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Product Design Curriculum at Sushant University Gurugram

The Product Design program at Sushant University Gurugram is structured to provide students with a comprehensive and progressive educational experience, covering foundational principles, core competencies, and advanced specializations. The curriculum is designed to be both rigorous and flexible, allowing students to explore various aspects of product design while building a strong foundation in design thinking, technical skills, and industry practices. The program is divided into 8 semesters, with each semester building upon the previous one to ensure a smooth progression from basic concepts to complex design challenges. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, project-based assignments, and real-world applications to prepare students for successful careers in the design industry. Throughout the program, students are exposed to a wide range of design disciplines, including user experience design, industrial design, digital design, and sustainable design, ensuring they develop a well-rounded skill set that is highly valued in the industry.

Course Structure Overview

The curriculum is structured to include a mix of core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory sessions. Core courses provide students with fundamental knowledge in design principles, research methods, and technical skills. Departmental electives allow students to specialize in specific areas of interest, while science electives provide a broader scientific foundation. Laboratory sessions offer practical experience in design tools, prototyping, and testing methods. The program also includes mandatory projects and a final-year capstone project that integrates all learned concepts into a comprehensive design solution.

Advanced Departmental Elective Courses

The advanced departmental elective courses in the Product Design program at Sushant University Gurugram are designed to provide students with specialized knowledge and skills in specific areas of product design. These courses are offered in the later semesters and are intended to deepen students' understanding of particular design disciplines and their applications. The following are detailed descriptions of several advanced departmental elective courses:

1. Advanced UX Design

This course builds upon the foundational knowledge of user experience design and delves into advanced methodologies and tools for creating sophisticated digital experiences. Students will explore advanced topics such as user journey mapping, persona development, usability testing, and advanced prototyping techniques. The course emphasizes the integration of data analytics and user feedback to refine and optimize user experiences. Through hands-on projects, students will develop expertise in creating intuitive, accessible, and engaging interfaces for complex digital products. The course also covers emerging trends in UX design, including voice user interfaces, AR/VR interfaces, and AI-driven design solutions. Students will work on real-world projects with industry partners, gaining practical experience in addressing complex design challenges and delivering innovative solutions.

2. Advanced Industrial Design

The Advanced Industrial Design course focuses on the complexities of designing physical products in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Students will explore advanced topics such as sustainable manufacturing, product lifecycle analysis, and the integration of smart technologies into physical products. The course emphasizes the importance of considering environmental impact, ethical implications, and user needs in the design process. Students will engage in hands-on projects that involve the design and prototyping of innovative products, using advanced materials and manufacturing techniques. The course also covers the business aspects of industrial design, including product positioning, market analysis, and intellectual property considerations. Through collaborative projects, students will develop skills in managing complex design challenges and working effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

3. Design Innovation

This course is designed to foster creativity and innovation in the design process, focusing on systematic approaches to generating and implementing new ideas. Students will learn advanced innovation methodologies, including design thinking, lean startup principles, and agile development practices. The course emphasizes the importance of understanding market needs, identifying opportunities, and developing scalable solutions. Students will work on real-world innovation challenges, developing skills in idea generation, prototyping, and testing. The course also covers the commercial aspects of innovation, including business model development, intellectual property protection, and venture creation. Through collaborative projects and industry interactions, students will gain experience in managing innovation processes from concept to implementation.

4. Design Research Methods

The Design Research Methods course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of research methodologies specific to product design. Students will learn various qualitative and quantitative research techniques, including ethnographic studies, user interviews, surveys, and data analysis. The course emphasizes the importance of research in informing design decisions and creating user-centered solutions. Students will engage in research projects that involve designing and conducting studies, analyzing data, and presenting findings. The course also covers ethical considerations in design research and the integration of research findings into the design process. Through hands-on experience, students will develop skills in designing research studies, collecting and analyzing data, and communicating research results effectively.

5. Design for Accessibility

This course focuses on the principles and practices of designing products that are accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Students will explore the legal and ethical frameworks that support inclusive design, including accessibility standards and guidelines. The course emphasizes the importance of considering diverse user needs in the design process and developing solutions that are usable by people with varying abilities. Students will learn about assistive technologies, universal design principles, and inclusive design practices. Through practical projects, students will develop skills in creating accessible interfaces, products, and environments. The course also covers the business case for accessibility and the impact of inclusive design on product success and market reach.

6. Design for Emerging Technologies

The Design for Emerging Technologies course explores the intersection of design and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and biotechnology. Students will learn how to integrate these technologies into product design processes, considering both the technical possibilities and the human implications. The course emphasizes the importance of understanding emerging trends and their potential impact on future product development. Students will engage in projects that involve designing products and services that leverage emerging technologies. The course also covers the ethical considerations and societal implications of integrating emerging technologies into design solutions. Through hands-on experience, students will develop skills in designing for new technological landscapes and creating innovative solutions that address complex challenges.

7. Design Leadership

This course prepares students for leadership roles in the design industry by focusing on the skills and competencies needed to manage design teams and projects effectively. Students will learn about leadership theories, team dynamics, and organizational behavior in the context of design. The course emphasizes the importance of communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking in leadership roles. Students will develop skills in managing design processes, motivating teams, and aligning design initiatives with organizational goals. The course also covers the business aspects of design leadership, including budget management, resource allocation, and performance evaluation. Through case studies and practical exercises, students will gain experience in leading design projects and teams.

8. Design for Global Markets

The Design for Global Markets course focuses on the challenges and opportunities of designing products for diverse global audiences. Students will learn about cultural differences, market research, and localization strategies in product design. The course emphasizes the importance of understanding global markets and adapting design solutions to meet local needs and preferences. Students will engage in projects that involve designing products for specific global markets, considering cultural, economic, and regulatory factors. The course also covers the business aspects of global design, including international trade, supply chain management, and market entry strategies. Through collaborative projects, students will develop skills in creating globally relevant design solutions and managing international design challenges.

9. Design for Sustainability

This course focuses on the principles and practices of sustainable design, emphasizing the environmental and social impact of product development. Students will learn about life cycle assessment, sustainable materials, and circular economy principles. The course emphasizes the importance of designing products that minimize environmental impact and promote social responsibility. Students will engage in projects that involve designing sustainable products and services, considering factors such as resource efficiency, waste reduction, and renewable energy use. The course also covers the business case for sustainability and the role of design in promoting sustainable practices. Through hands-on experience, students will develop skills in creating sustainable design solutions that balance economic viability with environmental and social responsibility.

10. Design for Manufacturing

The Design for Manufacturing course focuses on the practical aspects of bringing design concepts to market, including manufacturing processes, cost analysis, and production planning. Students will learn about various manufacturing techniques, including additive and subtractive manufacturing, injection molding, and assembly processes. The course emphasizes the importance of considering manufacturing constraints and opportunities in the design process. Students will engage in projects that involve designing products with manufacturing considerations in mind, ensuring that designs are feasible and cost-effective to produce. The course also covers the business aspects of manufacturing, including supply chain management, quality control, and production optimization. Through hands-on experience, students will develop skills in designing products that can be efficiently manufactured and delivered to market.

Project-Based Learning Philosophy

The department's philosophy on project-based learning is rooted in the belief that design education should be grounded in real-world challenges and collaborative experiences. This approach emphasizes the development of problem-solving skills, creativity, and practical application of theoretical knowledge. The program incorporates project-based learning throughout all semesters, with each course contributing to a larger, cumulative project experience. The mandatory mini-projects in the earlier semesters provide students with foundational experience in design processes, while the final-year thesis/capstone project allows students to demonstrate their mastery of design principles and their ability to tackle complex, real-world challenges.

Mini-Projects Structure and Scope

The mini-projects in the Product Design program are designed to progressively build students' skills and knowledge. In the first year, students engage in foundational projects that focus on basic design principles and communication skills. These projects are typically small-scale and designed to introduce students to the design process and the use of various design tools. As students progress through the program, the complexity and scope of the mini-projects increase, requiring more advanced skills and knowledge. The projects are structured to encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and iterative design processes. Each mini-project is designed to address specific learning outcomes and is evaluated based on criteria such as creativity, technical execution, user-centered design, and project management skills.

Final-Year Thesis/Capstone Project

The final-year thesis/capstone project is a significant component of the Product Design program, serving as a culmination of the students' learning and a demonstration of their design capabilities. This project is typically undertaken in collaboration with industry partners or academic institutions, providing students with real-world experience and exposure to professional design processes. The capstone project requires students to identify a complex design challenge, conduct thorough research, develop innovative solutions, and present their findings to a panel of faculty members and industry professionals. The project is designed to be comprehensive, requiring students to integrate all the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their program. The evaluation process includes multiple stages, including project proposal, mid-term progress review, and final presentation and documentation. Students are encouraged to work in teams, fostering collaboration and communication skills that are essential in the professional design environment.

Project Selection and Faculty Mentorship

The process of selecting projects and securing faculty mentorship is a crucial aspect of the project-based learning experience. Students are encouraged to propose projects that align with their interests and career goals, while also considering the availability of resources and faculty expertise. The department provides a platform for students to present their project ideas and receive feedback from faculty members. Faculty mentors are selected based on their expertise in specific areas of design and their availability to guide students through their projects. The mentorship process involves regular meetings, feedback sessions, and guidance on research, design processes, and project management. Students are supported throughout the project lifecycle, from initial concept development to final presentation and documentation. The department also facilitates connections with industry partners and alumni, providing students with additional resources and perspectives on their projects.