Introduction to Core Disciplines: Discovering Design Specialization

The second year of design education is a transformative phase that helps students delve deeper into specialized fields such as Product Design, Communication Design, and User Experience Design (UXD). This stage marks the transition from foundational learning to focused exploration, enabling students to identify and hone their areas of interest while cultivating a holistic understanding of their chosen disciplines.

Orientation Towards Specialized Disciplines

Product Design

Students are introduced to the art of creating tangible solutions for real-world problems. This includes exploring form, functionality, and user-centric approaches in the design of objects, tools, and systems that enhance everyday life.

Communication Design

This specialization focuses on crafting visual and textual content that effectively conveys messages to target audiences. Students learn about typography, branding, storytelling, and multimedia applications, all integral to shaping impactful communication.

User Experience Design (UXD)

In UXD, the emphasis is on designing seamless and intuitive interactions between users and digital products. This includes studying user behavior, prototyping interfaces, and employing design thinking to create memorable and user-friendly experiences.

Methodology: Research and Design Practices

In this year, students are introduced to systematic research methods to better understand the needs of users and the context of their projects. Key practices include:

• Empathy Mapping: Understanding user personas to design solutions tailored to their preferences.
• Concept Development: Translating research insights into innovative ideas and tangible concepts.
• Iterative Prototyping: Developing multiple versions of a design to refine functionality and aesthetics.

The second year encourages students to break free from creative inhibitions and push their boundaries. By immersing themselves in various stages of the design process—brainstorming, conceptualizing, experimenting, and presenting—students build confidence in expressing their ideas.

• Assignments and Mini Projects: These practical exercises provide students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. Each project is designed to challenge their creativity, problem-solving skills, and adaptability.

The second year is pivotal in shaping students' design identities. By providing a structured yet exploratory environment, it equips them with the tools and mindset to excel in their chosen disciplines. This year serves as the foundation for their professional journeys, ensuring they are ready to navigate the complexities of the design world with clarity and confidence.