Curriculum Overview
The Design program at Dr D Y Patil Dnyan Prasad Pune is structured to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in design theory, practice, and application. The curriculum spans eight semesters, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills through project-based learning and industry collaborations.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Pre-requisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | DES-101 | Introduction to Design | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| I | DES-102 | Design Fundamentals | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| I | DES-103 | Visual Communication | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| I | MAT-101 | Mathematics for Design | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| I | PHY-101 | Physics for Designers | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| I | ENG-101 | English for Design | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| II | DES-201 | Design Tools & Techniques | 3-0-0-3 | DES-101, DES-102 |
| II | DES-202 | Typography & Layout Design | 3-0-0-3 | DES-101, DES-102 |
| II | DES-203 | Color Theory & Psychology | 3-0-0-3 | DES-101, DES-102 |
| II | MAT-201 | Statistics for Designers | 3-0-0-3 | MAT-101 |
| II | PHY-201 | Applied Physics for Design | 3-0-0-3 | PHY-101 |
| III | DES-301 | User Experience Research | 3-0-0-3 | DES-201, DES-202 |
| III | DES-302 | Interactive Design | 3-0-0-3 | DES-201, DES-202 |
| III | DES-303 | Design for Sustainability | 3-0-0-3 | DES-101, DES-102 |
| III | MAT-301 | Advanced Mathematics | 3-0-0-3 | MAT-201 |
| III | ENG-301 | Design Communication | 3-0-0-3 | ENG-101, DES-201 |
| IV | DES-401 | Product Design & Development | 3-0-0-3 | DES-301, DES-302 |
| IV | DES-402 | Branding & Identity Design | 3-0-0-3 | DES-301, DES-302 |
| IV | DES-403 | Digital Media & Animation | 3-0-0-3 | DES-301, DES-302 |
| IV | MAT-401 | Design Mathematics | 3-0-0-3 | MAT-301 |
| IV | PHY-401 | Applied Physics for Product Design | 3-0-0-3 | PHY-201 |
| V | DES-501 | Design Thinking & Innovation | 3-0-0-3 | DES-401, DES-402 |
| V | DES-502 | Research Methods in Design | 3-0-0-3 | DES-401, DES-402 |
| V | DES-503 | Design Studio I | 3-0-0-3 | DES-401, DES-402 |
| V | ENG-501 | Professional Communication | 3-0-0-3 | ENG-301 |
| V | MAT-501 | Design Optimization | 3-0-0-3 | MAT-401 |
| VI | DES-601 | Advanced UX Design | 3-0-0-3 | DES-501, DES-502 |
| VI | DES-602 | Product Innovation | 3-0-0-3 | DES-501, DES-502 |
| VI | DES-603 | Design Studio II | 3-0-0-3 | DES-501, DES-502 |
| VI | ENG-601 | Business & Marketing for Designers | 3-0-0-3 | ENG-501 |
| VI | MAT-601 | Mathematical Modeling in Design | 3-0-0-3 | MAT-501 |
| VII | DES-701 | Design for Social Impact | 3-0-0-3 | DES-601, DES-602 |
| VII | DES-702 | Creative Leadership | 3-0-0-3 | DES-601, DES-602 |
| VII | DES-703 | Design Studio III | 3-0-0-3 | DES-601, DES-602 |
| VII | MAT-701 | Advanced Optimization Techniques | 3-0-0-3 | MAT-601 |
| VIII | DES-801 | Capstone Project | 3-0-0-3 | DES-701, DES-702 |
| VIII | DES-802 | Industry Internship | 3-0-0-3 | DES-701, DES-702 |
| VIII | DES-803 | Professional Portfolio Development | 3-0-0-3 | DES-701, DES-702 |
| VIII | MAT-801 | Capstone Research Methods | 3-0-0-3 | MAT-701 |
| VIII | ENG-801 | Design Ethics & Responsibility | 3-0-0-3 | ENG-601 |
The following advanced departmental elective courses are offered to deepen students' understanding and expertise:
Advanced UX Design
This course explores the intricacies of user experience design, emphasizing research methods, prototyping tools, and usability testing. Students learn how to conduct comprehensive user studies, analyze data, and iterate designs based on feedback.
Product Innovation
This course focuses on developing innovative product concepts from ideation to market launch. Students work in teams to identify market gaps, develop prototypes, and present viable solutions to potential investors.
Design for Social Impact
This elective addresses the role of design in addressing societal challenges. Through case studies and hands-on projects, students learn how to apply design thinking to social issues such as poverty alleviation, environmental sustainability, and healthcare access.
Creative Leadership
This course develops leadership skills specifically tailored for creative environments. Students explore team dynamics, conflict resolution, and strategic decision-making in the context of design projects and organizations.
Design Studio III
A capstone studio experience where students undertake a complex, multi-disciplinary project under faculty supervision. This course integrates all learned concepts into a comprehensive deliverable that showcases student capabilities.
Professional Portfolio Development
This course guides students in building professional portfolios that effectively communicate their design skills and achievements. Topics include visual presentation, storytelling, and digital publishing platforms.
Design Ethics & Responsibility
This course delves into ethical considerations in design, examining the impact of design decisions on users and society. Students analyze real-world scenarios to understand the responsibilities of designers in creating inclusive and responsible solutions.
Advanced Optimization Techniques
This elective introduces advanced mathematical optimization methods relevant to design processes. Students learn how to apply algorithms and computational models to solve complex design problems efficiently.
Capstone Research Methods
This course prepares students for conducting independent research in design. It covers literature review, hypothesis formulation, experimental design, and data analysis techniques specific to the field of design.
Industry Internship
A structured internship program that places students within leading design firms or product development teams. This experience provides real-world exposure and enhances employability through practical application of academic knowledge.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The Design department believes in project-based learning as a cornerstone of effective education. Students engage in both individual and collaborative projects throughout their studies, allowing them to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations.
The structure of these projects includes:
- Initial problem identification and scoping
- Research and ideation phases
- Prototyping and iteration cycles
- User testing and feedback integration
- Final presentation and documentation
Evaluation criteria include:
- Creativity and innovation in solutions
- Technical proficiency and execution quality
- Collaboration and communication skills
- Adherence to project timelines and milestones
- Impact and relevance of outcomes
Mini-projects are assigned at regular intervals during the first two years, focusing on foundational skills and concepts. These projects are designed to build confidence and competence in design processes while providing early feedback mechanisms.
The final-year thesis/capstone project represents a culmination of all learning experiences. Students select a topic aligned with their interests and career goals, working closely with faculty mentors to develop a substantial body of work that demonstrates mastery of design principles and practices.