Department of Design
Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
M.Des. / Ph.D.
- Design Enterpreneurship
- Design Research
- Design Practice
Join Us
About
Design education at IIT Kanpur is a transformative journey that fosters creativity and critical thinking. With a nice blend of theory and practice, our curriculum lays emphasis on user-centred approaches and incorporates human factors to ensure that designs effectively meet the needs and behaviours of users. Through hands-on projects, collaborative teamwork, and interdisciplinary learning, we prepare students for real-world challenges.
We incorporate elements of social innovation, encouraging students to tackle pressing societal issues through the development of sustainable products, applications and services. We utilize advanced tools, technology, and design thinking methodologies to cultivate a mindset focused on continuous improvement and adaptability. We empower students to experiment with ideas, materials, and technologies, addressing complex challenges in an increasingly visual and interactive world. Candidates with previous work experience are encouraged to apply. We also encourage students to place a strong emphasis on intellectual craftsmanship and personal expression in all their design endeavours.
Our Masters and PhD program offers a robust platform for in-depth exploration and academic contribution in various design fields, guiding you not only to become skilled designers but also visionary leaders and strategic changemakers capable of shaping the future. Join us to transform your passion into expertise and make a meaningful impact in the world of design. Explore your future at the Department of Design!
Featured
IITK launches Kala Gram
IIT Kanpur has launched Kala Gram, a design development centre at the Ranjit Singh Rozi Shiksha Kendra to preserve and revitalise traditional crafts through innovation. Prof. Satyaki Roy has been closely involving with the centre since its inception. The centre will serve as a hub for artisans to explore new materials, techniques, and market.
Designing sustainable bio-materials
Prof. Mainak Das works at the intersection of biomaterials and design. Most recently, his group has worked on innovative projects with silk cocoons. Water vapor increases the electrical conductivity of silk cocoons, human hair, jute, and corn silk. In the present study, XPS analysis of cocoons showed that water vapor reduces the surface presence of low-energy carbon species. This research presents directions for advanced biomaterials design that are useful for long-terms sustainability.
Flexible and hybrid manufacturing
The Smart Manufacturing and Intelligent Learning Systems Lab (SMILE Lab) is at the forefront of pioneering research and innovation in the fields of advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and intelligent learning systems. By bridging the gap between traditional manufacturing and Industry 4.0, we aim to create smarter, more efficient.
Autonomous Navigation Rover
Navigation Robot with object recognition and obstacle avoiding and path planning. By HIVE Lab.
HFSS Studios design researchers
HFSS studios designs for humans in complex systems. Under this banner it pursues three main lines of research: Human Machine Interaction, Human Factors and Human Systems Integration. Application areas include both technological and social sectors where human centred design can provide value addition and make it comfortable and productive for users.
News
- Rolling advertisment for new faculty can be found here
- We are grateful to our esteemed alumnus Shoubhik Dutta Roy (Associate Professor at MIT Institute of Design) for leading an inspiring workshop on...
- A huge thank you to our alumni Piyush Belchandan (Interaction Designer at Google) and Kirti Ahlawat (Senior Designer at Microsoft) for leading...
- Design meets play at IIT Kanpur! Our Department of Design students showcased their board game masterpieces during the Annual Foundation Day celebration on Nov 1st & 2nd 2023.
- Selected candidates for Ph.D Admission - Dec 2024
- We are grateful to our esteemed alumnus Shoubhik Dutta Roy (Associate Professor at MIT Institute of Design) for leading an inspiring workshop on...
- A huge thank you to our alumni Piyush Belchandan (Interaction Designer at Google) and Kirti Ahlawat (Senior Designer at Microsoft) for leading...
- Design meets play at IIT Kanpur! Our Department of Design students showcased their board game masterpieces during the Annual Foundation Day celebration on Nov 1st & 2nd 2023.
ACADEMICS
Masters in Design
Unlock your potential in the dynamic world of design with our advanced programs tailored for aspiring innovators, entrepreneurs and researchers. Our curriculum draws on knowledge from all areas relevant to a designer — human factors, design thinking, science and technology, user experience, communication, business logic, sustainability, amongst many others. Our Master's program broadly has three streams of Design Entrepreneurship, Design Research, and Design Practice, to equip you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
PhD in Design
The PhD program at IIT Kanpur enables the researcher to work on advanced design and complex societal problems that creates value for the end users. Students joining this program work on challenging problems while being supported by a stipend. Potential students are encouraged to contact prospective supervisors to know about the program and their research interests.
Dual Degree in Design (BTech, IIT Kanpur only)
BTech students have the opportunity of graduating with a dual degree in design along with their parent disciplines.
Facilities
Prototyping Workshop
Head of Department
Faculty
Amar Behera
Associate Professor
Smart Products, Virtutal Reality, UI/UX, AI/ML, Robotics
amarkb@iitk.ac.in
Gowdham Prabhakar
Assistant Professor
Human Computer interaction (HCI), Robotics, Music Technology
gowdhampg@iitk.ac.in
Vivek Kant
Associate Professor
Human Machine Interaction, Human Factors, Human Systems Integration
vkant@iitk.ac.in
Associated Faculty
J. Ramkumar; Nachiketa Tewari; Koumudi Patil
Adjunct Faculty
Jhumkee Sengupta Iyenger; Avinash Shende; D Udaya Kumar; Sreekumar S;
Sugandh Malhotra
Prospective Faculty
The Department of Design welcomes applications from both Indian and Foreign Nationals who have outstanding academic and research credentials for full-time faculty positions across all levels. Selected individuals will engage in teaching and research across various design disciplines, with a particular emphasis on one or more of the following areas.
Bio-Design
- Bio-Mimetics
- Bio-Medical Devices
Communication Design
- Visual Communication
- Graphic Design
- Branding and Identity
- User Interface (UI) Design
- Typography
Design Management
- Design Thinking and Innovation
- Project Management in Design
- Strategic Branding
Design History and Theory
- Critical Studies in Design
- Cultural Impacts of Design
- The Evolution of Design Practices
- Visual Ethnography
Industrial Design
- Product Development
- Ergonomics, Human Factors
- Sustainable Design Practices
- Packaging Design
Interaction Design
- User Experience (UX) Design
- Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
- Interactive Media Design
- Behavioral Design and Human Experience
- Applications of AI/ML for Design
Motion Graphics
- Animation and Visual Effects
- Multimedia Storytelling
- Game Design
- Virtual/Augmented Reality
Placements
Milind Karsoliya
Student Placement Coordinator
+91-8826946176
kmilind23@iitk.ac.in
Vishwaraj Shrivastava
Student Placement Coordinator
+91-8528051978
vishwaraj22@iitk.ac.in
Vivek Kant
Faculty In Charge
vkant@iitk.ac.in