The programme structure of B.Des in Industrial Design at UPES is carefully designed to provide students with a balance of creativity, technical expertise, and industry exposure. Spread across four years and divided into eight semesters, the course builds a strong foundation in design concepts during the initial phase and gradually progresses into advanced learning and specialization. The structure ensures that students are not only skilled in design theory but also in practical application through workshops, projects, and internships. By the end of the programme, students are well-prepared to contribute to diverse industries with innovative and sustainable design solutions.
The B.Des in Industrial Design at UPES is a full-time programme of four years, divided into eight semesters. Each year is structured with a specific purpose to take students from basic design understanding to advanced professional practice. The first year acts as a foundation year common to all design students, while the second year onwards focuses on specialization in industrial design and related areas.
The foundation year focuses on building core design skills and creative confidence. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of design, art, and visual communication. The curriculum includes:
Basics of drawing, sketching, and rendering
Principles of design, colour theory, and form development
Introduction to materials and model-making techniques
Digital design tools and software for visualization
History of art, design, and culture to provide context and inspiration
This phase ensures all students share a common base of design knowledge before choosing their specialization.
From the second year onwards, students of the B.Des in Industrial Design at UPES move into discipline-specific learning. Here, the emphasis is on applying design thinking to solve real-world problems through industrial and product-focused design. The specialization phase includes:
Product design and development
Ergonomics and human factors in design
Form studies and aesthetics
Advanced materials and manufacturing processes
Digital sculpting and computer-aided design (CAD)
Clay and 3D modelling for product prototyping
Hands-on practice is central to the programme. Students gain access to state-of-the-art labs such as model-making studios, digital fabrication labs, clay modelling workshops, and prototyping centres. These labs help them translate concepts into tangible models and test their designs for usability and functionality.
One of the strengths of the programme structure of B.Des in Industrial Design at UPES is its focus on industry exposure. Students engage in live projects with industry partners, receive mentorship from design professionals, and undergo mandatory internships that provide them with real-time experience in the design sector. This ensures they graduate with practical knowledge and a strong professional network.
The programme also offers a wide range of electives that allow students to explore areas beyond their specialization. These may include courses in mobility design, retail and interior space design, sustainability, or digital innovation. Open electives encourage interdisciplinary learning and broaden the scope of career opportunities.
The final year of the B.Des in Industrial Design at UPES is designed to bring together everything students have learned throughout the course. It includes:
A major capstone project where students conceptualize, develop, and present a comprehensive design solution
Advanced studio practice sessions to refine skills
Portfolio development workshops to prepare for professional careers
Final internships or industry collaborations that bridge academic learning with the demands of the professional world
The programme structure of B.Des in Industrial Design at UPES ensures that students are nurtured from foundational design education to advanced specialisation, backed by continuous industry engagement. With a mix of theoretical learning, practical labs, workshops, electives, and internships, the structure is holistic and future-focused. By the end of the four-year journey, students are equipped not just with design skills but with problem-solving abilities, creativity, and industry readiness, making them capable of excelling in multiple design domains.
