Curriculum Overview
The Design program at Icmai University Jaipur is structured to provide a comprehensive and progressive learning experience across eight semesters. The curriculum is designed to balance theoretical foundations with practical application, ensuring that students develop both deep knowledge and hands-on expertise.
Semester-wise Course Structure
| Year | Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Year | Semester I | DES101 | Introduction to Design | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| DES102 | Design Thinking & Innovation | 2-0-0-2 | - | ||
| MAT101 | Mathematics I | 3-0-0-3 | - | ||
| PHY101 | Physics for Design | 3-0-0-3 | - | ||
| Semester II | DES103 | Visual Communication | 2-0-0-2 | - | |
| DES104 | Drawing & Sketching Fundamentals | 2-0-0-2 | - | ||
| MAT102 | Mathematics II | 3-0-0-3 | MAT101 | ||
| PHY102 | Basic Electronics | 3-0-0-3 | - | ||
| Second Year | Semester III | DES201 | Design Materials & Processes | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| DES202 | Human Factors & Ergonomics | 2-0-0-2 | - | ||
| CAD101 | Computer Aided Design | 3-0-0-3 | - | ||
| MAT201 | Probability & Statistics | 3-0-0-3 | MAT102 | ||
| Semester IV | DES203 | Design for Manufacturing | 2-0-0-2 | - | |
| DES204 | Prototyping & Modeling | 2-0-0-2 | - | ||
| COM101 | Communication Skills | 2-0-0-2 | - | ||
| MAT202 | Calculus & Differential Equations | 3-0-0-3 | MAT102 | ||
| Third Year | Semester V | DES301 | User Experience Design | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| DES302 | Interaction Design | 2-0-0-2 | - | ||
| DES303 | Digital Media Production | 2-0-0-2 | - | ||
| DES304 | Service Design | 2-0-0-2 | - | ||
| Semester VI | DES305 | Product Design & Development | 2-0-0-2 | - | |
| DES306 | Sustainable Design Principles | 2-0-0-2 | - | ||
| DES307 | Design for Accessibility | 2-0-0-2 | - | ||
| DES308 | Research Methodology | 2-0-0-2 | - | ||
| Fourth Year | Semester VII | DES401 | Advanced UX/UI Design | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| DES402 | Design for Emerging Technologies | 2-0-0-2 | - | ||
| DES403 | Design Strategy & Innovation | 2-0-0-2 | - | ||
| DES404 | Capstone Project I | 4-0-0-4 | - | ||
| Semester VIII | DES405 | Capstone Project II | 4-0-0-4 | - | |
| DES406 | Industry Internship | 6-0-0-6 | - | ||
| DES407 | Design Portfolio Development | 2-0-0-2 | - | ||
| DES408 | Career Planning & Placement Preparation | 2-0-0-2 | - |
Advanced Departmental Elective Courses
Departmental electives are designed to deepen students' understanding of specific areas within design and provide them with specialized skills that align with their career interests.
- Design for Emerging Technologies: This course explores how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) can be integrated into design processes. Students learn to create innovative solutions that leverage these technologies while maintaining a user-centric approach.
- Accessibility in Design: This elective focuses on designing products and services that are accessible to people with disabilities. Students study legal frameworks, universal design principles, assistive technologies, and inclusive design practices to ensure equitable access for all users.
- Design Strategy & Innovation: In this course, students learn to develop strategic plans for product and service design. Topics include innovation management, competitive analysis, market research, branding strategies, and designing for scalability and growth.
- Human-Centered Design: This course emphasizes the importance of understanding users' needs, behaviors, and motivations. Students engage in hands-on workshops to conduct user research, prototype solutions, and iterate designs based on feedback.
- Sustainable Product Design: This elective teaches students how to design products with minimal environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. Topics include life cycle assessment, circular economy principles, eco-design strategies, and sustainable materials selection.
- Design for Mobile & Web Applications: Students learn the nuances of designing interfaces for mobile devices and web platforms. The course covers responsive design, usability testing, interaction patterns, and cross-platform compatibility issues.
- Visual Identity Design: This course focuses on creating cohesive visual identities for organizations, brands, and products. Students study brand architecture, typography, color theory, logo design, and identity systems that communicate effectively across various media.
- Digital Fabrication & Prototyping: In this lab-based course, students gain hands-on experience with digital fabrication tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, and microcontrollers. They learn to translate digital designs into physical prototypes using modern manufacturing techniques.
- Service Design & Customer Journey Mapping: This course teaches students how to design services that are user-centered, efficient, and impactful. Students study service blueprinting, journey mapping, empathy mapping, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
- Product Lifecycle Management: This course explores the entire lifecycle of a product from conception to disposal. Students learn about product development phases, risk management, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and end-of-life considerations.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department's philosophy on project-based learning is rooted in the belief that real-world problem-solving enhances critical thinking, creativity, and technical skills. Projects are structured to mirror actual industry challenges, encouraging students to work collaboratively, iterate rapidly, and present their findings effectively.
Mini-Projects
Throughout the program, students engage in mini-projects that build upon each other, gradually increasing in complexity and scope. These projects are typically completed within a semester and involve small teams working under faculty supervision. Each project has defined learning objectives, deliverables, and evaluation criteria.
Final-Year Thesis/Capstone Project
The capstone project is the culmination of the student's academic journey and serves as a demonstration of their ability to apply integrated knowledge and skills. Students select projects that align with their specialization interests or industry needs. They are paired with faculty mentors who guide them through the research, design, development, and presentation phases.
The selection process for capstone projects involves a proposal submission, review by faculty panels, and final approval based on relevance, feasibility, and alignment with student interests and program outcomes. Students must demonstrate their ability to conduct independent research, synthesize information from multiple sources, and communicate findings clearly through written reports and oral presentations.