Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Overview

The Master of Design (MDes) in Human Centered Design at Manipal Academy of Higher Education emphasizes the creation of equitable and human-centered digital systems. This program integrates speculative and critical making with digital materials, enabling students to explore design across community, environmental, and socio-technical contexts.

What you'll study

The MDes in Human Centered Design is designed to be practice-led and studio-based. The curriculum includes a variety of learning formats such as studios, workshops, seminars, and inquiry-driven projects, culminating in a capstone or transdisciplinary research work.

• Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Studios — Engage in guided design practice to develop your research-to-prototype workflow.

• Workshops — Participate in skill-building sessions that enhance your prototyping abilities and critical making techniques.

• Seminars — Attend lectures and discussions focused on design theory, methodologies, and contemporary debates in technology.

• Lines of Inquiry — Conduct fieldwork, case studies, and investigations through individual or group projects, including transdisciplinary research.

• Theory and Understanding — Gain a solid conceptual foundation in human-centered design, systems thinking, and socio-technical perspectives.

• Independent Study — Undertake self-directed research that aligns with your design interests.

• Open Elective — Choose additional courses to deepen your expertise in a relevant field.

• Practice — Engage in iterative design processes, including making, testing, and refining concepts.

• Exhibitions — Showcase your work through public or internal exhibitions to receive feedback and communicate your design journey.

• Culminating Performances of Understanding — Complete a portfolio and a capstone or dissertation project, supported by presentations and a colloquium.

Entry requirements

There are currently no specific GRE, GMAT, or GPA requirements listed for this program. Admission is generally based on your previous academic background and how well your interests align with the principles of human-centered design.

Career prospects

Graduates from the MDes in Human Centered Design can pursue diverse career paths in various sectors, including technology, design consultancy, social innovation, and academia. The skills acquired in this program prepare students to tackle complex design challenges and contribute meaningfully to society.