The Department of Design (DoD) at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) is a pioneering institution that embodies innovation, creativity, and the fusion of technology with design. Established as one of the thirteen departments at IIT Guwahati, the DoD was founded with a visionary purpose – to ignite the passion for innovation among some of the brightest technical minds in India by fostering a deep understanding, appreciation, and celebration of design.
The department offers a diverse range of academic programs, including an M.Des. degree, a B.Des. degree, and a PhD degree in Design. The primary focus of these programs is to explore, invent, and creatively employ technologies in order to craft effective, usable, and enjoyable experiences through interdisciplinary research spanning engineering, design, behavioral and social sciences. Additionally, the department strives to comprehend the impact of technology on individuals, groups, and organizations. Its overarching vision is to nurture graduates who possess the capabilities to lead in the evolving landscapes of today and tomorrow through profound thinking, innovation, and values.
Situated in the enchanting locale of North Guwahati, Assam, on the northern bank of the majestic Brahmaputra River, the IIT Guwahati campus spans 285 hectares of gently undulating terrain. The campus showcases numerous hillocks adorned with lush greenery, serene lakes, and offers panoramic vistas of the powerful river on one side and a circle of blue hills on the other. Accessibility to the institute from various transport hubs in Guwahati city is convenient, making it an ideal location for education and research.
Notably, the Department of Design at IIT Guwahati has earned several milestones in its journey. It was the first institution in India to introduce a Bachelor of Design program in 1999, paving the way for undergraduate design education in the country. In 2001, it pioneered the launch of a Doctoral Program in Design. The Master of Design program commenced in 2007, adding depth to its academic offerings. In 2022, the department introduced a groundbreaking program, an M.Des. program in Electronic Product Design, further expanding its portfolio.
The Department of Design at IIT Guwahati boasts a diverse array of labs and research groups, each specializing in different aspects of design. These include labs and groups dedicated to Product Design, Interaction Design/User Experience Design, Visual Communication, Animation, Transportation, Design for Sustainability, Design Management, Additive Manufacturing, and Ergonomics, among others.
With its commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary research, and the development of design-driven solutions, the Department of Design at IIT Guwahati continues to be a trailblazing institution at the forefront of design education and research in India.