The School of Design offers a four year Bachelor in Design program consisting of eight semesters. The teaching pedagogy lays emphasis on creative thinking and a critical analysis of the product, and has hands - on approach to shape it. The programme focuses on nurturing the creative aptitudes in each student and develop their ability to evolve in the process of problem solving. Emphasis is given to design education in relation to our eco-system and society that we live in as well as the environment, which we need to preserve. Aim is to turn out design graduates, who are 'Industry ready' and have the necessary skills to be absorbed in different work arenas. Participation of industry professionals and solving industrial problems in the real work situation is the essence of design education at the School of Design.
The exhasutive (and exhausting!) Foundation year is meant to polish the raw metal of those with design aptitude into gleaming gold. Hours of practice of sketching, visualisation, analytical drawing, geometric construction, photography and ensure that students are equipped with the basic techniques to adequately represent their ideas. The stress is on hand work but an introduction to digital design software is also given as an initiation. Form and aesthetics are given a solid foundation through study of colour theory, gestalt, principles of composition and explorations in 3D geometry and space.
Social science inputs are given in art appreciation and social anthropology to provide the all important grounding for design as a social discipline. Material knowledge, skills to work with hand tools and exosure to techniques and processes are also included in the first year of education. Creative thinking and methods to do so are introduced in the first semester and then taken forward in the second through design concerns, which, effectively, transforms into the first research and design project for the students.
After a common foundation program, students will be required to pursue a three year specialisation in one of the courses such as Product Design, Graphic Design, Exhibition Design, Animation and Crafts. The curricula of specialisation courses are developed on the basis of the market needs. The specialisation will be offered in consultation with the student after an evaluation of performance and aptitude in foundation year.
Graphic Designers have the power and responsibility of shaping the world's visual culture. Graphic design is a two way communication process with the world wherein ideas can be formed, meaningful messages can be delivered and emotional responses can be inspired. The curriculum of Graphic Design at School of Design is has been formulated keeping these underlying factors in mind. To create a visual vocabulary through which the designer can have a successful dialogue with the world, graphic designers are equipped with basic sketching skills, geometry and colour and form theory in their foundation course. Their aptitude is further honed by introducing them to typography and typeface design, illustrations, storyboarding and animation. Design project encourages the students to further their understanding of how thing would work in businesses and brands. The course aims at preparing students to be self-reliant graphic designers cum entrepreneurs who bring a positive change to the society. A dedicated Drawing Studio with donkey easels is provided for live sketching classes. The furniture is entirely modular and can be rearranged as per the demands of the class. A devoted Computer Lab is provided to the students in School of Design to explore a range of 2D as well as 3D software, to enhance their visualization capabilities.
The curriculum of product design at Doon University is formulated with a user centric approach in mind. The transition of designers from raw thinking to systematic and sorted approach is critical to product design. School of Design aims at making this physical and virtual transition in the most efficient way possible, based on user research and need based studies. The aim is to make thoughtful designs with a high degree of manufacturability. Projects range from automotive design, consumer electronics, out-of-the box blue sky concepts, user interface design, to name just a few. The curriculum starts with foundation courses to align the students with the principles of design. Focus is gradually moved to studying form, orthography and ergonomics to understand other vital aspects of physical product creation. The course further aims at introducing students to research methodologies and managing the business of Design. The focus is on providing a holistic approach to studying product design.
A Material and Tool Workshop provides students with the opportunity to work with their hands, exploring a variety of different materials ranging from wood to thermocol, polystyerene sheets to plaster of paris, sheet material to various fibre boards. The workshop is equipped with a vast array of high quality hand tools and power tools which are used by the students under expert technical guidance at all times.
