To manufacture an efficient and sustainable product that is easy to use, needs to be well-designed. Aesthetically appealing and user-friendly designs are what every business needs. To create groundbreaking designs that are beyond convention takes a designer to not only be extremely creative but also well-trained. A highly skilled designer is an asset to the industry he/she is working in and makes the lives of people easier by creating more efficient and sustainable products and tools.

At MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), we believe in the holistic upskilling of aspiring designers who can change the world with their creativity and versatility. The students are trained with a holistic approach and taught everything essential for living and thriving in the industry from yoga and meditation to software for 3-D visualisation. Let us explore the B.Des.(Product Design) syllabus.

University Core Subjects of the B.Des. (Product Design) Programme

Foundations of Peace : The subject that sets apart MIT World Peace University from other universities

As a part of the mission to endorse the synergy of science and spirituality for world peace, students have the subject “Peace” in every alternate semester. The subject acquaints students with philosophies of Indian Philosophers, Indian and World History, Mental Health, and Psychology to provide valuable education and insights into the culture and history of Indian society and the world. As a citizen or a resident of India, one must be aware of its society and its culture, and this course helps students become more aware about Indian history and society.

Yoga : A must in our Lives and an Essential in the MIT-WPU’s Curriculum

In today’s era of stressful lives, we tend to forget about relaxing and energising our bodies and mind. Yoga is essential for physical and mental fitness. By introducing basic yoga positions and breathing techniques, we aim at the holistic development of students and help them learn effective stress management, which is effective in helping us cope with stress and fatigue.

University’s Other Core Subjects

MIT-WPU’s other core subjects include Critical Thinking, Effective Communication, Environment and Sustainability, Advanced Excel, Indian Constitution, Financial Literacy, and Co-creation (design thinking workshops). These are single-credit subjects introduced in different semesters of the course.

Holistic Learning through Events

Educational events are an effective way to learn about different businesses, the culture of start-ups, and innovations flourishing in the country and the world at large. But most importantly, they are the easiest way to meet and network with important industry leaders which could even turn into a future job opportunity. Some of the major flagship events of MIT-WPU are prescribed as single or dual-credit courses in the curriculum for the value they provide. SLDP (Social Leadership Development Programme) and R.I.D.E (Research Innovation Design and Entrepreneurship) are two such events of significance.

National and International Immersions and Semester Abroad Programmes

MIT-WPU offers learning opportunities for the students through immersive experiences, be it in rural India through rural immersion and learning new courses along with national and international immersion programmes. We also have semester-abroad programmes that are made possible through tie-ups with other international universities across the world.

Programme Foundation Subjects of B.Des. (Product Design)

Tools - Educating Students on the Tools Used for Designing

In today’s era, a designer needs to upskill themselves with the know-how of the latest technologies and software that aid and help their functioning and give a better way of presenting their idea to the client through images and 3D visualisation. We train students with digital tools such as CAD/CAM from the first semester of the programme. Students are also taught about the use of immersive media in product design in the final year of the programme.

Theories for Design

As much as we need tools, we also need to understand important theoretical concepts for understanding design. Design is incomplete without understanding the basic theories and principles of perspective and visual identity.

The foundation topics of B.Des. (Product Design) programme include :

• Elements and Principles
• Human Factors and Ergonomics
• Materials and Processes
• Origami and Kirigami for Design
• Bio-design

With these topics being the core of the design syllabus, it helps with an in-depth understanding of design and helps students form a good foundation for their work. The students are also taught about Intellectual Property Rights to protect their designs and work from theft.

Contributing to the Society through Design - The Interdisciplinary Subjects Offered in Product Design

We have several programme majors such as Designing for Emerging Products and Technologies, Product Design Strategy and Entrepreneurship, Healthcare Innovation, Inclusive Product Design, Toy and Game Design, and Immersive Media in Product Design, which help students understand interdisciplinary approaches and contribute to all sectors of the economy.

Art and Craft as an Integral Part of the Syllabus

As a mission to have a holistic syllabus for the students, we have paid extensive attention to the emphasis on art and craft as a medium to learn design. Sketching is an inseparable part of designing a product and hence, we have focused on it from the first semester itself. We have also included bamboo structures and designs, ceramic designs, craft & culture, and nature-inspired designs.

We encourage students to actively engage in creative pursuits as it helps boost confidence, stimulate creativity, and enhance cognitive ability.

Internship

Work experience is essential for developing insights into what a student wants to pursue whether it is a job, the area of specialisation, or whether to pursue entrepreneurship. At MIT World Peace University, we provide full assistance in getting internships to the students. An industrial design internship is an essential part of the Product Design programme which helps students apply their skills in real life and contribute to the industry.

Conclusion

We provide students with enough resources for their passion and creativity to take wings and soar high in their lives. The programme for Product Design offered by MIT World Peace University is comprehensive and detail-oriented focusing on all-around development. We not only train a student in the required skills to become a designer but also provide them with a plethora of opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and industry professionals and train them for both corporate jobs and ready to pursue their entrepreneurial pursuits. Click here to learn more about our design programmes and syllabus.