Design Curriculum at Presidency University Bangalore

The Design program at Presidency University Bangalore follows a comprehensive and progressive curriculum that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application. The program is structured over 8 semesters, providing students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for successful careers in the design industry.

Throughout their academic journey, students are exposed to a diverse range of subjects that build upon each other, creating a solid foundation for advanced specialization. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through studio-based projects, real-world problem-solving, and collaboration with industry partners.

Semester-wise Course Structure

Advanced Departmental Elective Courses

The department offers a wide range of advanced elective courses that allow students to specialize in their areas of interest while maintaining a strong foundation in design principles.

User Experience Research: This course delves into the methodologies and tools used to understand user needs, behaviors, and motivations. Students learn to conduct comprehensive research studies, analyze data, and translate findings into actionable insights for product design. The course emphasizes both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including ethnography, surveys, interviews, and usability testing.

Interaction Design: Focused on creating meaningful interactions between users and products, this course explores the principles of interaction design, information architecture, and user interface design. Students develop skills in wireframing, prototyping, and user testing to create intuitive and engaging digital experiences. The course also covers emerging technologies such as voice interfaces and gesture-based interactions.

Materials & Processes: This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of various materials used in design, their properties, and manufacturing processes. Students learn about sustainable materials, composite materials, and advanced manufacturing techniques. The course includes hands-on laboratory sessions where students experiment with different materials and processes to understand their practical applications.

Digital Fabrication: This course introduces students to digital fabrication technologies such as 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC machining, and other additive and subtractive manufacturing processes. Students learn to design for these technologies and understand the constraints and possibilities they offer in product development. The course emphasizes the integration of digital tools with physical prototyping.

Advanced Product Development: Building on foundational product design principles, this course explores advanced methodologies for developing innovative products. Students learn about design for manufacturability, intellectual property considerations, and market analysis. The course includes working with industry partners to develop real products from concept to prototype.

Sustainable Design Practices: This course addresses the growing importance of sustainability in design. Students learn about lifecycle assessment, environmental impact analysis, and sustainable materials selection. The course emphasizes creating designs that minimize environmental impact while maximizing social and economic benefits. Students also explore circular economy principles and their application in product design.

Design for Social Impact: This course focuses on using design as a tool for positive social change. Students learn to identify social problems, conduct community research, and develop solutions that address real needs. The course emphasizes collaboration with non-profit organizations and government agencies to create meaningful impact through design thinking.

Design Innovation & Entrepreneurship: This interdisciplinary course combines design thinking with entrepreneurial principles. Students learn about innovation management, business model development, and startup creation. The course includes working with industry partners and participating in design competitions to develop market-ready solutions.

Research Methods in Design: This course provides students with the tools and methodologies needed for conducting rigorous research in design. Students learn about research design, data collection, analysis techniques, and academic writing. The course emphasizes both qualitative and quantitative approaches to design research and prepares students for thesis development and academic work.

Specialized Design Studio: This advanced studio course allows students to focus on a specific area of interest within the broader field of design. Students work on complex projects under faculty mentorship, developing expertise in their chosen specialization while contributing to the department's research portfolio.

Design Thesis Research: The capstone research course where students conduct original research in their area of specialization. Students develop a comprehensive thesis that demonstrates their ability to conduct independent research and contribute to the field of design. The course includes mentorship, literature review, methodology development, and presentation skills.

Advanced Design Methods: This course explores advanced methodologies and emerging trends in design. Students learn about artificial intelligence applications in design, design for accessibility, and other cutting-edge approaches. The course emphasizes the integration of new technologies with traditional design principles.

Design Consulting Project: Students work on real consulting projects for industry partners, applying their design skills to solve complex business challenges. This experience provides practical exposure to professional design practice and helps students develop client interaction and project management skills.

Final Design Thesis: The culminating experience where students demonstrate mastery in their chosen area of specialization through an original research project or major design initiative. Students present their work to faculty, industry partners, and peers, showcasing their ability to conduct independent research and create impactful solutions.

Project-Based Learning Approach

The Design program at Presidency University Bangalore is built around a robust project-based learning approach that emphasizes hands-on experience, real-world problem-solving, and collaboration. This methodology ensures that students develop practical skills while working on meaningful projects that contribute to their professional portfolios.

Students begin their journey with foundational projects in the first year, gradually progressing to more complex and specialized initiatives. The curriculum includes both individual and collaborative projects that mirror real-world design challenges and require students to apply their knowledge across multiple disciplines.

The mini-projects are structured as follows:

• First Year Projects: These projects focus on developing fundamental skills in visual communication, basic design principles, and digital tools. Students work on simple design challenges that help them understand the design process from concept to execution.
• Second Year Projects: Building on foundational knowledge, students tackle more complex problems in product design, user experience, or visual communication. These projects emphasize iterative design processes and user-centered approaches.
• Third Year Projects: Students engage in advanced studio projects that require them to integrate multiple disciplines and address real-world challenges. These projects often involve collaboration with industry partners and require students to demonstrate expertise in their chosen specialization.
• Fourth Year Projects: The final year capstone project is a comprehensive initiative where students apply all their learning to develop a significant contribution to the field of design. This project often results in publishable work or market-ready products.

The evaluation criteria for projects are designed to assess both technical skills and creative thinking. Students are evaluated on their ability to:

• Define problems clearly and identify user needs
• Develop innovative solutions that address the problem effectively
• Communicate design concepts through various media and presentation techniques
• Collaborate effectively with team members and stakeholders
• Apply appropriate design methodologies and tools
• Present their work professionally and defend their design decisions

The final-year thesis/capstone project is the most significant component of the program. Students select a topic that aligns with their interests and career goals, often building upon previous projects or research. Faculty mentors guide students through the process of developing their ideas, conducting research, and creating a comprehensive deliverable.

Students can choose their projects from various sources including faculty research initiatives, industry partnerships, or personal interests. The selection process involves discussions with faculty mentors who help students identify appropriate challenges and resources for their chosen topic.