Our five-pronged approach focuses on your individual strengths to develop your unique qualities towards making you an exemplary pi- designer.
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Bridging Ideas with Impactful Design
From brand logos to immersive media experiences, every visual shapes our world. Dive into the world of communication design, where creativity meets strategy and storytelling drives engagement.
Communication Design course equips the student with skills to create compelling visual messages that resonate across various media. This comprehensive course prepares them to address the needs of a hyper-connected world through a wide range of visual media ranging from digital and web to print and publications.
Students get exposure to a variety of fields within the domain of Communication Design, such as graphics & publications, visual storytelling, brand identity and promotion design, information design and more. The Communication Design course prepares students to be specialists in their chosen field by selecting projects that sharpen their expertise. Students develop a portfolio that showcases their ability to switch between generalist and specialist roles, addressing diverse industry needs.
We extend learning beyond the confines of the studio into the larger social, cultural and commercial realms. Students of Communication Design explore real-world design challenges, and discover needs and problem areas to create impactful design solutions; the citizens are the stakeholders, the city's culture and its arts, their repository. Our past collaborations on projects include Select City Walk Mall, Katha Publications, 'The Village' Project for Serendipity Arts, The Raisina Dialogue etc.
Active collaborations between professionals, faculty and peers from different disciplines allows students to learn 'with' and 'from' each other. The communication design course places emphasis on networking, pitching ideas with confidence and seeking feedback from experts, infuses students with an entrepreneurial spirit, as they become experienced and employable.
Society's needs can inspire designers to innovate. Our communication design students are taught to investigate these needs to create solutions that are not only conceptually strong but also shape how our world looks and functions. Through carefully crafted human-centered projects, we sensitise students to develop solutions that educate, inform and contribute to societal well-being.
Foundation is a bridging programme, aiding your transition from school to higher education.
It provides students a pathway to confidently enter the creative, open-ended, exploratory and experimental environment of design education at IIAD. They acquire a broad spectrum of design skills and build their design vocabulary. After successfully completing the Foundation year, students seamlessly progress to the specialisation of Communication Design.
COMMUNICATION DESIGN PRINCIPLES & TOOLS + VISUALISATION + VISUAL STORYTELLING + COLLABORATION ACROSS DISCIPLINES + INFORMATION DESIGN + BRAND IDENTITY DESIGN
The first year of Communication Design entails a journey of ‘unpacking the self’. By exploring the self, one is able to define their position in the larger context to become an effective communication designer. As students learn new methods of visualisation, they are also encouraged to communicate through words, visual imagery and symbols to develop a unique narrative and voice. Through contemporary debates around gender, diversity, inclusivity, culture and environment, the Communication Design course asks the students to look outward and to find their unique voice and the role they play as designers in the larger context of the world. Along with developing their hand skills, students also learn digital tools such as Adobe Creative Suite and more to help them translate their ideas into outcomes. By the end of the year, the student would have developed skills to bring their ideas alive across different platforms such as print, digital, audio-visual as well as spatial.
MULTIDISCIPLINARY + PRACTICE-BASED + LEARNING BY MAKING + EXPLORATION-BASED
At the end of this year, the students’ first industry interface will be facilitated with an 8-week Learn On-Site internship, which will focus on multidisciplinary learning experiences. Communication Design students can opt to work in various avenues of communication design, such as print and publication, visual communication, branding and advertising, to name a few.
PUBLICATION (PRINT & DIGITAL) + EXPERIENCE DESIGN + DIGITAL NARRATIVES + SYSTEM DESIGN + INDUSTRY PRACTICES & PROCESSES + DIGITAL BRAND COMMUNICATION + CAMPAIGN DESIGN
The second year pushes the boundaries of communication design and prepares the student for the challenges of constantly evolving technology. They will learn both traditional and contemporary skills, tools and techniques, and apply them across complex media applications and practices. From creating their own publication to multimedia narratives, they explore meaningful ways in different mediums to reach out to the target audience. Through digital interactive platforms they will weave together images, music, narrative and voice to give modern expression to characters, situations and experiences.
INDUSTRY PRACTICE + COLLABORATION + BRAND AND CLIENT + ORGANISATIONAL SET-UP + STAKEHOLDERS + REAL-WORLD CHALLENGES
The 16-week Learn On-Site internship is a long-term industry exposure envisaged as the gateway to the students’ professional debut. They get opportunities to work in industry environments and understand the dynamics of organisational set-up. The student will work in set-ups such as design studios, advertising agencies, production houses and publication houses, among others, both within India and internationally. In the past, students have secured internships in several leading design studios, including Ogilvy & Mather, JWD, Quicksand, Denstu, Studio Fry, Quicksand, Om Books, Roli Books, Oyorooms, Katha publications, Double Barrel Production House, and Reliance, among many others.
JOINING THE DOTS + AN EVOLVED SELF + COMPLEX DESIGN PROCESS + ENTREPRENEURSHIP + MAJOR DESIGN PROJECT
Starting their journey with, ‘unpacking’ to now’repacking’ the self, the students come a full circle. In the final year of the communication design course, they will establish a unique and industry-relvant practice while building their networking and entrepreneurial skills. Working on socially relevant design projects leads them to evolve into ethical and purposeful design professionals committed to “designing for a better future.
With the exposure to diverse areas within this versatile discipline and on-site work experience, they gain a chance to focus on an area of interest and strengthen their design abilities within the chosen area. The Major Design Project is an amalgamation of the students’ chosen medium of specialisation and subject area of interest. Communication Design students work on projects in sectors ranging from social to business to entertainment, aggregating a diverse portfolio for themselves. They undertake a project set in business realities, which can be self-initiated or industry-sponsored. The students take independent design decisions while being closely mentored by faculty and industry experts.
Their projects culminate in a creative outcome such as typographic design, social design, campaign, editorial design, spatial experience and many more, bringing a sense of accomplishment to their transformative design education.
"The guidance, wisdom, patience and constructive feedback have been instrumental in enriching me to explore innovative ideas and yet be able to stay original, empathetic, make my own decisions and express my true passion and skills throughout this journey as a budding designer."
Fueled by individual fascination with celestial wonders and concepts, this initiative aspires to elevate interest among middle school students and create an engaging educational environment that inspires future space explorers. - Vanshika Yogendra (Batch 2020-24)
Playable is a set of fine motor therapeutic cards designed specifically for children with cerebral palsy, as fine motor skills are crucial for their daily activities and independence—a concept to increase their engagement, inclusivity and cost effectiveness for the parents. - Yukta Varshney (Batch 2020-2024)
This project explores difficult emotions, and understanding how we navigate and process these challenging emotions through four stages: chaos, acknowledgment, working through and persisting. - Mehar Kalra (Batch 2020-24)
This project centered on wildlife conservation, empathy and a global tech community. The stylized "G" logo, featuring wildlife through negative space, was designed for customizable brand identity elements. - Siya Tanwar (Batch 2022-26)
This project highlights the critical need for CPR training in India and aims to equip Indian teens and adults with interactive, easy-to-understand, and emotionally engaging CPR training, the initiative provides resources to help trainees become capable "Rescue Rangers." - Tanvi Gupta (Batch 2020-24)
Animal Agency
The Crayons Network
Multia
WNS
Mudwater
Digital Jalebi
Airbucks infotech Pvt. Ltd.
Gartner
Mudnwater
DDB Mudra Group
Material Library
Gutenberg
From the initial struggles with uncertainty and creative block to the eventual satisfaction of finalising designs and receiving positive feedback, each step has contributed to a deeper understanding of the design process.
Communication Design is one of the fastest-moving fields and proliferates in all media and enterprises. From a mobile app, advertisement, poster, movie, or book to designing museums, installations and events, a communication designer is involved in conceptualising and creating designs that combine visuals and words. Communication design is a wide stream, offering many opportunities for creative endeavours. The overarching responsibility of a communication designer is to engage your target audience and deliver a message successfully.
Aarti Uberoi is a multi-disciplinary design practitioner with over two decades of experience as a consultant, academician and entrepreneur. An alumna of Massey University, New Zealand and NIFT, New Delhi. She also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE) from Nottingham Trent University, UK.
course leader
Gagan is an interdisciplinary designer, with practice in digital and information design. He holds a Masters degree in graphic design from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, and has completed his bachelors in Applied arts. Gagan has experience of working in the areas of digital product development, game design, IOT products and multimedia journalism.
Nagesh Lakhan is an educator and brand consultant with expertise in typography, information design and branding. He holds a Master of Design (Graphic Design) from the National Institute of Design, India, and has worked as a Communication Designer at Decathlon and Product Graphic Designer for TI Cycles of India.
With nearly ten years of experience, Avanish has an M.A. in Sequential Design & Illustration from the University of Brighton, UK, and a Graduate Diploma in Communication Design from the IILM School of Design, Gurgaon.
Oshin is a Communication Design alumna from DJ Academy of Design, Coimbatore, and has a master's degree from Nalanda University, Rajgir. In her young career, she has worked on a breadth of projects in the industry across design agencies to startups ranging from graphic design to UI/UX. Having an analytical bend, she is a firm believer in the design process. She likes to combine her learnings and abilities best through works that cut across disciplinary boundaries.
With a graduate degree in Animation from DSK Supinfocom - Pune, Pranay Patwardhan is an accomplished artist, illustrator and animator.
IIAD’s purpose-built campus is designed to foster a dynamic and collaborative learning environment. With state-of-the-art studios, digital labs, and a well-equipped library, the campus provides students with the tools and resources needed to explore and develop their creative potential. The campus also offers open spaces for discussions and relaxation, promoting a supportive and inspiring atmosphere for future designers.
At IIAD, students have the unique opportunity to engage with industry experts through masterclasses and workshops, held in state-of-the-art campus facilities.
At IIAD’s flexible studio spaces, students can explore their creative potential in the field of communication design. These versatile environments are designed to foster innovation and experimentation, providing a supportive space for students to develop their skills in various design disciplines, from graphic design and illustration to photography and digital media.
IIAD's Knowledge Research Centre offers students a comprehensive collection of resources to support their academic pursuits. The library collection includes books, journals and up-to-date digital materials, providing the foundation for in-depth research and creative inspiration.
At IIAD's advanced mac lab, students get to bring their digital visions to reality. The lab offers an exploratory zone where they can design and prototype their ideas with the latest software and technology.
Open spaces at the campus allow IIAD's up-and-coming desginers to explore, innovate and create outside confinements.
IIAD’s photography lab is equipped with tools like DSLR cameras, professional lighting, backgrounds and screens made available for students to explore visuals, moving images and for documentation purposes.
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Communication design is one creative discipline that doesn’t bind you to a niche—the jobs and possibilities are limitless. Technically speaking, it is the strategic creation and transfer of meaningful information through visual compositions. It involves crafting messages that influence audience behaviour, perception and attitude across various mediums like print, digital and social media.
Communication designers are experts in fields of advertising, branding, web design, and information design. However, positioned at the crossroads of diverse creative disciplines, this field is required in virtually every sector, from shaping the interface of your mobile phone to the seamless operation of urban city systems.
Communication design includes graphic design but extends its scope to include a more comprehensive approach to effective communication.
Communication designers don’t just focus on aesthetics—they harness visual language to solve communication problems effectively. Here is a comprehensive list outlining their roles and responsibilities:
Depending on your level and interest of study, you can opt for degree, diploma or certificate-level courses in Communication Design. You can pursue undergraduate or postgraduate level in full-time, part-time or online modes as per the availability at the concerned institution. For your ease of understanding, the table below highlights relevant options and their details:
Fascinated by animation, graphic design, filmmaking or visual storytelling? Learn why IIAD’s tailored Communication Design course is the launchpad to your creative brilliance.
At IIAD, the 4-year Communication Design course (UG) is a pathway to refining vital visual communication skills. Beginning with the foundation programme, which attempts to bridge your high-school learning with specialised visual design studies, the course integrates design practice, thinking and research.
Here, you will learn to craft compelling visual narratives using language, images, videos and other graphic elements. You will also get the opportunity to explore various disciplines like graphic design, animation, storytelling, branding, advertising and user-experience design. This course is tailored to equip you with the essential skills and relevant experiences, ensuring you are industry-ready.
Build your fundamental understanding of design at IIAD over 2 or 3 years, then smoothly transition to your desired university abroad by opting for a flexible model that aligns with your goals. One model provides a concentrated two-year academic track, leading to an opportunity for international advancement to an international university of your choice. In an alternative model, you have the flexibility to opt for a transfer to a university of your preference after completing three years of education within a programme of your choice at IIAD.
To explore more details, connect with our admission counsellors or visit our international progressions page.
The curriculum, adapting to changes in digital and print media, ensures our Communication Design course meets industry needs—offering practical skills for the job market.
Recently, the Communication Design department collaborated with the eighth edition of Serendipity Arts Festival, Goa wherein they worked with local entrepreneurs to develop visual branding and communication systems to celebrate the grassroot communities and their traditions.
Another milestone project is the digitisation of the museum experience at the National Museum, in collaboration with Tricolour India Schauspiel Pvt. Ltd.
Students of the Communication Design course actively contributed to live projects with installations at Select Citywalk and Katha Publications (One Katha At A Time).
They also played a pivotal role in notable initiatives such as Project Mapping for Martyr’s Memorial Museum, Rumiyana for Ishara Puppet Theatre Trust, and Folktale Through Multimedia Animation Films.
This cultivates skills to navigate brand and client dynamics, adopting a user-centric design approach, fostering collaboration, and providing practical insights into complex design processes.
IIAD ensures significant industry exposure for communication design students through collaborations with industry leaders like IBM, Cognizant, Bain & Co., Yuj Design, Square Boat, Legatto HealthCare, WNS Global, Learn with Leaders, Boat, Buffalo Soldiers, Brand Catapult, Digital Jalebi, Pepper Square, AICL Communications, E & Y, Lollypop Design, Sostronk, Userfacet, Vega Industries, Lopez Design, Infoedge India, Yatra, and more, with several of these regularly recruiting talent from IIAD.
Facilitated by active collaborations with design professionals, faculty and peers across disciplines, students at IIAD cultivate a growth mindset by learning from each other. The Communication Design curriculum ensures substantial industry exposure through a variety of masterclasses, workshops and mentorship programs led by industry experts both online and offline. This holistic approach enriches students with real-world insights and practical skills.
Prominent contributors from various creative fields have shared their insights through masterclasses and workshops. Among them, Ruchi Batra, Design Director, IBM, led a session on Interactive Experience (iX). Other notable contributors include Anamika Haksar (filmmaker and theatre enthusiast); Varun Grover (writer, comedian, poet, and filmmaker), MK Raina (actor and filmmaker), Vandana Kataria (filmmaker and production designer), and Sudhanva Deshpande (theatre director and actor). Each of these experts shared their insights and knowledge in areas such as filmmaking, storytelling, acting, production design, and Indian New Wave Cinema.
At IIAD, students receive global exposure through international workshops, elevating their learning experiences. One such workshop was led by Dr. Jake Abrams, Associate Professor in Illustration Animation, Kingston School of Art, Knights Park on poetic objects. The Communication Design department boasts a track record of success, with both students and alumni earning prestigious accolades and awards.
Upon successfully finishing the course, you get the chance to showcase your projects at the yearly exhibition, where distinguished professionals from the design industry attend.
Over the years, IIAD has been graced by the attendance of diverse and influential individuals as guests for the show. These include M K Raina (Theatre Actor & Director), Dadi Pudamjee (Founder, The Ishara Puppet Theatre), Manish Vashist (Design Director, UX Group Manager, IBM India), Laila Tyabji (Founder, Dastkar), Dr. Sraboni Bhaduri (Head of Brand & Consumer Insights at Future Brands), Sunil Vashisth (Sr. Vice President of Strategy at Future Brands), Nikhil Joshi (Partner, Digital Jalebi), Indrani De Parker (Designer and Faculty, IIIT), Amardeep Behl (Managing Director, AB Design Habit & Co. Pvt Ltd), Samar Jodha (Founder, Red Balloon), Arini and Medha Soni (Founder and CEO, I, Arini), to name a few.
IIAD’s communication design course is unique because it’s not your typical classroom setup. Instead, it’s all about hands-on learning in a studio environment, focusing on developing your practical skills. What makes it stand out even more is the active collaboration between professionals, faculty, and students from different disciplines. This mix of perspectives allows students to learn not just from their instructors but also from each other.
In this course, networking, pitching ideas, and getting feedback from experts are key components. This approach not only gives students a taste of entrepreneurship but also makes them more job-ready.
The teaching method covers everything from visualisation and design tools to visual narratives and digital storytelling. Through a five-step process, students discover their unique style by exploring, getting exposure to industry trends, and chatting with professionals.
IIAD’s communication design faculty is a diverse group with names including Sakshi Jain, Aarti Uberoi, Shaaz Ahmed, Chandrika Kumari, Devan Das, Gagan Narhe, Ikroop Sandhu, Avanish Sathianathan, Oshin Vipra Sagar, Inderjit Singh Jassel, Kaushikee Gupta, and Pranay Patwardhan. They bring real-world experience to the table, making the learning experience at IIAD both practical and industry-oriented. To know more, please visit the website.
A career in communication design opens up diverse opportunities across several fields on different levels. Here are some key options:
Notable alumni who have landed with reputable organisations include Aakriti Jain at Grid Design Studio, Lilly Topo at Sostrong, Inder Raj Singh Virdi at freightcom, Lopamudra Bose at Bain & Company, Mallika Johari at Cognizant, Sushmita Rai at Centre for Policy Research, Malavika Thampi at House of Masaba, Duvve Gautam at cult.sport, Angad Singh Jassar at Digitow Design Studio and Komal Singh Bhargava at cashkaro.com.
IIAD alumni have pursued master’s degrees at various institutions globally, including York University and La Salle College in Canada, Loughborough University in the UK, UCA, England and Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University, USA. Locally, alumni have continued their education at institutions like Jamia Milia Islamia and Delhi Technological University in New Delhi.
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