Department of Design
Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
M.Des. / Ph.D.
- Design Entrepreneurship
- 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
News
- List of Shortlisted Candidates for Ph.D interview (AY - 2025 - 26, IInd semester)New
- Mr.Rajamanohar Somasundaram, CEO and Co-Founder AquaConnect will be the Guest of Honour for the Convocation 2025 at the Department of Design. He is a pioneering batch student of the Design Programme at IITK.
- Ph.D. Admissions Interview : May 19–20, 2025. (Candidate List)
- M.Des. Admissions Interview : May 26–30, 2025. (Candidate List)
- Workshop on clay organized at DoD, IITK, May 2025 photos of the workshop
- MDes admissions are now open for the academic year 2025-2027. Information Brochure can be accessed here. Apply now!
- Patent awarded to Vishwaraj Shrivastava
- Rolling advertisement 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
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 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. Eligibility
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. Eligibility
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, Virtual Reality, UI/UX, AI/ML, Robotics
amarkb@iitk.ac.in
Gowdham Prabhakar
Assistant Professor
Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Robotics, Extended Reality (XR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Music Technology, Creative Technology, Inclusive/Assistive Technology, New Media/Interactive Arts
gowdhampg@iitk.ac.in
Mainak Das
Professor
Design potential of natural materials, Bio-based energy devices, Agro-ecological design
mainakd@iitk.ac.in
Rajeev Jindal
Professor of Practice
Entrepreneurship, Sustainability, Innovation through design
rajeevj@iitk.ac.in
Shatarupa Thakurta Roy
Associate Professor
Graphics, Aesthetics, Visual Culture, Design Theory
stroy@iitk.ac.in
Vivek Kant
Associate Professor
Human Machine Interaction(IxD), Human Factors, Human Systems Integration (Systems, Services, Strategic and Speculative Design), Design Policy
vkant@iitk.ac.in
Associated Faculty
Adjunct Faculty
Jhumkee Sengupta Iyengar; 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.
Agro-Bio-Design and Sustainability
- Agro Ecological Design
- Eco-System Design
- Food and Nutritional Security
- Biomimetics and Nature Inspired Design
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
Ankush Kumar Gagat
Student Placement Coordinator
+91 7984825725
ankushg24@iitk.ac.in
Ishita Srivastava
Student Placement Coordinator
+91-7388504183
sishita24@iitk.ac.in
Rajeev Jindal
Faculty In Charge
rajeevj@iitk.ac.in
Students' Placement Profiles
https://dodiitkanpur.framer.website/Alumni Connect




