Comprehensive Course Structure
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DES-101 | Introduction to Design | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | DES-102 | Visual Literacy | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 1 | DES-103 | Fundamentals of Drawing | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 1 | MAT-101 | Mathematics I | 4-0-0-4 | - |
| 1 | CSE-101 | Introduction to Computer Science | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | DES-201 | Materials and Processes | 3-0-0-3 | DES-101, MAT-101 |
| 2 | DES-202 | Computer-Aided Design (CAD) | 3-0-0-3 | DES-101, CSE-101 |
| 2 | DES-203 | User Experience Research | 2-0-0-2 | DES-101 |
| 2 | MAT-201 | Mathematics II | 4-0-0-4 | MAT-101 |
| 3 | DES-301 | Design for Accessibility | 3-0-0-3 | DES-201, DES-202 |
| 3 | DES-302 | Prototyping Techniques | 3-0-0-3 | DES-202 |
| 3 | DES-303 | Human Factors in Design | 2-0-0-2 | DES-201, DES-203 |
| 3 | DES-304 | Advanced Materials | 3-0-0-3 | DES-201 |
| 4 | DES-401 | Product Lifecycle Management | 3-0-0-3 | DES-301, DES-302 |
| 4 | DES-402 | Digital Interaction Design | 3-0-0-3 | DES-302, DES-303 |
| 4 | DES-403 | Sustainability in Design | 2-0-0-2 | DES-301, DES-304 |
| 5 | DES-501 | Service Design and Innovation | 3-0-0-3 | DES-401, DES-402 |
| 5 | DES-502 | Design Thinking for Startups | 3-0-0-3 | DES-401, DES-402 |
| 5 | DES-503 | Design Research Methods | 2-0-0-2 | DES-401 |
| 6 | DES-601 | Architectural Visualization | 3-0-0-3 | DES-501, DES-502 |
| 6 | DES-602 | Branding and Identity Design | 3-0-0-3 | DES-501, DES-502 |
| 6 | DES-603 | Digital Media Production | 2-0-0-2 | DES-501, DES-502 |
| 7 | DES-701 | Capstone Project I | 4-0-0-4 | DES-601, DES-602 |
| 7 | DES-702 | Advanced Prototyping | 3-0-0-3 | DES-601, DES-602 |
| 8 | DES-801 | Capstone Project II | 4-0-0-4 | DES-701, DES-702 |
Detailed Course Descriptions
Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Processes: This course explores the properties, applications, and manufacturing techniques of modern materials used in product design. Students gain hands-on experience with advanced fabrication methods including 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC machining, and injection molding.
Design for Accessibility: Focused on inclusive design principles, this course teaches students how to create products that are usable by people of all abilities. Topics include universal design standards, assistive technologies, and regulatory compliance.
Digital Interaction Design: This course delves into the creation of intuitive digital interfaces for web and mobile platforms. Students learn user-centered design principles, prototyping tools, interaction patterns, and usability testing methodologies.
Sustainability in Design: Designed to integrate environmental responsibility into the design process, this course covers sustainable material sourcing, life cycle assessment, circular economy models, and green product development strategies.
User Experience Research: Students learn various research methods including interviews, surveys, usability testing, and data analysis techniques. The course emphasizes empathy-driven design and user-centric decision-making.
Service Design and Innovation: This course introduces students to the principles of service design, focusing on mapping user journeys, co-creating solutions, and designing holistic experiences across multiple touchpoints.
Design Thinking for Startups: Emphasizing entrepreneurial thinking, this course guides students through ideation, prototyping, validation, and business modeling. It includes real-world case studies from successful startups in the design space.
Architectural Visualization: Students explore 3D rendering techniques, lighting design, texture mapping, and virtual reality applications in architectural and interior design contexts.
Branding and Identity Design: This course teaches students how to develop cohesive brand identities that communicate core values and resonate with target audiences across various media channels.
Digital Media Production: Students learn advanced digital production techniques including video editing, animation, sound design, and multimedia storytelling for modern platforms.
Project-Based Learning Framework
The Design program at Alard University Pune places a strong emphasis on project-based learning to ensure students develop practical skills and real-world experience. The curriculum is structured around three main types of projects:
- Mini-Projects (Year 1 & Year 2): These short-term projects focus on building foundational skills in design thinking, research, and prototyping. Each mini-project is assigned by faculty members based on current industry trends or academic challenges.
- Capstone Projects (Year 3 & Year 4): The capstone project is the most significant component of the program. Students select a topic of personal interest or industry relevance, work closely with a faculty mentor, and produce a comprehensive design solution that demonstrates mastery in their chosen specialization.
The evaluation criteria for these projects include:
- Creativity and Innovation
- Technical Execution
- User-Centered Design Approach
- Research Depth and Methodology
- Presentation Skills and Documentation
- Impact and Feasibility of the Solution
Faculty members play a crucial role in guiding students through the project selection process, ensuring alignment with academic objectives and industry relevance. Regular milestone reviews are conducted throughout the project lifecycle to provide feedback and support.