MIT Institute of Design

MIT Institute of Design
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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

PhD Programme in Design

Introduction

The PhD programme in Design is a rigorous research-based programme that prepares scholars to contribute original knowledge to the field of design. It integrates interdisciplinary approaches, advanced research methodologies, and critical thinking to explore design theories, practices, and innovations.

The PhD in Design is an intellectually stimulating programme for those looking to advance the field through research-driven contributions. It empowers scholars to shape the future of design practice, education, and policy.

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Programme Objectives

  • To develop scholars who contribute to design research through theoretical and practice-based inquiries.

  • To foster interdisciplinary collaboration between design, technology, social sciences, and humanities.

  • To advance knowledge in areas such as human-centered design, sustainable design, interaction design, and emerging technologies.

  • To prepare graduates for academic, industrial, and policy-making roles in the design ecosystem.

MIT IOD Research Areas

PhD candidates can pursue research in diverse areas, including but not limited to:

  • Design Theory & Criticism – Exploring historical and contemporary design paradigms.

  • Sustainable Design – Investigating eco-friendly materials and processes.

  • Interaction & UX Design – Advancing digital product and experience design.

  • Speculative & Critical Design – Examining future possibilities and design’s societal impact.

  • Artificial Intelligence & Design – Studying AI-driven creativity and automation.

  • Design for Social Innovation – Addressing social challenges through design interventions.

  • Product Design & Development – Exploring advanced materials, manufacturing processes, and user-centered design strategies for innovative product solutions.

  • System Design – Studying complex system interactions, service ecosystems, and holistic design approaches for sustainability and efficiency.

  • Visual Communication – Researching visual narratives, semiotics, branding, and emerging technologies in digital and traditional media.

  • Inclusive Design – Developing accessible and universal design solutions that cater to diverse user needs, including aging populations and people with disabilities.

  • Service Design – Enhancing user experience and optimizing service delivery through human-centered design principles and co-creation methodologies.

  • Ergonomics – Investigating human factors in product and workspace design to improve usability, safety, and efficiency.

  • Design Management – Exploring strategic design thinking, business innovation, and the role of design in organizational leadership.

  • Design Creativity & Innovation Studies – Understanding the cognitive, social, and cultural aspects of creativity and innovation in design.

THRUST AREAS

  • Product design and development.

  • Engineering Design.

  • Design for sustainability.

  • System Design.

  • Visual communication (including visual culture).

  • Inclusive Design.

  • User Experience Design (including Interface Service Design).

  • Ergonomics (including Occupational health and Design Management).

  • Design creativity and innovation studies level.

Eligibility & Admission Criteria

  • M.Des / M. Arch degree or M.Tech / ME Degree in a relevant area, with at least CPI 6.0 out of 10 or at least 60 % marks.

  • Two-year Masters in Management (or MBA or equivalent) with at least CPI 6.0 out of 10 or at least 60% marks, with relevant studies in Design field, and Bachelor's degree in any discipline.

  • Four-year Undergraduate Diploma in Design (NID or equivalent), with postgraduate qualification in relevant area with at least CPI 6.0 out of 10 or at least 60% marks.

  • A two-year Post-Graduate Diploma in Design and relevant areas (NID/CEPT or equivalent) with first class at Bachelor's level.

  • MFA/MVA (2-year professional programme) in a relevant area with at least CPI 7.0 out of 10 or at least 70% marks.

  • Master of Computer Application (MCA) degree, with at least CPI 6.0 out of 10 or at least 60% marks.

  • Relaxation for SC/ST/PwD Candidates: Eligibility criteria will be relaxed by 5% marks or 0.5 CPI for SC/ST/PwD applicants.

Career Prospects

Graduates from the programme pursue careers such as:

  • Academics & Researchers in universities and research institutes.

  • Design Strategists & Consultants in industries.

  • Innovation & Policy Experts in governmental and non-governmental organizations.

  • Entrepreneurs & Thought Leaders in emerging design domains.

fees structure

Name of School Department /Discipline Scholarship (Rs.)
Part time External Research Scholar
MIT Institute of Design Design Merit Cum Means Scholarship Rs. 50,000/year for eligible students.

ONGOING STUDENT LIST

Sr. No Name of Research Scholars Year of Admission Name of Research Supervisor/Co- Supervisor
1 Amit Deshmukh Feb-18 Dr. Nachiket Thakur
2 Harsit  Desai Feb-19 Dr. Nachiket Thakur
3 Supriya ajaykumar Ugale Aug-19 Dr. Nachiket Thakur - Supervisor
Dr. Dandeswar Bisoyi - Co-Supervisor
4 Shoubhik Dutta Roy Aug-19 Dr. Wricha Mishra
5 Mathew Kurien Sep-20 Dr. Dandeswar Bisoyi - Supervisor
Dr. Anant Chakradeo (Co- Supervisor)
6 Arshiya Kapoor Sep-20 Dr. Dandeswar Bisoyi 
7 Vibhor Ramdeo Sharma Aug-21 Dr. Nachiket Thakur
8 Sagar Mangesh Joshi Aug-21 Dr. Wricha Mishra
9 Amit Kumar Sinha Aug-21 Dr. Dandeswar Bisoyi
10 Varsha Jain Aug-21 Dr. Dandeswar Bisoyi 
11 Priyanka Mangaonkar  Aug-23 Dr. Nachiket Thakur 
12 Pratiksha Prakash Bankar Aug-23 Dr. Dandeswar Bisoyi 
13 Esha Sulakhe  Aug-23 Dr. Nachiket Thakur 
14 Minu Joshi Aug-23 Dr. Wricha Mishra 
15 Kuntal De Aug-23 Dr. Dandeswar Bisoyi