Masters of Design Innovation
Masters of Design Innovation
At Mahindra University, the Master in Design Innovation program is designed to provide a balanced blend of theoretical learning and hands-on project work:
Elective Disciplines
Under the Master of Design Innovation program, the students will select 1 discipline out of four – Industrial Design, Communication Design, Interaction Design and Apparel Design during admissions and work on projects as per their subject area of interest. From the second semester onward, students have the flexibility to tailor their learning journey by choosing elective courses based on their interests.
Additionally, a design research project equips them with skills to address real-world challenges through systematic investigation. At Mahindra University, we are committed to nurturing creative thinkers and equipping them with the tools to lead in the ever-evolving design landscape.
First Year
The first semester will focus on building a strong foundation with theory courses and learning-oriented projects. In the second semester students are introduced to essential concepts and skills through guided instruction and practical exercises, preparing them for collaborative projects.
Second Year
The second year shifts towards industry project-based approach, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. It’s dedicated to developing comprehensive design projects that are both application-oriented and research-driven.
At Mahindra University, the Master in Design Innovation program is designed to provide a balanced blend of theoretical learning and hands-on project work:
Semester 01
| Common for all specialisation | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| S.No. | Course | Details | Credits |
| 1 | Visual Representation | Advanced sketching for foundational skills, Technical Drawing, Creative sketching and Color theory | 3 |
| 2 | 3D Form Studies | All 3 dimensional forms, form generation, form transition, form ideation, sculpture, etc. | 3 |
| 3 | Advanced Elements of Design & AI | Learning Gestalt and all other elements of design – powered by AI | 3 |
| 4 | Entrepreneurship Practice | Course conducted by MU for entire universty students | 3 |
| 5 | Indian Knowledge and Traditions | IKS inspired Design Innovation | 3 |
| 6 | Design Project – 1 | Introduction of 7Cs of Design Innovation and application in Design Project. | 6 |
| 7 | Winter Immersion Mandatory | Industry |
Semester 02
| S.No. | Course | Details | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rich Media Applications | Typography, Visual storytelling, Photography, Video, etc | 3 |
| 2 | Ergonomics | Human Factors, Cognitive aspect, Behavioral Sciece, etc | 3 |
| 3 | Discipline Elective 01 | Industrial Design, Apparel Design, Interaction Design and Communication Design | 3 |
| 4 | Discipline Elective 02 | Industrial Design, Apparel Design, Interaction Design and Communication Design | 3 |
| 5 | Design Project 2 | Applying the core design methodology and industry alignment and Specialized projects. | 12 |
Semester 03
| S.No. | Course | Details | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Online Courses as compulsory electives from NPTEL (relevant to students project) as suggested by the guide | ||
| 2 | Online Elective 1 | Swayam – Open online course platform | 3 |
| 3 | Online Elective 2 | Swayam – Open online course platform | 3 |
| 4 | Thesis Project 1 | Industry Orieted – Biweekly progress presentation | 18 |
| The selected student(s) will have the opportunity for international immersion at Pininfarina during the entire second year. | |||
Semester 04
| S.No. | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thesis Project 2 (can be continuation of Thesis Project 1) | 24 |
| Electives list | Details |
|---|---|
| Communication | |
| Advanced Graphic Design | Exploring experimental and strategic approaches to visual communication through multi-platform design projects. |
| Typography & Information Design | Crafting clear and expressive communication by mastering type systems and structuring complex information. |
| Motion Graphics & Storyboarding | Designing dynamic visual content through motion storytelling, transitions, and animated compositions. |
| Visual Narrative & Film Theory | Understanding the grammar of storytelling in visual media through film language, structure, and semiotics. |
| Industrial Design | |
| Human-Centered Product Design | Designing solutions based on user needs, behaviors, and contexts through empathy-driven research and iteration (advance applicationof the 7Cs of Design Innovation) |
| Materials & Manufacturing Processes | Introduction to a wide range of materials and production techniques based on functionality, sustainability, and scalability. |
| Ergonomics & User Research | Introduction to tools to analyze human interaction with products, emphasizing comfort, safety, and usability through systematic user research. |
| CAD & Digital Prototyping | Introduction to Parametric(Fusion 360) and Polygonal Modelling(Blender/Rhino) |
| Interaction Design | |
| User Research & Design Thinking | Understanding user behavior and solving problems creatively through empathy-driven design processes. |
| UI/UX Design Principles | Designing intuitive and engaging digital interfaces with a focus on usability, accessibility, and user flow. |
| Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) | Studying the relationship between people and digital systems to design meaningful, user-centered interactions. |
| Prototyping with AI Tools | Rapidly visualizing and testing ideas using AI-enhanced tools for smarter, adaptive design solutions. |
| Apparel Design | |
| Fashion Illustration & Sketching | Advanced figure drawing and stylisation, Digital and mix media techniques, Technical Sketching and Apparel Detailing |
| Textile Science & Creative Fabric Manipulation | History of Costumes, Types of Textiles, Printing & Dyeing Techniques, Experimental Fabric Manipulation, Sustainable and Future-Forward Textiles, E-Textiles, Introduction to Wovens & Knitwear |
| Advanced Garment Making Skills | Basic Pattern Drafting Techniques, Seams and Sewing techniques, Digital Patternmaking(CLO 3D), 3D Apparel Construction, Draping Techniques |
| Fashion Innovation Lab: From Concept to Catwalk | Introduction to Couture Fashion, Ready to Wear & Functional Clothing Design, Trend Forecasting & Consumer Behavior, Fashion Branding & Mechandising,User Survey, Market & Brand Research, Silhouette study, Final Range Development for a live project, Fashion Show/Final Jury |
At Mahindra University, the Master in Design Innovation program is designed to provide a balanced blend of theoretical learning and hands-on project work:
| Semester 01 | Common for all specialisation | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| S.No. | Course | Details | Credits |
| 1 | Visual Representation | Advanced sketching for foundational skills, Technical Drawing. Creative sketching, Color theory | 3 |
| 2 | 3D Form Studies | All 3 dimensional forms, form generation, form transition, form ideation, sculpture | 3 |
| 3 | Advanced Elements of Design & AI | Learning gestalt and all extra elements of design, powered by AI | 3 |
| 4 | Entrepreneurship Practice | Course conducted by MU for entire universty students | 3 |
| 5 | Indian Knowledge and Traditions | IKS inspired Design Innovation | 3 |
| 6 | Design Project – 1 | Introduction of 7Cs of Design Innovation and application in Design Project. | 6 |
| 7 | Winter Immersion Mandatory | Industry |
| Semester 02 – UPDATED | Common for all specialisation | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| S.No. | Course | Details | Credits |
| 1 | Rich Media Applications | Typography, image, photography, video, etc | 3 |
| 2 | Ergonomics | Human Factors, Cognitive aspect, Behavioral Sciece, etc | 3 |
| 3 | Discipline Elective 01 | Industrial Design, Apparel Design, Interaction Design and Communication Design | 3 |
| 4 | Discipline Elective 02 | Industrial Design, Apparel Design, Interaction Design and Communication Design | 3 |
| 5 | Design Project 2 | Applying the core design methodology and industry alignment. Specialized projects. | 12 |
| Semester 03 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| S.No. | Course | Details | Credits |
| 1 | 2 Online Courses as compulsory electives from NPTEL (relevant to students project) as suggested by the guide | ||
| 2 | Online Elective 1 | Swayam – Open online course platform | 3 |
| 3 | Online Elective 2 | Swayam – Open online course platform | 3 |
| 4 | Thesis Project 1 | Industry Orieted – Biweekly progress presentation | 18 |
| 5 | The selected student(s) will have the opportunity for international immersion at Pininfarina during the entire second year. | ||
| Semester 04 | ||
|---|---|---|
| S.No. | Course | Credits |
| 1 | Thesis Project 2 (can be continuation of Thesis Project 1) | 24 |
| Electives list | Details |
|---|---|
| Communication | |
| Advanced Graphic Design | Exploring experimental and strategic approaches to visual communication through multi-platform design projects. |
| Typography & Information Design | Crafting clear and expressive communication by mastering type systems and structuring complex information. |
| Motion Graphics & Storyboarding | Designing dynamic visual content through motion storytelling, transitions, and animated compositions. |
| Visual Narrative & Film Theory | Understanding the grammar of storytelling in visual media through film language, structure, and semiotics. |
| Industrial Design | |
| Human-Centered Product Design | Designing solutions based on user needs, behaviors, and contexts through empathy-driven research and iteration (advance applicationof the 7Cs of Design Innovation) |
| Materials & Manufacturing Processes | Introduction to a wide range of materials and production techniques based on functionality, sustainability, and scalability. |
| Ergonomics & User Research | Introduction to tools to analyze human interaction with products, emphasizing comfort, safety, and usability through systematic user research. |
| CAD & Digital Prototyping | Introduction to Parametric(Fusion 360) and Polygonal Modelling(Blender/Rhino) |
| Interaction Design | |
| User Research & Design Thinking | Understanding user behavior and solving problems creatively through empathy-driven design processes. |
| UI/UX Design Principles | Designing intuitive and engaging digital interfaces with a focus on usability, accessibility, and user flow. |
| Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) | Studying the relationship between people and digital systems to design meaningful, user-centered interactions. |
| Prototyping with AI Tools | Rapidly visualizing and testing ideas using AI-enhanced tools for smarter, adaptive design solutions. |
| Apparel Design | |
| Fashion Illustration & Sketching | Advanced figure drawing and stylisation, Digital and mix media techniques, Technical Sketching and Apparel Detailing |
| Textile Science & Creative Fabric Manipulation | History of Costumes, Types of Textiles, Printing & Dyeing Techniques, Experimental Fabric Manipulation, Sustainable and Future-Forward Textiles, E-Textiles, Introduction to Wovens & Knitwear |
| Advanced Garment Making Skills | Basic Pattern Drafting Techniques, Seams and Sewing techniques, Digital Patternmaking(CLO 3D), 3D Apparel Construction, Draping Techniques |
| Fashion Innovation Lab: From Concept to Catwalk | Introduction to Couture Fashion, Ready to Wear & Functional Clothing Design, Trend Forecasting & Consumer Behavior, Fashion Branding & Mechandising,User Survey, Market & Brand Research, Silhouette study, Final Range Development for a live project, Fashion Show/Final Jury |
