The emphasis of the course is on designing a physical product. It is the first course in design studies in which students are asked to design a product using their learning in previous courses like Elements of Design, Studies in Form, Media Investigation and Methods of Communication. Selection of the project brief is based on the possibility of innovation in form, material application, process and experience design. Students are introduced to the user centric design process through various supporting exercises. This being the basic course; students are asked to find out user related problems via role play to derive the design brief and then take their final output to user for feedback. Projects end with a comprehensive presentation through working/mock up models, design drawings and a report.

The project is supported by detailed discussion on various stages in the design process emphasizing the complementary nature of systematic and creative thinking. This is achieved by short supporting assignments in the following topics: creativity techniques like brainstorming & synectics to develop creative attitude and open mind, design opportunity, problem perception, idea sketching, exploratory mockup models for concept development, evaluation of concepts, final concept selection, concept development, refinement and detailing. Students develop their innovative and aesthetic sensibilities into making a coherent and appropriate product.

Following contents of this section are more in the in the form of story; than a step-wise guide to product design. It tries to capture the mood in a first year design class filled with tension, excitement and fun. At the same time, it also highlights the important stages of the product design process.