Ph.D. in Design Innovation

Overview

Ph.D. in Design Innovation: A Gateway to Transformative Research and Implementation

The Ph.D. program in Design Innovation offers a dynamic platform for scholars to explore and contribute to groundbreaking research in design and its interdisciplinary domains. With state-of-the-art design thinking labs, media innovation spaces, and collaborative research hubs, the program empowers students to push the boundaries of design knowledge and practice. The Ph.D. scholars have the unique opportunity to work closely with expert faculty members, who are leaders in their fields, fostering a culture of excellence, mentorship, and creativity.

The program provides access to cutting-edge research facilities, which are continually upgraded to stay at the forefront of technological and methodological advancements. From immersive technologies to algorithmic empathy, the research ecosystem is tailored to address complex global challenges, enabling scholars to make impactful contributions in their areas of expertise.

A Ph.D. in Design Innovation is the highest academic degree in this field, representing a journey of intellectual discovery and innovation. It involves coursework, rigorous research under the guidance of an advisor, and the defense of a thesis before an esteemed panel of experts. Research domains include Design Innovation Pedagogy, Design Thinking, Online and Scalable Design Education, Design for Sustainability, and Design for Empathy in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).

Over a period of approximately four years, scholars navigate through phases of ideation, experimentation, challenges, and achievements, culminating in the ultimate milestone: a successfully defended dissertation. With its interdisciplinary focus and emphasis on meaningful impact, the Ph.D. program in Design Innovation equips scholars to redefine the future of design and leave a legacy in both academia and industry.

For Ph.D. Admissions 2025-26
(Spring 2025 Semester starting in January, 2025)

For Ph.D. Admissions 2023-24
(The Spring 2024 Semester starting in January, 2024.)

Specialized areas in which Ph.D. students, if found suitable, would be admitted in Spring 2025 Semester starting in January

  • Inclusive Design Thinking for Marginalized Communities
  • Advanced Prototyping Techniques in Design Thinking
  • Cognitive Bias and Its Impact on Design Thinking Processes
  • Cross-Cultural Adaptations of Design Thinking Frameworks
  • Data-Driven Design Thinking: Integrating Analytics into Creative Processes
  • Emotional Intelligence as a Tool in Design Thinking Practices
  • The Role of Narrative and Storytelling in Design Thinking
  • Gamification as a Catalyst in Design Thinking Workshops
  • Ethical Challenges in Applying Design Thinking to Social Problems
  • AI-Augmented Design Thinking for Rapid Ideation
  • Adaptive Learning Systems for Personalized Design Education
  • AI-Driven Feedback Mechanisms in Virtual Design Studios
  • Gamification of Online Design Curricula for Increased Engagement
  • Building Scalable Peer-to-Peer Critique Systems for Design Projects
  • Virtual Reality as a Medium for Teaching Design Principles
  • Equity and Accessibility in Scalable Design Education Platforms
  • Metrics for Evaluating Creativity in Online Learning Environments
  • Hybrid Models of Synchronous and Asynchronous Design Education
  • Microlearning Modules for Scalable Skill Development in Design
  • Blockchain Technology for Credentialing in Online Design Education
  • Circular Economy Models in Product and System Design
  • Biomimicry as a Framework for Sustainable Design Innovation
  • Sustainable Materials in Design: Trends and Challenges
  • Life Cycle Assessment Tools for Sustainable Design Decisions
  • Designing for Behavior Change to Promote Sustainability
  • Human-Centered Approaches to Sustainable Urban Systems
  • Ethical Implications of Sustainable Design Practices
  • Climate-Responsive Design for Built Environments
  • Transition Design for Systemic Sustainability Challenges
  • Sustainable Packaging Innovations for Consumer Goods

(Immersive Technologies, AI and Chatbots, Algorithmic Empathy, Social Media)

  • Designing AI Systems for Enhanced Emotional Intelligence
  • Algorithmic Bias and Its Impacts on Empathy in HCI Systems
  • Role of Immersive Technologies in Enhancing Empathy Experiences
  • Chatbot Design for Mental Health and Emotional Support
  • Social Media as a Medium for Cultivating Empathy Across Cultures
  • VR and AR for Empathy-Driven Education and Training
  • Sentiment Analysis in Social Media for Empathy-Based Interventions
  • Designing Conversational Interfaces for Emotional Awareness
  • Algorithmic Transparency and its Role in Trust and Empathy
  • Ethical Challenges in Using AI for Empathy-Driven HCI Systems

Important Dates

 

Last Date for submission of applications 6th Jan, 2025
Shortlisting of candidates for interview 10th Jan, 2025
Ph.D. Entrance Test / Interview 20th Jan 2025
Announcement of Results 27th Jan, 2025
Commencement of the Spring 2025 Semester Teaching 30th Jan, 2025
Note: Admission closes on 23 august 2023
*Subject to revision