Product design is concerned primarily with the relationship between products, systems and those who use them. The product design programme at nid inculcates user-centric approach and processes. Responsibility and concern towards the social, physical and ecological environments is emphasized in the process of developing innovative ideas. The product design programme assimilates inputs in diverse domains such as human factors, cognitive ergonomics, form studies, studio skills, advanced cad, research methods, design management, materials & manufacturing processes & social sciences. Emphasis is on process centric approach which shapes a student’s education through participation and teamwork. Design projects form the core of a product designer’s education, with gradual increase in level of complexity and cover broad areas that product designers are likely to encounter in their professional careers. Students are actively encouraged to participate in collaborative projects with industrial houses, social sector, government & mncs design projects can be broadly classified into domains of: Design for industry: explores creative opportunities for partnerships with small, medium and large scale industries across india to develop core competencies in design and manufacturing for a globalized presence. Projects focus on products and services for consumer needs, manufacturing and economic impact. Design for quality of life: explores unique social and cultural responses to existing and emerging technologies as reflected in the creation and adoption of everyday objects of life. Projects focus on design and development of products and services that improve the quality of living in home, office and public environments.

Design for healthcare: explores a growing movement among designers to design cost-effective healthcare solutions for people who have no / limited access to institutionalized healthcare. Projects leverage the power of design thinking to find unique ways to address the basic challenges of health, survival and progress faced by underserved populations in the indian context. Design for social impact: explores the role of design-led solutions at the national level to the infrastructural challenges of a rapidly growing indian economy. Projects look at developing scalable solutions to problems of urban mobility, sustenance and social equity that are people-centric and embrace sustainable values. Design for sustainability: explores the power of design to influence an ecologically responsible approach to development of products, systems and environments. Designers evolve new systems of development which improve the quality of life and the human experience, while simultaneously restoring the environment, rebuilding the community and creating a sense of oneness with the natural world.