photography |
| CCD404 | Video Production Techniques | Core | 2 | Scriptwriting, Cinematography, Non-Linear Editing, Post-Production Workflow, Music and SFX |
| CCD405 | 2D Animation | Core | 2 | Toon Boom Harmony, After Effects Animation, Character Rigging, Motion Graphics, Visual Effects |
| CCD406 | UI/UX Fundamentals | Core | 2 | User Interface Principles, User Experience Principles, Wireframing, Prototyping, Usability Testing |
| CDP401 | Communication Design Project II | Project | 8 | Brand Strategy, Campaign Design, Digital Media Campaigns, User Research, Design Iteration |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCD501 | Advanced Typography and Info. Graphics | Core | 4 | Type Hierarchy, Data Visualization, Infographic Design, Environmental Graphics, Wayfinding |
| CCD502 | Advertising Design | Core | 4 | Advertising Strategy, Campaign Development, Copywriting, Media Planning, Brand Communication |
| CCD503 | Web Design and Development | Core | 2 | HTML/CSS, Responsive Design, Website Architecture, Usability Principles, Content Management Systems |
| GDE501 | Packaging Design (Graphic Design Elective) | Elective | 2 | Structure Design, Material Selection, Branding, Ergonomics, Sustainable Packaging |
| GDE502 | Typeface Design (Graphic Design Elective) | Elective | 2 | Font Metrics, Character Sets, Opentype Features, Font Creation Software, Legibility |
| VDE501 | Advanced Cinematography (Video Film Design Elective) | Elective | 2 | Camera Movement, Lighting Techniques, Color Grading, Camera Rigs, Visual Storytelling |
| VDE502 | Sound Design for Film (Video Film Design Elective) | Elective | 2 | Audio Production, Foley, Dialogue Editing, Music Composition, Mixing |
| ADE501 | 3D Animation Fundamentals (Animation Film Design Elective) | Elective | 2 | 3D Modeling, Texturing, Lighting, Rendering, Rigging Basics |
| ADE502 | Stop Motion Animation (Animation Film Design Elective) | Elective | 2 | Puppet Making, Set Design, Armatures, Frame-by-Frame Capture, Post-Production |
| UDE501 | User Research Methods (User Experience Design Elective) | Elective | 2 | Usability Testing, Interviews, Surveys, Contextual Inquiry, Persona Development |
| UDE502 | Information Architecture (User Experience Design Elective) | Elective | 2 | Content Strategy, Site Mapping, Card Sorting, Navigation Design, Taxonomy |
| CDP501 | Communication Design Project III | Project | 8 | Advanced Project Management, Research Synthesis, Solution Refinement, User Feedback Integration, Professional Presentation |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCD601 | Moving Image Design | Core | 4 | Motion Graphics, Broadcast Design, Title Sequences, Kinetic Typography, Visual Effects |
| CCD602 | Portfolio Development | Core | 4 | Curating Work, Professional Documentation, Online Portfolio, Self-Branding, Interview Preparation |
| CCD603 | Environmental Graphic Design | Core | 2 | Signage Systems, Wayfinding, Public Space Graphics, Exhibition Design, Experiential Design |
| GDE601 | Brand Strategy and Management (Graphic Design Elective) | Elective | 2 | Brand Positioning, Brand Audit, Brand Guidelines, Brand Equity, Market Analysis |
| GDE602 | Advanced Print Production (Graphic Design Elective) | Elective | 2 | Pre-press, Offset Printing, Digital Printing, Finishing, Quality Control |
| VDE601 | Documentary Film Making (Video Film Design Elective) | Elective | 2 | Research, Interview Techniques, Ethical Considerations, Narrative Structure, Distribution |
| VDE602 | Visual Effects and Compositing (Video Film Design Elective) | Elective | 2 | Green Screen, Matte Painting, Tracking, Rotoscoping, Software (Nuke/Fusion) |
| ADE601 | Character Design and Development (Animation Film Design Elective) | Elective | 2 | Character Arcs, Visual Development, Model Sheets, Expression Studies, Turnarounds |
| ADE602 | Storytelling for Animation (Animation Film Design Elective) | Elective | 2 | Narrative Arc, Plot Points, Dialogue Writing, Script Development, Animatic Creation |
| UDE601 | Interaction Design Principles (User Experience Design Elective) | Elective | 2 | Human-Computer Interaction, Gestalt Psychology, Affordances, Feedback, Mental Models |
| UDE602 | Design for Mobile and Web (User Experience Design Elective) | Elective | 2 | Responsive Design, Mobile First, App Design Guidelines, Cross-Platform UX, Accessibility |
| CDP601 | Communication Design Project IV | Project | 8 | Advanced Prototyping, Testing, Implementation Strategy, Stakeholder Management, Design Advocacy |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CDI701 | Design Internship | Internship | 16 | Real-world Experience, Professional Ethics, Industry Standards, Team Collaboration, Project Execution |
| CDP701 | Diploma Project I (Research & Concept) | Project | 8 | Problem Definition, Extensive Research, Concept Generation, Feasibility Study, Proposal Writing |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CDPE801 | Professional Practice & Ethics | Core | 4 | Legal Aspects of Design, Intellectual Property, Client Contracts, Project Management, Ethical Dilemmas |
| CDP801 | Diploma Project II (Execution & Presentation) | Project | 20 | Solution Development, Prototyping, Testing, Documentation, Final Presentation, Portfolio Integration |




