Curriculum Overview
The curriculum of the Bachelor of Technology in Design program at Maharishi Arvind University Jaipur is meticulously structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of design principles, methodologies, and applications. The program spans eight semesters and integrates core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory sessions to ensure a well-rounded educational experience.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DES101 | Introduction to Design | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | DES102 | Visual Thinking | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | DES103 | Design Process Fundamentals | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | SCI101 | Mathematics I | 4-0-0-4 | - |
| 1 | SCI102 | Physics I | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | SCI103 | Computer Literacy | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 2 | DES201 | Human Factors | 3-0-0-3 | DES101, DES102 |
| 2 | DES202 | Material Science | 3-0-0-3 | SCI102 |
| 2 | DES203 | Digital Media Basics | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | SCI201 | Mathematics II | 4-0-0-4 | SCI101 |
| 2 | SCI202 | Physics II | 3-0-0-3 | SCI102 |
| 2 | LAB201 | Design Lab I | 0-0-6-2 | - |
| 3 | DES301 | Advanced UX Research | 3-0-0-3 | DES201 |
| 3 | DES302 | Information Architecture | 3-0-0-3 | DES201 |
| 3 | DES303 | Prototyping Techniques | 3-0-0-3 | DES203 |
| 3 | DEP301 | Product Design and Development | 3-0-0-3 | DES202 |
| 3 | DEP302 | Ergonomics | 3-0-0-3 | DES201 |
| 3 | LAB301 | Design Lab II | 0-0-6-2 | - |
| 4 | DES401 | Service Design | 3-0-0-3 | DES301 |
| 4 | DES402 | Design for Social Impact | 3-0-0-3 | DES301 |
| 4 | DES403 | Sustainable Design Principles | 3-0-0-3 | DES202 |
| 4 | DEP401 | Digital Fabrication Techniques | 3-0-0-3 | DES303 |
| 4 | LAB401 | Design Lab III | 0-0-6-2 | - |
| 5 | DEP501 | User Research Methods | 3-0-0-3 | DES301 |
| 5 | DEP502 | Interaction Design | 3-0-0-3 | DES301 |
| 5 | DEP503 | Visual Storytelling | 3-0-0-3 | DES203 |
| 5 | DEP504 | Branding and Identity Design | 3-0-0-3 | DES301 |
| 5 | LAB501 | Design Lab IV | 0-0-6-2 | - |
| 6 | DEP601 | Advanced UX Research | 3-0-0-3 | DES401 |
| 6 | DEP602 | Motion Graphics and Video Editing | 3-0-0-3 | DES203 |
| 6 | DEP603 | Virtual Reality Design | 3-0-0-3 | DES301 |
| 6 | DEP604 | Design Strategy and Innovation | 3-0-0-3 | DES402 |
| 6 | LAB601 | Design Lab V | 0-0-6-2 | - |
| 7 | DEP701 | Capstone Project I | 3-0-0-3 | All previous semesters |
| 7 | DEP702 | Professional Practice and Ethics | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 7 | DEP703 | Design Portfolio Development | 3-0-0-3 | DES401 |
| 7 | DEP704 | Entrepreneurship in Design | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 7 | LAB701 | Design Lab VI | 0-0-6-2 | - |
| 8 | DEP801 | Capstone Project II | 3-0-0-3 | All previous semesters |
| 8 | DEP802 | Design Critique and Presentation | 3-0-0-3 | DES401 |
| 8 | DEP803 | Final Review and Exhibition | 3-0-0-3 | DEP701 |
| 8 | DEP804 | Internship | 0-0-0-6 | All previous semesters |
Advanced Departmental Electives
Departmental electives in the Design program are designed to deepen students' expertise in specific areas of interest. These courses go beyond general requirements and allow students to explore advanced topics relevant to their chosen specialization.
User Research Methods: This course delves into various qualitative and quantitative research techniques used in user-centered design. Students learn how to conduct interviews, surveys, usability testing, and ethnographic studies. The emphasis is on translating research findings into actionable insights for design decisions.
Interaction Design: Focusing on the creation of intuitive and engaging interfaces, this course explores principles of interaction design through hands-on projects. Students learn about gesture-based interactions, responsive design, accessibility standards, and user journey mapping.
Visual Storytelling: This elective teaches students how to craft compelling narratives using visual elements. Topics include typography, color psychology, layout composition, and storytelling frameworks that can be applied in various design contexts such as branding, advertising, and digital media.
Branding and Identity Design: Students learn the fundamentals of brand creation and identity development. This includes understanding brand values, target audiences, competitive analysis, logo design, and brand guidelines. The course culminates in a comprehensive brand identity project for a real client or organization.
Motion Graphics and Video Editing: With the increasing importance of digital content, this course introduces students to motion graphics software like After Effects and Premiere Pro. Students learn animation techniques, video editing workflows, and how to create dynamic visual experiences that enhance storytelling.
Virtual Reality Design: As virtual environments become more prevalent, this course prepares students for designing immersive experiences. It covers VR design principles, prototyping tools, user interface design in 3D space, and best practices for creating accessible and engaging virtual worlds.
Design Strategy and Innovation: This course bridges the gap between strategic thinking and creative practice. Students learn how to align design initiatives with business objectives, identify innovation opportunities, and develop strategic plans that drive product success.
Design for Social Impact: Addressing societal challenges through design is central to this course. Students work on projects that address issues such as education, healthcare, sustainability, and accessibility. The focus is on developing empathetic solutions that create positive change in communities.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The Design program at Maharishi Arvind University Jaipur emphasizes project-based learning as a core pedagogical approach. This methodology ensures that students gain practical experience while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Mini-projects are introduced in the early semesters to familiarize students with design processes. These projects typically span 2-3 weeks and involve small teams working on real-world challenges. Students learn to define problems, research solutions, prototype ideas, and present findings effectively.
The final-year thesis or capstone project is a significant component of the program. Students select a topic aligned with their interests and career goals, often working closely with faculty mentors who guide them through the research and development phases. The project culminates in a public presentation and exhibition showcasing the student's work.
Capstone Project Structure
The capstone project is structured to mirror professional design practices. Students begin by identifying a relevant problem or opportunity, conducting extensive research, and developing multiple concepts. They then refine their ideas through iterative prototyping and user feedback loops.
Faculty mentors are assigned based on the student's chosen area of focus, ensuring personalized guidance throughout the project lifecycle. Regular milestone reviews and progress assessments ensure that projects stay on track and meet quality standards.