displayNone
banner

M.Des. (Intelligent User Experience Design)

Application Process

M.Des. Program Overview

The M.Des. Program is a full-time Master’s program offering 2 specializations, namely:

  • Specialization 1: Master of Design in Communication Design – M.Des. (CD)
  • Specialization 2: Master of Design in Intelligent User Experience Design M.Des. (IUxD)

Objective of M.Des. (Intelligent User Experience Design)

Program Overview The Master of Design (M.Des.) in Intelligent User Experience Design (IUxD) is a two-year post-graduate specialization aimed at equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking required to create seamless, adaptive, and meaningful digital, physical and phytigal interactions in an era of intelligent and smart technologies. M.Des. (IUxD) specialization focuses on the intersection of technology and human-centered design, encouraging students to explore innovative design products that blend personalization, context-awareness, and anticipatory capabilities. By integrating these ‘intelligent’ elements into UX design, students learn to reduce cognitive load, enhance accessibility, and create user experiences that extend beyond traditional digital interactions.

The objective of M.Des. (IUxD) is to create designers who not only understand the mechanics of intelligent technologies but also critically assess their societal impact. As intelligent systems become more embedded in everyday life, ethical considerations, privacy concerns, and inclusivity play a pivotal role in shaping responsible and trustworthy design solutions. The IUxD curriculum integrates these discussions, enabling students to address challenges related to data security, algorithmic biases, and the ethical implications of automation.

IUxD specialization emphasizes design-driven innovation in conjunction with broad understanding of underlying principle of relevant programming languages and ‘intelligent’ technologies. Students gain an understanding of AI-powered design principles, predictive and generative technologies, and the role of data in crafting meaningful user experiences. Through hands-on projects, industry collaborations, and research-based learning, they develop expertise in designing smart products and services across diverse sectors such as healthcare, education, urban systems, finance, and entertainment.

Ultimately, the M.Des. in IUxD fosters a new generation of designers who can bridge the gap between intelligent technologies and human needs. By shaping intuitive, ethical, and user-centered experiences, graduates of this program will lead the transformation of digital interactions into meaningful, adaptive, and future-ready solutions.

The program brochure can be found here.

Graduate Outcome

At the end of the two-year specialization, graduates will be crafting inclusive, accessible, and human-centered designs through research and user behavior analytics. The graduates will be able to collaborate with engineers and software specialists to integrate hardware, software, and design, to develop multi-device ecosystems. As design technologists, they will bridge technology and creativity, leveraging AI, AR/MR/XR, and IoT to create adaptive, intelligent experiences. Equipped with technical fluency and design expertise, they will contribute to interactive experiences across industries, ensuring innovation remains responsible and impactful.

Curriculum

The two-year program of study leading to M.Des. degree is divided into four semesters along with a summer break between the first and second years.

An M.Des. student must have a minimum CPI of 6.0/10.0 in order to graduate.

All courses are mandatory.

Semester I
Course Name Credit
Orientation to Intelligent User-Experience Design 2-0-2-3
Fundamentals of Design for IUxD 3-0-4-5
Elements of Design for IUxD 2-0-4-4
Intelligent Technology: An-introduction 2-0-4-4
Basics of UI, UX & IxD 2-0-4-4
Semester II
Course Name Credit
Design Thinking: Concepts & concerns 2-0-2-3
Design Research Methods 2-0-2-3
AI & Interaction Intelligence 2-0-4-4
Intelligent Design Decisions 2-0-4-4
Human Factors (Physical and Cognitive Ergonomics) in Interaction Design 2-0-2-3
User Interface Design 2-0-4-4
Semester III
Course Name Credit
AR & XR for Designers 1-0-4-3
Interaction Design 3-0-4-5
Phygital Experience Design 3-0-4-5
Immersive Experience Design 3-0-4-5
Open Elective 2-0-2-3
Semester IV
Course Name Credit
Final Thesis Project 6-0-24-18

Pedagogical Principles

  • The courses transit from foundational courses in the first semester to advanced specialized courses in the third semester.
  • The first semester foundation modules are meant introduce students to the fundamentals of design principles and design skills for IUxD.
  • Integration of theory and practice will be stressed throughout the specialization.
  • The teaching approach for each module would comprise a combination of lectures, seminar, studio, and practical sessions. Lectures would focus on basic ideas and concepts that would be substantiated and discussed through seminars, and applied in projects.
  • Lecture sequences in a course may be conducted by multiple faculties wherever required.
  • The final student project must be completed in the fourth semester.

Curriculum

Semester I - Design Fundamentals

Orientation to Intelligent User-Experience Design | 2-0-2-3

This course offers an insightful introduction to the Master of Design in Intelligent User Experience Design-IUxD. It delves into the rich history of digital design, tracing its evolution and highlighting pivotal practices that have shaped the field. Special emphasis is placed on the current landscape of the design industry in India & abroad, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of potential professional avenues. Through this course, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the objectives of the M. Des- IUxD and explore the diverse contexts in which design thrives today.

Fundamentals of Design for IUxD | 3-0-4-5

The module aims to equip IUxD students with the tools and techniques necessary to approach and solve design challenges in their field. This module emphasizes student's ability to observe and analyse, fostering creative problem-solving skills. Key areas covered include observation through drawing and understanding of composition. By closely observing users in their environments, students will gain insights into real-world behaviours, pain points, and motivations. Through the tool of sketching, students will learn to observe and analyse visual information, translating them into representations and identify patterns, synthesize information, and communicate findings. The compositional aspect extends observational skills and provides input for deliberate arrangement and organization of visual elements within a user interface. Students will learn about visual hierarchy to guide user attention and improve information consumption, usability, and efficiency. The module departs from traditional delivery to concentrate on the digital environment, introducing students to digital delivery technologies.

Elements of Design for IUxD | 2-0-4-4

Building upon the foundational understanding of design principles from the previous module, this module delves deeper into key concepts like colour, typography, and 3D space. Colour is explored as a powerful tool that goes beyond aesthetics, influencing user experience, guiding attention, and conveying meaning. In the context of IUxD specialization, colour plays a crucial role in creating visual hierarchies and highlighting essential elements, such as navigation cues or key information. Typography is recognized as an integral part of all fields of design including IUxD, influencing readability, accessibility, and overall usability. Students will learn to select appropriate typefaces by carefully considering various factors, given the vast number of available options. The concepts of space, form, and structure extend to understanding 3-Dimensional space, preparing students for work in wearable and phygital domains. A grasp of 3D space is essential for creating immersive experiences like VR, MR, and AR, as it provides the foundation for understanding how users interact with and navigate 3D spaces, objects, and interfaces. This knowledge also extends to 3D User Interfaces (3D UIs), enabling designers to go beyond the limitations of flat surfaces. Similar to the previous module, learning will be facilitated through interaction with digital technologies and platforms. While various platforms and templates offer easy access to compositions, colours palettes, and typography choices, it is crucial for students to understand the decision-making process behind these visual choices.

Intelligent Technology: An introduction | 2-0-4-4

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of intelligent technologies, focusing on electronics, hardware, and sensor-based interactions. It covers the basics of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and its role in designing seamless user experiences. Through hands-on exploration with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and visual programming tools like p5.js and Scratch, students will develop interactive prototypes that solve real-world problems. Emphasizing design thinking, sketching, and diagramming, the course encourages innovative idea generation. By the end, students will have the skills to create functional prototypes, bridging the gap between technology and user experience.

Basics of UI, UX & IxD | 2-0-4-4

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to User Experience (UX) and Interaction Design (IxD), focusing on the key stages of the UX design process. Students will learn UX methodologies to understand user needs, followed by paper and digital prototyping techniques for creating intuitive interfaces. The course covers essential UI design principles, including color theory, typography, and UI elements, along with usability testing methods to refine designs. Additionally, students will explore design processes, conceptual models, and non-verbal human-machine interactions, gaining insights into how users interact beyond traditional interfaces. By the end, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to research, design, and evaluate user-centered digital

Semester II - IUXD Fundamentals

Design Thinking: Concepts & concerns | 2-0-2-3

This course explores Design Thinking as a structured, human-centered approach to problem-solving, fostering creativity and strategic innovation. Students will engage with key methodologies, including stakeholder mapping, creative matrix, schematic diagramming, and problem tree analysis, to develop solutions that address real-world challenges. The course also examines the creative economy and the role of design in business strategy. By applying design thinking principles, students will produce system design and decision-making (DM) plans and craft compelling product/service pitches using business canvas models and go-to-market strategies. Through hands-on exercises and case studies, students will develop critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills essential for applying design thinking in various professional contexts. This course equips students with practical tools to drive innovation and create meaningful user-centered solutions.

Design Research Methods | 2-0-2-3

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of design research, emphasizing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Students will explore key UX research techniques, including diary studies, desk research, ethnographic research, surveys, field studies, card sorting, contextual inquiry, tree testing, and focus group interviews. The course equips students with essential research tools, enabling them to systematically engage with users, experts, and environments to gather valuable insights. By learning structured research approaches, students will develop the ability to analyze data effectively, identify user needs, and inform design decisions. Practical application of these methods will help them produce well-structured research reports that support user-centered and evidence-based design solutions. By the end, students will be proficient in conducting rigorous research, ensuring that design outcomes are both meaningful and impactful.

AI & Interaction Intelligence | 2-0-4-4

This course explores the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI), focusing on its concepts, capabilities, and concerns. Students will gain an understanding of how AI models function, the types of data required, and their impact on design and interaction. A key focus is on Generative AI (GenAI) and its applications in creative problem-solving and design innovation. The course also introduces interaction intelligence, examining how AI enables conversations between objects and humans. Through conceptual models and hands-on exploration, students will learn to integrate AI into design workflows, enhancing user experiences and interaction design. By the end, they will have a strong foundation in AI-driven design thinking, enabling them to conceptualize and develop intelligent, user-centered solutions.

Intelligent Design Decisions | 2-0-4-4

This course explores the principles of information design and data visualization, focusing on transforming complex data into meaningful and user-centric representations. Students will learn to analyse, categorize, and visualize data in context to stakeholders, ensuring clarity and usability. The course covers data collection methods, representation techniques using tools like Tableau, and cognitive walkthroughs to assess user interaction with information. Additionally, students will explore infographics, signages, and wayfinding systems to enhance communication. Through hands-on exercises, they will develop skills in structuring data for effective storytelling and decision-making. By the end, students will understand the concept of data manifestation and be able to create visually compelling, insightful, and functional information designs that enhance user experiences.

Human Factors in Interaction Design | 2-0-2-3

This course explores the critical role of human factors in designing user-friendly digital products and interfaces. Students will learn about physical and cognitive ergonomics, focusing on how users interact with technology in terms of comfort, efficiency, utility, and safety. Key topics include cognitive load management, anthropometry in digital products, and the impact of human factors on display design, communication, and behavioural design. The course also examines how human-centered design reduces errors and enhances user experiences. Through a redesign process informed by ergonomics, students will apply their knowledge to create intuitive, accessible, and efficient digital solutions. By the end, they will develop a deep understanding of how human factors influence interaction design, enabling them to craft more effective and user-centric interfaces.

User Interface Design | 2-0-4-4

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of User Interface (UI) design, focusing on creating intuitive and intelligent digital interactions. Students will explore the AEIOU framework for user analysis, core UI design principles, and platform-specific considerations for mobile, web, and kiosks. The course covers essential concepts such as Information Architecture (IA), user journey mapping, and wireframing across low, medium, and high fidelity. Additionally, students will engage in A/B testing to optimize user experiences and refine digital interfaces. Emphasis is placed on crafting seamless digital experiences through structured grids, layouts, and style guides. By the end, students will be able to design, prototype, and evaluate user-friendly interfaces, producing wireframes, IA structures, and interactive digital prototypes that align with user needs and industry standards.

Semester III - Specialised Inputs

AR & XR for Designers | 1-0-4-3

This course introduces designers to the evolving landscape of Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and Extended Reality (XR), equipping them with the skills to design immersive, interactive experiences. Students will explore the fundamentals of AR and MR technologies and gain hands-on experience with prototyping tools like Unity, Adobe Aero, Miro, and FigJam. A key focus will be on designing interfaces for ambient intelligence, where digital and physical environments seamlessly interact. Through speculative design, students will envision future applications of AR/XR and develop low-fidelity prototypes for mobile-based experiences. By the end, they will integrate design and technology to create forward-thinking, user-centric solutions, positioning themselves at the forefront of emerging interactive media.

Interaction Design | 3-0-4-5

This course explores the future of interaction design by focusing on intelligent and adaptive user experiences. Students will delve into various interaction modalities, including touch, voice, gesture, and eye tracking, understanding how these enhance digital interfaces. The course also covers haptics and soundscapes, enabling designers to create more immersive, sensory-rich experiences. Additionally, students will explore object expressions, where everyday objects communicate and respond dynamically to users. By integrating these advanced interaction techniques, students will design intelligent, context-aware systems that redefine user engagement. Through a hands-on design project, they will prototype an interactive product that leverages these technologies, pushing the boundaries of digital interaction. By the end, students will have the skills to create seamless, intuitive, and emotionally resonant interactive experiences.

Phygital Experience Design | 3-0-4-5

This course explores the fusion of physical and digital experiences, creating seamless, interactive environments that enhance user engagement. Students will learn how to integrate tangible interactions with digital flexibility, designing interactive installations for museums, public spaces, and retail experiences like AR-powered smart mirrors. By mastering the principles of phygital design, they will prototype user-focused, accessible, and sustainable solutions that push the boundaries of interaction. The course also delves into IoT, smart products, and spatial design, preparing students to innovate in emerging digital-physical ecosystems. Through hands-on projects, students will develop expertise in designing for immersive, multisensory experiences, ensuring that technology enhances, rather than replaces, real-world interactions. By the end, they will be equipped to create intuitive, engaging, and future-ready phygital solutions that redefine how users interact with their environments.

Immersive Experience Design | 3-0-4-5

This course explores the art and technology behind immersive experiences, focusing on creating environments and interactions that fully engage users. Students will delve into Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and 360° experiences, learning to design multisensory interactions using visuals, sound, touch, and spatial dynamics. The course also covers innovative display technologies such as anamorphic billboards and Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) media. Emphasis is placed on spatial design for 3D environments, interactive inputs like voice, gesture, and touch, and crafting emotionally resonant experiences through aesthetics and storytelling. Additionally, accessibility and inclusivity will be key considerations. By the end, students will be equipped to design immersive, interactive, and emotionally engaging experiences that push the boundaries of digital and physical spaces.

Open Elective | 2-0-2-3

Multiple subjects to be offered

Semester IV

Final Thesis Project | 6-0-24-18

The Final Thesis Project serves as the culmination of students’ learning, allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings. Whether through an industry internship, a sponsored project, or a self-initiated venture, students will engage in hands-on problem-solving to address complex design challenges. This project provides an opportunity to integrate research, design thinking, prototyping, and user testing into a cohesive solution. Students will work independently or collaboratively, applying industry-standard methods to develop a functional prototype and a comprehensive project report. By the end of the course, they will have gained practical experience, demonstrating their ability to conceptualize, design, and execute a professional-grade project that reflects their expertise and readiness for the industry.

Teaching Methodology

In M.Des. program, each course is not a stand-alone learning experience but it is expected that in the course of study the connections, both vertically and horizontally are made by the student that culminates in their project in the final semester.

The teaching approach for each course comprises a combination of lectures, seminars, studio, and practical sessions. The lectures would mainly focus on basic ideas and concepts, which would be substantiated and discussed through seminars, engaging students in active participation in project work. Lecture sequences in a course may be conducted by multiple faculties, and the seminars would be designed to provide a bridge between the lectures and the studio and practical sessions. Emphasis would be that students learn how to learn, what is needed, and when it is needed; in an environment of ever-changing needs and technologies. For each course, the emphasis would be on research and project work that utilizes the methods and ideas learned from other courses. The final student project worth 18 credits must be completed in the fourth semester.

Opportunities After M.Des (IUXD)

Intelligent User Experience Design is a rapidly evolving field with applications across multiple industries. Graduates can contribute to Education by designing interactive learning tools and AR/VR platforms. Healthcare industry offers roles in telemedicine, wearables, and patient-centric designs. The Automotive sector demands intuitive dashboards and autonomous vehicle interfaces, while Retail & E-commerce benefit from smart shopping and conversational AI. Career paths include UX & HCI Researcher, UX Auditor, Mobile & Web Designer, AR/XR/MR Interaction Designer, IoT Product Designer, Phygital Retail Designer, and Social Intelligent Systems Designer and as entrepreneurs.

Admission Process

Details on the application process, admission criteria, fee structure and financial assistance can be found here

Back to Top