Comprehensive Course Structure
The Design program at Alliance University Bangalore is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of design principles, methodologies, and applications. The curriculum spans eight semesters, with each semester building upon previous knowledge while introducing new concepts and skills.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Pre-requisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DES101 | Introduction to Design Thinking | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 1 | MAT101 | Engineering Mathematics I | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 1 | PHY101 | Physics for Engineers | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 1 | CSE101 | Introduction to Computer Science | 2-0-0-2 | None |
| 1 | DES102 | Visual Communication | 2-0-0-2 | None |
| 2 | MAT102 | Engineering Mathematics II | 3-0-0-3 | MAT101 |
| 2 | PHY102 | Chemistry for Engineers | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 2 | DES103 | Design Principles and Practices | 2-0-0-2 | DES101 |
| 2 | CSE102 | Computer Programming | 2-0-0-2 | CSE101 |
| 2 | DES104 | Digital Design Fundamentals | 2-0-0-2 | DES101 |
| 3 | MAT201 | Engineering Mathematics III | 3-0-0-3 | MAT102 |
| 3 | ENG201 | Engineering Mechanics | 3-0-0-3 | PHY102 |
| 3 | DES201 | Materials Science and Engineering | 3-0-0-3 | MAT102 |
| 3 | DES202 | Human Factors in Design | 2-0-0-2 | DES101 |
| 3 | DES203 | Design Project I | 0-0-6-3 | DES101, DES104 |
| 4 | MAT202 | Probability and Statistics | 3-0-0-3 | MAT201 |
| 4 | CSE201 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 3-0-0-3 | CSE102 |
| 4 | DES204 | Structural Analysis | 3-0-0-3 | ENG201 |
| 4 | DES205 | Design Research Methods | 2-0-0-2 | DES101 |
| 4 | DES206 | Project Management in Design | 2-0-0-2 | DES203 |
| 5 | DES301 | User Experience (UX) Design | 3-0-0-3 | DES201, DES205 |
| 5 | DES302 | Product Design | 3-0-0-3 | DES201, DES204 |
| 5 | DES303 | Interaction Design | 3-0-0-3 | DES201, CSE201 |
| 5 | DES304 | Sustainable Design | 3-0-0-3 | DES201 |
| 5 | DES305 | Digital Media Design | 3-0-0-3 | DES201, CSE201 |
| 6 | DES401 | Advanced Prototyping Techniques | 2-0-0-2 | DES301, DES302 |
| 6 | DES402 | Design for Accessibility | 2-0-0-2 | DES301, DES304 |
| 6 | DES403 | Innovation Management | 2-0-0-2 | DES301, DES305 |
| 6 | DES404 | Design Systems | 2-0-0-2 | DES301, DES303 |
| 6 | DES405 | Service Design | 2-0-0-2 | DES301, DES304 |
| 7 | DES501 | Capstone Project I | 0-0-6-6 | All previous courses |
| 7 | DES502 | Design Strategy | 2-0-0-2 | DES301, DES401 |
| 7 | DES503 | Research Methodology in Design | 2-0-0-2 | DES301, DES305 |
| 7 | DES504 | Social Innovation Design | 2-0-0-2 | DES301, DES304 |
| 7 | DES505 | Design Ethics and Sustainability | 2-0-0-2 | DES304, DES305 |
| 8 | DES601 | Final Year Project | 0-0-6-6 | All previous courses |
| 8 | DES602 | Internship Experience | 0-0-6-3 | All previous courses |
| 8 | DES603 | Design Portfolio Development | 2-0-0-2 | DES501, DES601 |
| 8 | DES604 | Entrepreneurship in Design | 2-0-0-2 | DES301, DES502 |
| 8 | DES605 | Advanced Topics in Design | 2-0-0-2 | All previous courses |
Advanced Departmental Electives
The department offers several advanced elective courses that allow students to specialize in specific areas of interest. These courses are designed to deepen understanding and provide hands-on experience with current industry practices.
User Experience (UX) Research Methods: This course delves into qualitative and quantitative research techniques used in UX design, including interviews, surveys, usability testing, and data analysis. Students learn how to gather insights from users and translate them into actionable design decisions.
Advanced Product Development: Focused on advanced concepts in product lifecycle management, this course covers topics such as design for manufacturing, supply chain optimization, and sustainable product development. Students work on real-world projects with industry partners to develop innovative products.
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI): This course explores the principles of HCI, including cognitive psychology, user interface design, and accessibility standards. Students gain practical experience in designing interfaces that are intuitive, efficient, and inclusive.
Design for Emerging Technologies: As emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain continue to shape the future, this course prepares students to incorporate these innovations into their designs. Topics include smart cities, wearable technology, and automated systems.
Visual Design Principles: This course emphasizes the importance of visual communication in design, covering color theory, typography, composition, and layout principles. Students learn how to create visually compelling interfaces that communicate effectively with users.
Design Thinking and Innovation: Through a combination of lectures and workshops, this course teaches students how to apply design thinking methodologies to solve complex problems across various domains. It includes case studies from successful startups and established corporations.
Digital Fabrication Techniques: Students learn how to use digital fabrication tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines. This course combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills to enable students to bring their ideas to life.
Sustainable Materials and Processes: This course explores sustainable alternatives to traditional materials and manufacturing processes. Students learn about eco-friendly design practices, life cycle assessment, and circular economy principles.
Mobile App Prototyping: Focused on mobile app development, this course covers prototyping tools, user flows, and responsive design principles. Students build functional prototypes of mobile applications using industry-standard software.
Design Systems and Component Libraries: This course teaches students how to create and maintain design systems that ensure consistency across products and platforms. It includes topics such as component libraries, style guides, and design tokens.
Accessibility and Inclusive Design: This course emphasizes the importance of designing for all users, including those with disabilities. Students learn about accessibility standards, assistive technologies, and inclusive design principles.
Design for Social Impact: Through collaborative projects, students learn how to use design thinking to address societal challenges such as poverty, education, and healthcare. This course emphasizes ethical considerations and community engagement.
Advanced Data Visualization: This course focuses on creating compelling data visualizations that communicate complex information effectively. Students learn advanced visualization techniques using tools like D3.js and Tableau.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): As immersive technologies become increasingly prevalent, this course explores their applications in design. Students develop AR/VR experiences for various industries including gaming, education, and healthcare.
Service Design and Customer Journey Mapping: This course teaches students how to design services that enhance customer experiences. Topics include service blueprinting, journey mapping, and co-creation with stakeholders.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department believes in the power of experiential learning, where students acquire knowledge through hands-on projects rather than passive lectures. Project-based learning is integrated throughout the curriculum to ensure that students develop both technical skills and creative problem-solving abilities.
The mini-projects are assigned at the end of each semester and serve as opportunities for students to apply theoretical concepts in practical scenarios. These projects often involve collaboration with industry partners, allowing students to gain real-world experience and exposure to current market demands.
The final-year thesis or capstone project is a significant component of the program, requiring students to conduct independent research or develop an innovative solution to a complex problem. Students work closely with faculty mentors who guide them through the research process, from defining objectives to presenting findings.
Project selection is based on student interests, faculty expertise, and industry relevance. Faculty members evaluate proposals and match students with appropriate mentors to ensure successful completion of their projects.
The evaluation criteria for these projects include originality, technical execution, presentation quality, and impact. Students are encouraged to present their work at conferences, competitions, and exhibitions to gain feedback from peers and professionals in the field.