One -Year Diploma in Craft Product Design

Course Objectives

• Understand Indian craft traditions and material cultures.
• Learn design processes for craft-based product development.
• Promote sustainability, upcycling, and ethical sourcing.
• Blend traditional skills with modern aesthetics and functionality.
• Prepare students for entrepreneurship or design roles in craft sectors.

Semester 1: Foundation (6 months)

1. Craft Studies & Material Culture (4 credits)

• Introduction to Indian crafts and regional diversity
• History and evolution of crafts
• Ethnographic and contextual understanding
• Case studies of living crafts and communities

2. Basic Design & Visual Thinking (4 credits)

• Elements & principles of design
• Color theory and composition
• Form, texture, pattern
• Design drawing and visual communication

3. Material Exploration Studio (4 credits)

• Natural fibers, clay, wood, metal, leather, paper, bamboo
• Properties, tools & basic techniques
• Hands-on modules for craft materials

4. Digital Tools for Designers (3 credits)

• Basics of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop
• Mood boards, technical drawings, presentation boards

5. Design Process & Methods (3 credits)

• Research, mood board, ideation
• Prototyping, iteration, feedback loops
• Introduction to user-centered and sustainable design

6. Craft Documentation & Field Study (2 credits)

• Field visits to local craft clusters
• Visual and ethnographic documentation
• Report preparation and presentation

Semester 2: Specialization & Application (6 months)

1. Craft-Based Product Design Studio (6 credits)

• Product ideation inspired by craft techniques
• Develop home décor, lifestyle, utility, fashion, or gift products
• Use of sustainable practices and materials

2. Entrepreneurship & Design for Market (3 credits)

• Craft branding & storytelling
• Packaging design
• Market research and pricing
• Business model basics for craftpreneurs

3. Craft Cluster Internship / Industry Exposure (3 credits)

• 4-week cluster immersion or studio internship
• Work on real-time projects or live brief
• Documentation & reflection

4. Advanced Digital Applications (2 credits)

• Product mockups
• Portfolio design
• Photography & social media basics

5. Final Major Project + Portfolio Development (6 credits)

• Choose a craft material or community
• Concept to prototype journey
• Exhibition, viva, and portfolio presentation

Key Features

• Field exposure to at least 2 craft clusters
• Mentorship from craft designers & artisans
• Guest lectures by industry professionals
• Focus on sustainability, fair-trade, and local-global balance
• Students graduate with a portfolio + working prototype