School of Design & Innovation: Admissions open for B.Des. and M.Des. Studio Programs 2026–2027.
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Imagine · Design · Solve · Belong

School of Design & Innovation

“Design for what truly matters.” Empowering curious minds to reimagine products, communications, spaces, and digital interactions through human-centred empathy.

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100+
Live Projects (Last 3 Years)
25+
Industry & Studio Partners
4
International Collaborations
90%
Real-World Project Experience
Our Vision

Design for People. Innovate for a Kinder Tomorrow.

At the School of Design and Innovation, we empower curious minds to reimagine the world. Through design, technology, and human-centred thinking, we create solutions that are thoughtful, inclusive, and impactful.

“Design is not just what it looks like, but what it makes possible.”

The Four Design Pillars:

  • •
    Interdisciplinary Learning: Cross-pollination with computer science labs, cognitive psychology, and ecological sciences.
  • •
    Industry Collaborations: Live briefs from leading technology companies, creative agencies, and NGOs.
  • •
    Innovation Labs: 24/7 access to physical computing, bio-materials, and digital fabrication machinery.
  • •
    Real-World Impact: Creating regenerative, accessible artifacts that enrich community wellbeing.
Browse Degree Curricula
School of Design and Innovation Brochure
Beyond the Classroom

A Vibrant Ecosystem for Creators & Makers

Spaces · Tools · People · Ideas · Into Impact

State-of-the-Art Studios

Rapid prototyping labs, CNC milling, 3D laser cutters, AR/VR spatial rigs, and sustainable material exploration workshops.

Live Projects

Direct field engagements with regional craft communities, municipal transit departments, healthcare clinics, and social ventures.

Exhibitions & Showcases

Annual Aaranya Design Triennale, peer critiques, open gallery nights, and international design award competitions.

A Thriving Club Culture

Active design collectives: Makers Guild, Typography Society, Interaction/UX Lab, Film & Photography Guild, and Sustainable Living Collective.

Academic Architecture

Comprehensive Curricula by Degree Program

Rigorous studio foundations, material explorations, digital software fluency, and community capstones across 5 accredited degree tracks.

B.Des. in Product Design (4-Year FYUP Honours / Research)

4 Years · 8 Semesters · 160 Academic Credits · Multiple Exit Awards · UGC CCFUGP Framework

NEP 2020 FYUP
B.Des. Product Design Multiple Exit Qualifications Academic Bank of Credits
Stage 1 · Year 1 UG Certificate Certificate in Design Foundations & Prototyping 40 + 4 Vocational Credits
Stage 2 · Year 2 UG Diploma Diploma in Industrial Modeling & CAD Systems 80 + 4 Studio Credits
Stage 3 · Year 3 B.Des. Degree Bachelor of Design in Product Design 120 Academic Credits
Stage 4 · Year 4 B.Des. (Honours / Res.) Honours Studio Capstone or Research Thesis 160 Credits (Direct Ph.D. Eligible)

Year 1: Design Foundations & Visual Language Semesters 1 & 2 (40 Credits)

DSN101DSCDesign Fundamentals & Form Studies4 Credits
DSN102SECVisual Representation & Perspective Drawing4 Credits
DSN103MDCHistory of Art, Craft & Industrial Design4 Credits
DSN104SECMaterial Science & Workshop Methods (Wood/Metal/Clay)4 Credits
IKS105IKSIndigenous Indian Craft Traditions, Vastu & Sustainable Material Culture2 Credits
VAC101VACEnvironmental Studies & Circular Design Thinking2 Credits

Year 2: Ergonomics, Form & Digital Prototyping Semesters 3 & 4 (40 Credits)

PRD201DSCAnthropometry, Human Factors & Ergonomics4 Credits
PRD202SEC3D CAD Solid Modeling & Parametric Surfacing4 Credits
PRD203DSCConsumer Product Studio I: Everyday Objects4 Credits
PRD204DSCApplied Manufacturing Processes & Tooling4 Credits
MIN201MINInterdisciplinary Minor Studio I4 Credits

Year 3: Smart Hardware, IoT & Advanced Systems Semesters 5 & 6 (40 Credits)

PRD301DSCSmart Products, Physical Computing & Sensor Rigs4 Credits
PRD302DSCUniversal Design & Assistive Technologies4 Credits
PRD303DSEPackaging & Sustainable Product Architecture4 Credits
PRD304SECLive Industry Studio Practicum & DFM4 Credits
INT301INTMandatory Summer Professional Design Internship4 Credits

Year 4: Honours Specialization or Research Thesis Semesters 7 & 8 (40 Credits)

PRD401DSCDesign Management, Entrepreneurship & IP Law4 Credits
PRD402INTCompulsory 16-Week Professional Industry Residency8 Credits
MIN401MINInterdisciplinary Minor Studio Capstone4 Credits
Track A: B.Des. (Honours) PRD491: Senior Industry Capstone Project & Public Triennale Exhibition
12 Credits
Track B: B.Des. (Honours with Research) PRD492: 12-Credit Design Research Dissertation & Defense (Direct Ph.D. Entry for CGPA ≥ 7.5)
12 Credits

NEP 2020 Interdisciplinary Minor Baskets (20–24 Credits)

Minor in Robotics & Physical Computing: Joint with Computer Science: Actuators, embedded sensor networks, and robotic fabrication.
Minor in Biomimetic Materials: Joint with Natural Sciences: Bio-plastics, cellular foam structures, and thermal mimicry.
Minor in Hardware Entrepreneurship: Joint with Business School: Supply chain tooling, Kickstarter pitch, and DFM economics.

Product Studio Electives (Semesters 5–8)

Studio Elective 1: Medical Technology & Surgical Device Ergonomics.
Studio Elective 2: Furniture, Spatial Joinery & Contemporary Woodcraft.
Studio Elective 3: Clean Mobility, EV Micro-Vehicles & Helmet Systems.

B.Des. in Communication Design (4-Year FYUP Honours / Research)

4 Years · 8 Semesters · 160 Academic Credits · Multiple Exit Awards · UGC CCFUGP Framework

NEP 2020 FYUP
B.Des. Communication Design Multiple Exit Qualifications Academic Bank of Credits
Stage 1 · Year 1 UG Certificate Certificate in Visual Grammar & Typography 40 + 4 Studio Credits
Stage 2 · Year 2 UG Diploma Diploma in Brand Identity & Motion Graphics 80 + 4 Studio Credits
Stage 3 · Year 3 B.Des. Degree Bachelor of Design in Communication Design 120 Academic Credits
Stage 4 · Year 4 B.Des. (Honours / Res.) Honours Senior Showcase or Visual Research Thesis 160 Credits (Direct Ph.D. Eligible)

Year 1: Visual Grammar & Semiotics Semesters 1 & 2 (40 Credits)

DSN101DSCTypography I: Anatomy, Hierarchy & Font Mechanics4 Credits
DSN102DSCVisual Semiotics, Sign Systems & Culture4 Credits
DSN103SECColor Theory, Spatial Composition & Layout4 Credits
DSN104SECIllustration, Photography & Image-Making4 Credits
IKS106IKSIndic Scripts, Calligraphy & Indian Visual Storytelling Traditions2 Credits
AEC101AECVisual Rhetoric & Technical Presentation2 Credits

Year 2: Identity Systems & Motion Graphics Semesters 3 & 4 (40 Credits)

COM201DSCBrand Identity Design & Systematic Visual Branding4 Credits
COM202DSCTypography II: Experimental & Multilingual Type4 Credits
COM203SECMotion Graphics & Cinematic Storyboarding4 Credits
COM204SECEditorial Publishing & Print Production Systems4 Credits
MIN202MINInterdisciplinary Minor Elective I4 Credits

Year 3: Information Architecture & Public Advocacy Semesters 5 & 6 (40 Credits)

COM301DSCInformation Design, Data Visualization & Infographics4 Credits
COM302DSCSpatial Graphics, Wayfinding & Exhibition Identity4 Credits
COM303DSETransmedia Storytelling & Digital Campaign Strategy4 Credits
COM304SECSocial Advocacy Studio: Design for Civic Change4 Credits
INT302INTMandatory Summer Communication Studio Internship4 Credits

Year 4: Brand Incubation & Senior Showcase Semesters 7 & 8 (40 Credits)

COM401DSCDesign Ethics, Cultural Policy & Media Law4 Credits
COM402INTCorporate Brand Studio Residency (16 Weeks)8 Credits
MIN402MINInterdisciplinary Minor Studio Capstone4 Credits
Track A: B.Des. (Honours) COM491: Senior Communication Degree Capstone & Public Defense
12 Credits
Track B: B.Des. (Honours with Research) COM492: 12-Credit Visual Communication Research Thesis & Defense (Direct Ph.D. Entry for CGPA ≥ 7.5)
12 Credits

NEP 2020 Interdisciplinary Minor Baskets (20–24 Credits)

Minor in Creative Writing & Narrative Strategy: Screenwriting, creative nonfiction, and brand manifesto storytelling.
Minor in Strategic Advertising & Brand Culture: Consumer psychology, global campaign architecture, and cultural resonance.
Minor in Audio Branding & Sound Design: Sonic identities, podcast production, and spatial acoustic media.

Communication Elective Studios (Semesters 5–8)

Typeface Design Lab: Glyph geometry, Indic font drawing, and OpenType font engineering.
Editorial Art & Independent Book Publishing: Risograph printing, binding crafts, and zine distribution.
3D Motion & Computational Graphics: Cinema4D, Blender, and real-time visual performances.

B.Des. in Interaction Design & HCI (4-Year FYUP Honours / Research)

4 Years · 8 Semesters · 160 Academic Credits · Multiple Exit Awards · UGC CCFUGP Framework

NEP 2020 FYUP
B.Des. Interaction Design Multiple Exit Qualifications Academic Bank of Credits
Stage 1 · Year 1 UG Certificate Certificate in UI Prototyping & Creative Coding 40 + 4 Studio Credits
Stage 2 · Year 2 UG Diploma Diploma in UX Research & Component Systems 80 + 4 Studio Credits
Stage 3 · Year 3 B.Des. Degree Bachelor of Design in Interaction Design (IxD) 120 Academic Credits
Stage 4 · Year 4 B.Des. (Honours / Res.) Honours Product Launch or HCI Research Thesis 160 Credits (Direct Ph.D. Eligible)

Year 1: Digital Media & Creative Code Semesters 1 & 2 (40 Credits)

IXD101DSCIntroduction to Interaction Design & HCI Foundations4 Credits
IXD102SECCreative Coding for Designers (Processing & Web Standards)4 Credits
IXD103MDCCognitive Psychology & Human Perception in Interfaces4 Credits
IXD104SECWireframing, Information Architecture & User Flows4 Credits
IKS107IKSIndian Classical Aesthetics (Rasa Theory) & Multimodal Interface Experience2 Credits
AEC102AECDigital Accessibility & Universal Interface Standards2 Credits

Year 2: User Research & Interface Systems Semesters 3 & 4 (40 Credits)

IXD201DSCEthnographic User Research, Usability Testing & Analytics4 Credits
IXD202DSCDesign Systems, Component Architecture & Micro-Interactions4 Credits
IXD203SECMobile & Web Experience Design Studio4 Credits
IXD204DSCService Design & Customer Journey Mapping4 Credits
MIN203MINInterdisciplinary Minor Studio (CS / Business)4 Credits

Year 3: Spatial Computing & Conversational UI Semesters 5 & 6 (40 Credits)

IXD301DSCAR/VR Spatial Computing & Immersive Environments4 Credits
IXD302DSCVoice User Interfaces (VUI) & Multimodal Interaction4 Credits
IXD303DSEDesigning for Artificial Intelligence & Algorithmic UX4 Credits
IXD304SECSpeculative & Critical Design for Future Technologies4 Credits
INT303INTMandatory Summer Product/UX Studio Internship4 Credits

Year 4: Industry Residency & HCI Capstone Semesters 7 & 8 (40 Credits)

IXD401DSCProduct Strategy, Agile Frameworks & Metric Tracking4 Credits
IXD402INT16-Week Product Design Studio Internship8 Credits
MIN403MINInterdisciplinary Minor Capstone4 Credits
Track A: B.Des. (Honours) IXD491: Senior Interaction Capstone & Public Prototype Launch
12 Credits
Track B: B.Des. (Honours with Research) IXD492: 12-Credit HCI & Spatial Interaction Research Thesis (Direct Ph.D. Entry for CGPA ≥ 7.5)
12 Credits

NEP 2020 Interdisciplinary Minor Baskets (20–24 Credits)

Minor in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Cognition: Joint with CS: Transformer architectures, prompt engineering, generative systems.
Minor in Game Design & Virtual Worlds: Unreal Engine, game narrative, ludology, and multiplayer mechanics.
Minor in Behavioral Psychology & Nudge Systems: Cognitive biases, habit formation, and digital wellbeing ethics.

Specialized HCI Studios (Semesters 5–8)

Haptics & Tactile Interfaces: Force feedback motors, micro-vibrations, and non-visual feedback rigs.
Voice UX & Sonic Conversational AI: Conversational turn-taking, prosody, and ambient audio agents.
Speculative Design & Black Mirror Labs: Critical provocation, technological dystopia analysis, and future worldbuilding.

B.Des. in Sustainable Design & Circular Systems (4-Year FYUP Honours / Research)

4 Years · 8 Semesters · 160 Academic Credits · Multiple Exit Awards · UGC CCFUGP Framework

NEP 2020 FYUP
B.Des. Sustainable Design Multiple Exit Qualifications Academic Bank of Credits
Stage 1 · Year 1 UG Certificate Certificate in Ecological Design & Bio-Materials 40 + 4 Field Credits
Stage 2 · Year 2 UG Diploma Diploma in Circular Product Systems & LCA 80 + 4 Field Credits
Stage 3 · Year 3 B.Des. Degree Bachelor of Design in Sustainable Design 120 Academic Credits
Stage 4 · Year 4 B.Des. (Honours / Res.) Honours Circular Capstone or Ecological Research Thesis 160 Credits (Direct Ph.D. Eligible)

Year 1: Ecological Foundations & Systems Thinking Semesters 1 & 2 (40 Credits)

SUS101DSCEcological Systems, Climate Science & Planetary Boundaries4 Credits
SUS102DSCSystems Thinking for Complex Socio-Technical Problems4 Credits
SUS103SECRegenerative Crafts & Bio-Based Material Studies4 Credits
SUS104DSCLife Cycle Assessment (LCA) & Carbon Accounting4 Credits
IKS108IKSTraditional Indian Water Architecture, Stepwells & Ecological Commons2 Credits
VAC102VACClimate Action, Biodiversity & Community Resilience2 Credits

Year 2: Circular Economy & Bio-Materials Semesters 3 & 4 (40 Credits)

SUS201DSCCircular Product Design: Cradle-to-Cradle Paradigms4 Credits
SUS202SECBio-Inspired Design, Biomimicry & Mycelium Materials4 Credits
SUS203DSCSustainable Packaging Solutions & Closed Loops4 Credits
SUS204DSCClean Energy Interfaces & Low-Power Hardware4 Credits
MIN204MINInterdisciplinary Minor Studio (Sciences / Law)4 Credits

Year 3: Resilient Habitats & Community Systems Semesters 5 & 6 (40 Credits)

SUS301DSCUrban Agriculture, Decentralized Water & Food Networks4 Credits
SUS302DSCDesign for Disaster Resilience & Climate Migration4 Credits
SUS303SECCommunity Co-Design & Participatory Action Research4 Credits
SUS304DSEPolicy, Environmental Law & ESG Governance4 Credits
INT304INTMandatory Summer Sustainability Field Practicum4 Credits

Year 4: Field Practicum & Regenerative Capstone Semesters 7 & 8 (40 Credits)

SUS401DSCSocial Enterprise Strategy & Circular Venture Capital4 Credits
SUS402INT16-Week Sustainability Field Practicum & Rural Residency8 Credits
MIN404MINInterdisciplinary Minor Capstone4 Credits
Track A: B.Des. (Honours) SUS491: Regenerative Design Degree Capstone & Public Defense
12 Credits
Track B: B.Des. (Honours with Research) SUS492: 12-Credit Regenerative Materiality Research Thesis (Direct Ph.D. Entry for CGPA ≥ 7.5)
12 Credits

NEP 2020 Interdisciplinary Minor Baskets (20–24 Credits)

Minor in Ecology & Conservation Biology: Wetlands hydrology, native pollinators, and forest restoration.
Minor in Environmental Jurisprudence: Climate litigation, tribal land tenure, and international environmental law.
Minor in Social Entrepreneurship & Circular Finance: Green venture capital, carbon trading, and community mutuals.

Regenerative Design Studios (Semesters 5–8)

Mycelium & Bio-Fabrication Studio: Culturing fungal mycelium into packaging, acoustic tiles, and insulation.
Decentralized Water & Renewable Power: Rainwater harvesting networks, solar cookers, and low-cost filtration.
Circular Fashion & Natural Dye Chemistry: Zero-waste pattern cutting, organic indigo vatting, and compostable textiles.

M.Des. in Design Innovation & Emerging Technologies (NEP 2020 1-Year / 2-Year)

1-Year Track (40 Credits post 4-Year B.Des.) or 2-Year Track (80 Credits post 3-Year UG) · Master's Thesis & Venture Incubator

NEP 2020 PG

Year 1: Strategic Research, Speculation & Rapid Fabrication Semesters 1 & 2 (40 Credits)

MDS501Strategic Design Management & Innovation Frameworks4 Credits
MDS502Speculative Design & Strategic Foresight Methodologies4 Credits
MDS503Advanced Physical Computing & Embedded Micro-Systems4 Credits
MDS504Human-Computer Confluence & Generative Machine Co-Creation4 Credits
MDS505Transdisciplinary Research Methods & Critical Ethnography4 Credits

Year 2: Venture Incubation & Master's Thesis Semesters 3 & 4 (40 Credits)

MDS601Transdisciplinary Venture Studio & Venture Capital Pitching6 Credits
MDS602Global Studio Immersion & Cross-Border Residency6 Credits
MDS691Master's Innovation Research Thesis & Public Prototype Exhibition16 Credits

Graduate Venture Concentrations

Track 1: Strategic Foresight & Planetary Futures: 20-year horizon scanning, Delphi panels, and geopolitical scenario modeling.
Track 2: Deep-Tech Venture Incubation: Seed accelerator pitch, prototype demo days, and angel investor syndicates.

Cross-Border Studio Immersion

Global Design Residency: 4-week exchange with partner design laboratories in Tokyo, Milan, or London.

Ph.D. in Design & Social Innovation

Doctoral Degree · Direct Entry Post 4-Year FYUP (CGPA ≥ 7.5) or Master's · UGC Ph.D. Regulations 2022

UGC Ph.D. 2022

Core Doctoral Coursework Phase Semesters 1 & 2 (14 Credits)

DPH901Design Epistemologies & Research Methodologies4 Credits
DPH902Ethnographic Field Studies & Participatory Research4 Credits
RPE901Research & Publication Ethics (Mandatory UGC Coursework)2 Credits
DPH903Doctoral Research Seminar & Comprehensive Oral Qualifying Exam4 Credits

Dissertation Phase Research & Defense (Direct FYUP / Master's Pathway)

DPH990Continuous Doctoral Dissertation Research30 Credits
DPH991Peer-Reviewed Journal Papers & International Exhibition10 Credits
DPH999Final Doctoral Dissertation Defense & Viva Voce10 Credits

Doctoral Specialization Clusters

Participatory Action Research & Grassroots Innovation Decolonial co-design methodologies, community-led innovation labs, and indigenous knowledge sovereignty.
Biomimetic Systems & Circular Material Futures Bio-fabricated interfaces, metabolic cycles, life-cycle material analysis, and regenerative materiality.
Critical Speculative Futures & Ontological Design Discursive artifact generation, futures literacy, transitional design, and ethical techno-social governance.

Doctoral Theory Seminars & Electives

Phenomenology of Perception & Spatial Empathy Embodied cognitive theory, sensory ethnography, spatial choreography, and ecological psychology.
Historiography & Philosophy of Design Praxis Post-industrial critiques, Bauhaus to cybernetics genealogies, and political economies of design.
Advanced Curation & Discursive Exhibition Craft Museum ethics, interactive installation discourse, and public scholarship dissemination.
Design Portfolio Admissions 2026

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Submit your creative portfolio, sketchbook, or problem-solving prototypes for evaluation by our faculty jury.

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