Course Structure Overview
The curriculum for the Design program is meticulously structured to ensure a progressive and holistic educational journey. The program spans eight semesters, with each semester building upon the previous one to develop both foundational knowledge and specialized expertise.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DSC101 | Introduction to Design | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 1 | DSC102 | Visual Communication | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 1 | DSC103 | Design Principles & Elements | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 1 | MAT101 | Calculus I | 4-0-0-4 | None |
| 1 | MAT102 | Linear Algebra | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 1 | PHY101 | Physics I | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 2 | DSC201 | Design Research Methods | 3-0-0-3 | DSC101 |
| 2 | DSC202 | Typography & Layout Design | 3-0-0-3 | DSC101 |
| 2 | DSC203 | Color Theory and Psychology | 3-0-0-3 | DSC101 |
| 2 | MAT201 | Calculus II | 4-0-0-4 | MAT101 |
| 2 | PHY201 | Physics II | 3-0-0-3 | PHY101 |
| 2 | CSE101 | Introduction to Computer Science | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 3 | DSC301 | User Interface Design | 3-0-0-3 | DSC201 |
| 3 | DSC302 | Design for Accessibility | 3-0-0-3 | DSC201 |
| 3 | DSC303 | Prototyping & Modeling | 3-0-0-3 | DSC201 |
| 3 | MAT301 | Probability & Statistics | 3-0-0-3 | MAT201 |
| 3 | ENG101 | Engineering Mechanics | 3-0-0-3 | PHY201 |
| 4 | DSC401 | Interaction Design | 3-0-0-3 | DSC301 |
| 4 | DSC402 | Service Design | 3-0-0-3 | DSC301 |
| 4 | DSC403 | Design for Sustainability | 3-0-0-3 | DSC301 |
| 4 | CSE201 | Data Structures & Algorithms | 3-0-0-3 | CSE101 |
| 5 | DSC501 | Advanced UX Research | 3-0-0-3 | DSC401 |
| 5 | DSC502 | Design Thinking & Innovation | 3-0-0-3 | DSC401 |
| 5 | DSC503 | Human-Centered AI Systems | 3-0-0-3 | DSC401 |
| 5 | MAT401 | Mathematical Modeling | 3-0-0-3 | MAT301 |
| 6 | DSC601 | Product Development | 3-0-0-3 | DSC502 |
| 6 | DSC602 | Design for Social Impact | 3-0-0-3 | DSC502 |
| 6 | DSC603 | Ethics in Design | 3-0-0-3 | DSC502 |
| 7 | DSC701 | Capstone Project I | 4-0-0-4 | DSC601 |
| 7 | DSC702 | Design Studio | 3-0-0-3 | DSC601 |
| 8 | DSC801 | Final Year Thesis | 4-0-0-4 | DSC701 |
Advanced Departmental Electives
Advanced departmental electives in the Design program are designed to provide students with specialized knowledge and skills tailored to their chosen career paths.
- Cognitive Psychology for Interface Design: This course explores how cognitive processes influence user interaction with digital interfaces. Students learn about perception, memory, attention, and decision-making within the context of UI/UX design.
- Digital Prototyping Tools: Focused on practical application, this course teaches students to use advanced prototyping tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, and InVision to create interactive prototypes that simulate real user experiences.
- Accessibility in Digital Spaces: Students learn to design interfaces that are accessible to individuals with disabilities. The course covers WCAG guidelines, assistive technologies, inclusive design principles, and legal compliance requirements.
- Life Cycle Assessment: This elective introduces students to the environmental impact of products throughout their lifecycle—from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal—helping them make informed decisions about sustainable product design.
- Design for Emerging Technologies: Students explore how emerging technologies like AR/VR, IoT, and blockchain can be integrated into design processes to create immersive and innovative experiences.
- Ethical AI in Design: Examines the ethical implications of incorporating artificial intelligence into design. Topics include bias detection, fairness, transparency, and responsible data use in AI-powered systems.
- Service Design & Innovation: This course focuses on designing service experiences that are seamless, efficient, and user-friendly. Students learn to map service journeys, identify pain points, and develop strategies for improvement.
- Brand Identity & Visual Systems: Designed to help students create compelling visual identities for organizations. The course covers logo design, color theory, typography, brand guidelines, and visual storytelling techniques.
- User Experience Research Methods: Provides an in-depth look at qualitative and quantitative research methods used in UX research. Students learn to conduct user interviews, surveys, usability testing, and data analysis.
- Sustainable Materials Innovation: Students explore new materials and manufacturing processes that reduce environmental impact. The course includes hands-on experimentation with biodegradable plastics, recycled materials, and modular construction techniques.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The Department of Design places a strong emphasis on project-based learning as a means of integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application. Projects are structured to simulate real-world scenarios, encouraging students to collaborate, iterate, and solve complex problems.
Mini-projects begin in the second semester, allowing students to apply fundamental concepts in small-scale, manageable tasks. These projects typically involve working in teams and include deliverables such as sketches, prototypes, presentations, and written reports.
The final-year thesis/capstone project is a significant component of the curriculum. Students select a topic relevant to their specialization and work closely with faculty mentors to develop an original research or design solution. The process includes proposal development, literature review, experimentation, documentation, and public presentation.
Students are encouraged to choose projects that align with their interests and career goals, ensuring personal investment and motivation throughout the process. Faculty members from various disciplines support students in selecting appropriate topics and provide guidance on methodology, resources, and evaluation criteria.