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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Create tangible objects, products or systems that are not just visually appealing but also efficient, ethical and user-friendly.
This Product Design course embraces the interdisciplinary and problem-solving nature of design. It provides a platform for creative minds to explore and experiment with ideas, processes and materials to construct new possibilities and personal expressions. The course emphasises on systems thinking approach, and integration of the indigeneous and the avant garde, to create innovative designs solutions across a range of materials and media.
The rapidly changing environment of 21st century needs professionals who can view existing problems with a fresh perspective, and solve problems that have not been encountered before. The course stimulates a learner's capacity to balance intuitive thinking with logical reasoning to come up with relevant solutions. To this end, the course builds the ethos of viewing constraints & limitations as opportunities.
The focus is on learning from the real-world environment around, encouraging first-hand experiences and hands-on explorations to lead the creative process. Engaging with people & society and experimenting with materials, tools & technology in labs & workshops enables learners to challenge established practices, recognise possibilities of cross application and discover their own design language & process.
Learners engage closely with peers, teachers and experts from different disciplines to learn 'with' and 'from' each other through interactions and collaborative projects. The Product Design course also provides continuous opportunities to work with external industry agencies. Such collaborations allow them to exchange ideas, understand varying points of view and develop a holistic perspective. This helps develop adaptable and agile, creative practitioners who can seamlessly collaborate with professionals from varying backgrounds to co-create products and systems.
Product Design course prepares professionals for a range of avenues, such as fashion accessories, lifestyle products, consumer goods and indigenous crafts, in the commercial as well as social sectors. Learners develop a strong suit to work on 3-dimensional forms and spaces utilising a range of traditional and new-age materials and technology. You will develop the capability to not just visualise and conceptualise products but also to see through their production and market placement. Graduate with a portfolio that showcases your competency to address diverse industry needs and the ability to switch between generalist and specialist roles.
Foundation is a bridging programme, aiding the transition from school to un-school.
The first year provides a segue for students to confidently enter the creative, open-ended, exploratory and experimental environment of design education at IIAD. You will acquire a broad spectrum of design skills and build your design vocabulary. After successfully completing the Foundation year, you will seamlessly progress to your chosen specialisation of Product Design.
VISUALISATION & REPRESENTATION + FORM STUDY + THINKING THROUGH MAKING + INQUIRY & INVESTIGATION + CONTEXT IN DESIGN
You begin your journey in Product Design with a deep dive into the interaction between humans, objects and their environment. You probe into the interrelationship between form and function and understand aesthetic harmony, materiality and human factors. This exploration is further supported by a study of the history and evolution of products. Conceptual understanding is achieved through a strong foundation in practical exploration using field study, analytical drawing and model-making.
In Product Design, thinking and making are not sequential activities but work in tandem with each other; you will be spending substantial time in 3D workshops and digital labs to not just execute outcomes but also visualise possibilities by thinking through making. Visits to factories and fabrication units are integral to developing your understanding of materials, processes, tools and technology. You will work with a variety of organic materials, metals and plastics to translate ideas into tangible forms. Studying indigenous craft practices and working with artisans in their habitat will give you exposure to their material and non-material culture. This also helps develop sensitivity towards working in different environments and settings, which is integral to the practice of product design.
INDUSTRY EXPOSURE + EXPLORATORY + PRACTICE-BASED
At the end of this year, learners have their first industry interface with an 8-week long “Learn On-Site” internship, which will focus on working hands-on in a makers’ space. You can opt to work with fabrication units and creative studios in sectors such as fashion & lifestyle, culture & heritage, art & architecture.
TECHNOLOGY & MANUFACTURING + MATERIAL FUSION & COMBINATION + DESIGN RESEARCH + SYSTEMS THINKING + BUSINESS CONTEXT OF DESIGN
This year focusses on developing your understanding of the position and role of design within the wider context of a business or organisation. You advance your design abilities to deal with the complexities of multiple stakeholders, production, technological advancements, market realities and socio-cultural dynamics. Our emphasis on real-world design application and industry experience takes centre stage this year, through live projects as well as continuing fieldwork and visits to fabrication units.
You extend your knowledge and skills of materials and processes to understand finishing and precision, experiment with material fusion and combinations and integrate emerging technologies. You also learn methods to study user, consumer, brand and market. An understanding of markets and trends, as well as production and manufacturing, enables you to take holistic and nuanced design decisions. The year also provides an opportunity to address digital integration into physical products. Another highlight of this year is ethical and purposeful collaboration with indigenous craft practices and systems to apply design thinking in the realm of technology, market opportunities and value chain optimisation.
INDUSTRY PRACTICE + ORGANISATIONAL SET-UP + COLLABORATING WITH STAKEHOLDERS + DESIGN APPLICATION IN REAL-WORLD SETTING
The 16-week “Learn On-site” internship is a long-term industry exposure envisaged as the gateway to the students’ professional debut. You will get an opportunity to work in an industry environment to understand the dynamics of a professional set-up, and how design fits into an organisational process. You can work in set-ups such as design & art studios, manufacturing units, brands, research & development labs. Some of the companies that product design students may work with are: Art’d’nox, Urban Ladder, Good Earth, Dastakar, Industree, Woodland Shoes, INTACH, Titan watches, Tanishq, etc.
AN EVOLVED SELF + PERSONAL STANDPOINT + RESEARCH-LED DESIGN + BUSINESS OF DESIGN + MAJOR DESIGN PROJECT
The final year of the Product Design course focusses on learners arriving at their own individual design perspective and language and strengthening their professional abilities. With exposure to diverse areas within this versatile discipline, they are facilitated to identify their area of interest and pursue the same with growing independence. To round off your learning and development into industry-relevant, multi-faceted professionals, you add an understanding of marketing, merchandising and retail to your core competencies of design.
You also gain an awareness of the business of design, professional networking and entrepreneurship. Taking an immersive and holistic, research-based approach to design projects will lead you to evolve into ethical and purposeful design professionals. The final year creates an opportunity to explore and question the role and influence of design practice in the macro context of society and humanity. The Product Design course culminates with the Major Design Project, which gives the learner an opportunity to showcase their creativity, individual style and design process that is representative of their overall abilities as well as their chosen area of interest.
You will undertake a project set in the 21st century reality of their immediate environment; the project can be self-initiated or industry-sponsored. You will shape the overall project process and take design decisions independently while being closely mentored by faculty and industry experts. The project and year culminate in a professional design exhibition attended by eminent members of the creative community and industry.
Designed for portability, Urn Espresso offers a smart solution for brewing espresso. Featuring a compact design and smartphone-controlled heat plate, it allows for intuitive operation. Inspired by traditional silver urns, the design blends modern functionality with classic style. Akshay Khandelwal
Nome, a minimalist commuter backpack, offers style and function. With adjustable compartments, durable materials and a sustainable design, it’s perfect for everyday use. The leather accent adds a touch of sophistication, while the compartments provide ample storage. Akshay Khandelwal
Theto, a minimalist coaster set, explores Cycladic nature with indigenous materials like gold, black volcanic glass, naxian marble, bronze, terracotta, copper, silver, and parian marble. These materials, once vital to the region, reflect its timeless beauty. Akshay Khandelwal
Sculpted from bamboo, this pen stand showcases the versatility and beauty of the material. Inspired by a classroom project, it combines traditional Rajasthani artwork with modern design to create a unique and functional piece. Akshay Khandelwal
Product designers are problem solvers by nature. They bring together their understanding of forms, human factors, aesthetics, materials & technology, as well as various processes and techniques of research and design development to create tangible products or systems that are not just visually appealing but also efficient, ethical and user-friendly. A product designer is adept in not just visualising and conceptualising products, but is also competent to see through their production and market placement. Their broad ranging skill set and systems thinking approach make them suitable to function in a range of industry contexts and set-ups.
Pankaj Narain is a Furniture Design Alumnus from National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. He holds a post graduate certification in teaching and learning in higher education from Kingston University, UK and has a teaching experience of over 14 years at various design institutes in the country. He has also completed a certification programme in Wood Seasoning from The Forest Research Institute, Dehradun. Currently, he teaches at Indian Institute of Art and Design. In the past he has taught at Pearl Academy of Fashion, NID - Kurukshetra, IILM - Gurgaon etc. to name a few and has been an External Jury member for Product and Furniture Design at a number of renowned National Institutes.
Pranay Mangrati graduated from National Institute of Fashion Technology, He is now an associate professor with the Indian Institute of Art & Design and even though he is essentially a product designer at the core, he prefers not being confined to one disciplinary box.
Hemanshi’s strong passion for design stems from her days at her alma mater (NIFT). With a varied career experience spanning over 8 years, her knowledge in design expands in multiple domains like UI/UX, packaging, and branding.
Aaina Chakotra is a product designer with a keen eye for detail and a strong appreciation for craftsmanship. Known for her precision, she carefully considers every element of her designs from concept to execution. Her expertise lies in refining materials, forms, and seamlessly blending aesthetics with function.
Mohd. Aamir Nayyar is a trained Accessory Designer and specialises in precious metals. He has worked in both the organised and unorganised sectors as a Jewellery Designer and has conducted a number of skill upgrade and design development workshops in crafts in regions like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Rajasthan.
IIAD’s purpose-built campus is optimized to meet the evolving learning-teaching needs of its innovative pedagogy and curriculum. The environment’s flexible spaces include studios, digital labs and 3D material workshops, which are all designed to facilitate seamless multidisciplinary collaborations and exchanges.
Students get to bring their ideas to life by working with a diverse range of materials at IIAD's material lab.
Students get to bring their digital visions to reality through IIAD's advanced Mac lab, where they can design and prototype their ideas with the latest software and technology.
Students can unleash their creativity in IIAD's flexible studio spaces. These versatile environments are designed to foster innovation and support a wide range of design processes, from initial ideation to final prototyping.
IIAD's Knowledge Research Centre offers students a comprehensive collection of resources to support their academic endeavors. Our collection includes books, journals, and digital materials, providing the foundation for in-depth research and creative inspiration.
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At its heart, product design is a multifaceted discipline that involves developing tangible objects, products, or systems that are efficient, ethical, functional and visually appealing.
This discipline draws people who are:
Product designers are natural problem solvers who effortlessly integrate an understanding of forms, materials, and technology with research and design development. They excel at solving complex challenges by creating new products that cater to user demands while considering the product’s utility and aesthetics.
Beyond visualising and conceptualising items, these professionals are capable of steering their designs through the process of manufacturing and market placement.
Their broad skill set and systems thinking approach enable them to work effectively in a variety of industrial environments and organisational structures.
For a more detailed overview of the discipline, read this: What is product design?
Students can choose between degree programmes, diplomas and certificates, each offering distinct advantages.
Still unsure about which path to take? Speak with our admission counsellors.
The scope of tangible product design education in today’s market is expansive and highly rewarding. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:
Student’s may also opt for a career as an accessory designer, lifestyle product designer, craft entrepreneur, design consultant, design manager, visual merchandiser, + more!
The product design programme equips aspiring designers with a wide skill set that includes creative, technical and interpersonal abilities.
Key skills include:
The first year establishes a strong foundation, introducing building blocks of design principles. Year two delves deeper, equipping students with expertise in 3D forms, materiality, human factors and practical making skills.
The third year challenges students to hone their design abilities, navigating the complexities of multiple stakeholders, production, technology, and market realities. Crucially, this year also includes immersive product design internships, providing hands-on industry experience.
The final year empowers students to develop a personal design philosophy and showcase their mastery through a graduation project that demonstrates their accumulated expertise.
IIAD’s comprehensive product design programme is designed to nurture the next generation of design innovators.
IIAD’s Product Design course integrates systems thinking, indigenous knowledge, and contemporary practices. Students spend substantial time in workshops and labs exploring through field study, analytical drawing, and model-making. The studio-based, research-led approach encourages experimentation and innovation, ensuring a deep understanding of design principles.
Enriched by industry collaborations and international perspectives, the curriculum emphasises sustainability and social responsibility. Students work closely with experienced faculty and mentors, developing technical skills and critical thinking to navigate the complexities of modern product design.
The career services division actively supports students through internships, placement assistance, and professional workshops. Students receive guidance in portfolio development, interview preparation and career planning.
Find out how the career cell can help you accelerate your career.
Product design has emerged as one of the most promising career paths in India’s evolving creative and technical landscape. Entry-level product designer salary typically begins their journey with packages ranging from ₹4-7 LPA, progressing to ₹12-18 LPA in mid-career roles. Seasoned professionals, especially those in leadership positions, often command upwards of ₹25 LPA.
IIAD’s network of 350+ reputable organizations connects product design students to internships, projects and placement opportunities at Art’d’nox, Urban Ladder, Good Earth, Dastakar, Industree, Woodland Shoes, Titan watches, Tanishq, etc. and many more established companies. Learn more about placements and opportunities.
Students with 10+2 or equivalent in any stream (Science, Commerce, Humanities/Arts) with an aggregate of a minimum 50% are eligible to apply.
Refer to the Admissions page for detailed information on online and offline admissions.
IIAD provides merit-cum means scholarships to deserving students. The information about applying for a scholarship will be made available along with the offer of admission. Know more about the fee structure.
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