Specific syllabus or course content in terms of inputs, individual/group tasks and assignments will be worked out by the UPID faculty with the help of subject experts/ visiting faculty. An indicative list of courses is as below :

SEMESTER I

Course 001 : Introduction to Indian Crafts

Weeks: 4

Category: Theory

Relevance:

Introduction to the rich Indian crafts heritage, and the issues and concerns of the crafts sector will enable a student of crafts design to understand design from the perspective of the crafts sector.

Objectives:

• To develop an understanding of the traditional Indian crafts.
• To understand how diverse regional styles in the use of colour, form, materials and techniques contribute to India’s rich cultural heritage.
• To understand the contribution of the crafts sector to the socio- cultural and economic development of India.
• In the context of the above, to develop an understanding of the crafts sector in Uttar Pradesh.

Course Content:

• A brief history of Indian crafts traditions.
• History of the crafts sector in Uttar Pradesh.
• Study of materials and techniques used commonly by the crafts sector, notably in Uttar Pradesh.
• Overview of design intervention for the crafts sector.

Methodology:

• Lectures, presentations and discussions.
• Self-study.
• Field visits to crafts centers.

Course 002 : Design Drawing (Nature)

Weeks: 4
Category: Skill

Relevance:

This course helps to develop keen observation, perception and representation.

Objectives:

• To develop the ability to observe and improve the perception of images.
• To develop the ability to visualize and represent images, ideas and concepts.
• To use drawing as a tool for developing and communicating ideas.
• To improve hand-eye coordination through use of pencils and other instruments of drawing.
• To develop an understanding of the basics of drawing and inculcate skills in drawing with instruments.
• To appreciate geometric patterns in nature.

Course Content:

• Movement of fingers, elbows and arms while drawing.
• Use of different grades of pencil.
• Representation of textures.
• Freehand plotting and layout.
• Idea sketches.
• Understanding of depth, light and shade.
• Simple perspective study of interior and exterior spaces.

Methodology:

• Demonstrations, lectures and discussions.
• Group presentations.

Course 003. Elements of Design

Weeks: 3
Category: Studio

Relevance:

This course is essential for an understanding for the basics of visual language, as a prerequisite to the understanding of composition and form.

Objectives:

• To give students a broad overview of the different aspects of design.
• To familiarize students with the principles of design such as rhythm, balance, proportion, harmony, etc.
• To help the students understand the basics of visual language.

Course Content:

• Introduction to the elements of design.
• Introduction to the process of idea generation.
• Introduction to the basics of visual elements.
• Understanding of dots and lines as articulators of basic shapes.

Methodology:

• Lectures and presentations.
• Short assignments.
• Group discussions.

Course 004 : Colour and Composition

Weeks: 5
Category: Studio

Relevance:

This course introduces design students to the complexities of colour and its interaction with form.

Objectives:

• To familiarize the students with the science and language of colour.
• To develop an understanding of the cultural, psychological, sociological, and geographical context of colour.
• To develop skills in the appropriate use of colour as a tool for effective communication.
• To familiarize students with the tools for colour application.

Course Content:

• The theory of colour, primary and secondary colours.
• The psychology of colour.
• Colour contrast, colour mixing, colour wheel, colour sphere.
• Colour harmony, colour and space, colour and form.
• Colour in art and craft.
• Conscious applications of colour.

Methodology:

• Lectures and presentations.
• Assignments.
• Group discussions.

Course 005 : Introduction to Computer Applications

Weeks: 2
Category: Skill

Relevance:

This course is important for students to gain elementary knowledge of computer applications.

Objectives:

To familiarize the students with the basics of computer applications as a pre-requisite to the courses in Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools.

Course Content:

• An overview of basic computer skills in software such as Corel Draw, Photoshop, Macromedia Flash, etc.

Methodology:

• Demonstrations.
• Individual assignments.

SEMESTER II

Course 006 : Design Drawing (Human Figure)

Weeks: 4
Category: Skill

Relevance:

This course is essential for students to visualize and represent human images.

Objectives:

• To develop the ability to observe and improve perception of human images.
• To develop the ability to visualize and represent human images.
• To understand the interaction of human beings in relation with the environment.
• To strengthen drawing skills acquired in Semester I.

Course Content:

• Form and proportions of the human body.
• Sketching of the human form to enhance observation.
• Human activity patterns and actions.
• Complex perspective study of interior and exterior spaces.
• Dimensional solids and objects.

Methodology:

• Demonstrations, lectures and discussions.
• Group presentations.
• Sketching.

Course 007 : Photography

Weeks: 3
Category: Skill

Relevance:

This course helps students to learn the medium of photography as a means of recording and communication.

Objectives:

• To develop the skills of photography as a creative form of communication.
• To understand the elements of texture, light, form and space as constituents of picture composition.
• To develop skills in darkroom image processing.
• To develop skills in digital image processing.
• To expose students to the usage of photography as a tool for documentation.

Course Content:

• Introduction to black & white photography.
• Basics of black & white processing and printing.
• Introduction to colour photography.
• Basics of colour processing and printing.
• Fundamentals of digital image making.
• Shooting, editing and refinement of images.

Methodology:

• Demonstrations.
• Individual and group assignments.

Course 008 : Fundamentals of Management

Weeks: 2
Category: Theory

Relevance:

This course enables students to understand the fundamental principles of management and their relevance for successful design entrepreneurship.

Objectives:

• To understand the fundamentals of market and business processes.
• To understand the market realities and the business practices followed by the crafts sector.
• To understand the basic principles of management.
• To understand the role of design in promoting markets for the crafts sector.

Course Content:

• Introduction to the principles of management.
• Introduction to marketing.
• Introduction to principles of self-management.

Methodology:

• Audio-visual presentations.
• Lectures, demonstrations and field visits.
• Assignments, presentations and group discussions.
• Discussions on case studies

Course 009 : Computer Aided Design (CAD-I)

Weeks: 2
Category: Studio

Relevance:

This course equips students with skills to develop prototypes of crafts products using computer software.

Objectives:

• To introduce students to Computer Aided Design tools for the development of 3-D prototypes of products.

Course Content:

• Principles of modeling.
• Creation of product drawing from 3-D models.
• Use of CAD tools in the design process from creating underlays to final mechanical drawings.

Methodology:

• Demonstrations.
• Individual assignments.

Course 010 : Analytical & Isometric Drawing

Weeks: 4
Category: Skill

Relevance:

This course helps students to understand the concepts of coordinates, lines and planes.

Objectives:

• To understand the principles of isometric drawing.
• To understand the concepts of coordinates, lines and planes and contours.
• To develop an analytical attitude towards form and structure.
• To develop the ability to communicate ideas through isometric representations.
• To use isometric drawing as a tool for visualizing 3-D forms.

Course Content:

• Basic exercises to explore the concepts of a dot, line and the angles for hand-eye coordination.
• Concept of grid and coordinates for generating 3D forms in isometric shapes.
• Concepts of orthography and orthographical proportions.
• Concept of compound curves.
• Drawing objects that characterize the human environment, with single and compound curves.

Methodology:

• Demonstrations, lectures and discussions.
• Group presentations.

Course 011 : Materials & Skills Workshop - I

Weeks: 4
Category: Studio

Relevance:

This course helps students to work with materials, machines and tools required for developing crafts products.

Objectives:

• To expose students to a range of materials such as metal, wood, ceramic, stone, textiles, etc. commonly used in the manufacture of crafts.
• To develop an understanding of materials, their characteristics, possibilities and limitations.
• To equip students with the basic skills required to use materials and tools essential for the fabrication of models and prototypes.
• To develop the ability to make models using a variety of materials.
• To develop confidence to use different hand tools and machine tools for making models.

Course Content:

• Precision exercises using different materials.
• Fabrication of simple models using different materials.
• Tool operations.

Methodology:

• Lectures and demonstrations.
• Assignments.
• Group Discussions.

SEMESTER III

Course 012 : Design Visualization

Weeks: 4
Category: Studio

Relevance:

This course enables students to appreciate form, structure and patterns in nature and explore hidden structure and properties of form and space.

Objectives:

• Understand the environment and interaction of human beings in relation to the environment.
• To visualize the environment and communicate ideas through sketching and drawing.
• To refine drawing skills acquired in the previous semesters
and apply them to communicate effectively.

Course Content:

• Dimensional solids and objects.
• One-point and two-point perspectives of interior and exterior spaces.
• Study of human form and its proportions.

Methodology :

• Demonstrations, lectures.
• Outdoor sketching.
• Presentations.

Course 013 : Computer Aided Design (CAD-II)

Weeks: 2
Category: Studio

Relevance:

This course helps to strengthen and refine skills acquired in the previous semester.

Objectives:

• To develop skills in Computer Aided Design tools for the development of 3-D prototypes of products, acquired in the previous semester.

Course Content:

• Use of CAD tools for advanced visualization.
• Basics of rendering.
• Creation of 3D models.

Methodology:

• Demonstrations.
• Individual assignments

Course 014 : Materials & Skills Workshop - II

Weeks: 4
Category: Studio

Relevance:

This course is essential for students to refine their dexterity with materials, tools and machines.

Objectives:

• To further develop skills acquired in the previous semester in the use of materials and tools.
• To develop the ability to make models using a variety of materials.
• To develop the confidence to use different hand tools and machine tools for making models.

Course Content:

• Precision exercises using different materials.
• Fabrication of complex models using different materials.
• Tool operations.

Methodology:

• Lectures and demonstrations.
• Assignments in 2D and 3D model making.
• Group Discussions.

Course 015 : Craft Documentation

Weeks: 9
Category: Research

Relevance:

This course is essential for students to get a first-hand feel of the crafts sector, understand its strengths and weaknesses, and develop an understanding of the role of design in the context.

Objectives:

• To understand the rich crafts heritage of Uttar Pradesh.
• To understand the gamut of crafts activity and the role of design in sustaining and promoting crafts industry.
• To understand the traditional crafts techniques and how they can be assimilated into modern applications.
• To record data about the crafts and crafts communities in Uttar Pradesh and establish an interaction with them.

Course Content:

• In-depth study and documentation of a particular craft and crafts community with special reference to evolution of the craft, traditional methods of design and production, materials used, market linkages, socio-cultural and economic dynamics influencing the crafts communities, etc.
• Collection of data in written and visual form.
• Close interaction with crafts communities.
• Presentation of individual insights.

Methodology:

• Field visits
• Lectures and presentations
• Group discussions

SEMESTER IV

Course 016 : Design Workshop I – Soft Materials

Weeks: 4
Category: Studio

Relevance:

Design Workshops give an opportunity to the students to work with soft materials and apply knowledge of design to experiment and develop prototypes.

Objectives:

• To understand the usage of soft materials such as textiles, paper, fibre, etc. in the design and production of crafts.
• To introduce students to the emerging trends in the usage of soft materials.
• To apply knowledge of design to experiment with soft materials.
• To develop concepts and transform them into prototypes using soft materials.
• To work in collaboration with practicing artisans and provide them with innovative design inputs.

Course Content:

• Collaborative tasks for practicing artisans and design students in the area of:
• Exploration of soft materials.
• Development of new concepts.
• Transformation of concepts into prototypes.

Methodology:

• Lectures / demonstrations on emerging design trends in the use of soft materials.
• Design projects / assignments under supervision of expert faculty.
• Discussions and feedback.

Course 017 : Design Workshop II – Wood

Weeks: 4
Category: Studio

Relevance:

Design Workshops give an opportunity to the students to work with wood as material and apply knowledge of design to experiment and develop prototypes.

Objectives:

• To understand the usage of wood in the design and production of crafts.
• To introduce students to the emerging trends in the usage of wood as a craft material.
• To apply knowledge of design to experiment with wood as material.
• To develop concepts and transform them into prototypes using wood.
• To work in collaboration with practicing artisans and provide them with innovative design inputs.

Course Content:

• Collaborative tasks for practicing artisans and design students in the area of:
  • Exploration of wood as materials.
  • Development of new concepts.
• Transformation of concepts into prototypes.

Methodology:

• Lectures / demonstrations on emerging design trends in the use of wood.
• Design projects / assignments under supervision of expert faculty.
• Discussions and feedback.

Course 018 : Design Workshop III – Metals

Weeks: 4
Category: Studio

Relevance:

Design Workshops give an opportunity to the students to work with metals and apply knowledge of design to experiment and develop prototypes.

Objectives:

• To understand the usage of metals in the design and production of crafts.
• To introduce students to the emerging trends in the usage of metals in crafts.
• To apply knowledge of design to experiment with metals.
• To develop concepts and transform them into prototypes using metals.
• To work in collaboration with practicing artisans and provide them with innovative design inputs.

Course Content:

• Collaborative tasks for practicing artisans and design students in the area of:
• Exploration of metals.
• Development of new concepts.
• Transformation of concepts into prototypes.

Methodology:

• Lectures / demonstrations on emerging design trends in the use of metals.
• Design projects / assignments under supervision of expert faculty.
• Discussions and feedback

Course 019 : Design Workshop IV -Ceramic/Glass/Terracotta

Weeks: 4
Category: Studio

Relevance:

Design Workshops give an opportunity to the students to work with a Ceramic/Glass/Terracotta and apply knowledge of design to experiment and develop prototypes.

Objectives:

• To understand the usage of ceramics, glass and terracotta in the design and production of crafts.
• To introduce students to the emerging trends in the usage of materials such as ceramics, glass and terracotta.
• To apply knowledge of design to experiment with ceramic and glass as material.
• To develop concepts and transform them into prototypes using ceramics, glass and terracotta.
• To work in collaboration with practicing artisans and provide them with innovative design inputs.

Course Content:

• Collaborative tasks for practicing artisans and design students in the area of:
• Exploration of ceramics, glass and terracotta as materials.
• Development of new concepts.
• Transformation of concepts into prototypes.

Methodology:

• Lectures / demonstrations on emerging design trends in the use of ceramics, glass and terracotta.
• Design projects / assignments under supervision of expert faculty.
• Discussions and feedback.

Course 20 : Introduction to Entrepreneurship

Weeks: 3
Category: Theory

Relevance:

This course is essential to orient students of crafts design to take up design entrepreneurship.

Objectives:

• To inculcate the spirit of ‘Entrepreneurship’ among students of crafts design.
• To promote among students of design the suitability of micro enterprises at rural level.
• To introduce students to the need for development of managerial capabilities for successful management of crafts practice.
• To disseminate knowledge about entrepreneurial theory and practice.
• To develop among design students an entrepreneurial and professional mindset.

Course Content:

• Concept of entrepreneurship and enterprise.
• Relevance of entrepreneurship in the crafts sector.
• Study and evaluation of existing patterns of enterprise among craftsmen.

Methodology:

• Lectures, discussions, audio-visuals.
• Interaction with successful crafts-entrepreneurs.
• Assignments.
• Field visits.

SEMESTER V

Course 021 : Ornamentation Techniques

Weeks: 4
Category: Studio

Relevance:

This course is essential to gain knowledge about the ways in crafts products can be made more attractive through surface ornamentation.

Objectives:

• To introduce students to the techniques of surface embellishment on different materials.
• To expose students to techniques of embellishment of crafts products through ornamentation.
• To study the function of crafts products and define the scope for ornamentation.
• To experiment in the use of different materials for ornamentation.
• To gain knowledge about ornamentation techniques for a diverse range of crafts products (such as metal based, stone based, wood based, ceramic or glass based, and textile based crafts.)

Course Content:

• Practical experience of ornamentation on different surfaces, using a variety of materials.
• Chiseling, carving, punching or inlay work on metal, wood or stone.
• Ornamentation of textile-based crafts products with beads, decorative interlacing, attractive floral or thematic motifs and geometric patterns.

Methodology:

• Demonstrations, presentations.
• Practical assignments.
• Group Discussions.

Course 022 : Market & Consumer Research

Weeks: 4
Category: Research

Relevance:

Knowledge of market and consumer research is essential for design entrepreneurs.

Objectives:

• To introduce students to the concept of Market and Consumer Research as an important part of business planning and strategy.
• To enable students to understand the importance of market structure, economic trends, technological advances, consumer preferences and such other factors that make up the business environment.

Course Content:

• Theory of Market & Consumer Research
• Understanding consumer decision process.
• Concept testing and demand estimation.
• Collection and evaluation of primary data.

Methodology:

• Lectures, discussions, audio-visuals.
• Interaction with successful crafts-entrepreneurs.
• Assignments.

Course 023 : Packaging & Branding

Weeks: 3
Category: Studio

Relevance:

Knowledge of packaging and branding is essential to market crafts products successfully.

Objectives:

• To introduce students to the concept of packaging and branding as important marketing tools.
• To introduce students to the art of presenting products in an attractive packaging and creating an attractive brand for a product.
• To educate students on the various aspects of presenting a product - the shape, size and appearance of the packaging, colour and design.
• To educate students in the task of choosing the right media to project the right message to potential customers.
• To train students to track the effectiveness of packaging, e.g. checking to see how many people can recall the advert and its message.

Course Content:

• Concepts of packaging and branding.
• Advertising and Marketing strategies.
• Packaging design.
• Packaging solutions for a crafts product.
• Evaluation of strategy.

Methodology:

• Lectures / Presentations
• Group discussions
• Individual and group assignments

Course 024 : Design Project I

Weeks: 8

Elective 1: Personal Accessories Elective 2: Home Accessories

Category: Project

Relevance:

The project tests the student’s ability to apply acquired skills.

Objectives:

• To apply the acquired knowledge to understand user needs and develop a simple product in any of the two fields.
• To develop proficiency in the use of market research data from the crafts sector to understand user needs.
• To develop proficiency in the generation of imaginative concepts suitable to the crafts sector.

Course Content:

• Collection and analysis of data on consumer preferences, availability of suitable alternatives, materials and processes, cost of production and marketing models.
• Study of available alternatives in the market.
• Definition of the problem statement.
• Generation of alternative concepts and validation of the concepts from the aspect of form and function.
• Evaluation of alternative concepts generated.
• Finalisation of one concept, with technical drawings and supporting documents on materials, processes and, functionality, and fabrication of a prototype.

Methodology:

• Collection and analysis of data.
• Lectures and group discussions.
• Documentation.
• Continuous feedback.

SEMESTER VI

Course 025 : Visual Merchandising

Weeks: 6

Category: Studio

Relevance:

This course helps students understand the role played by visual display as a part of the marketing strategy.

Objectives:

• To introduce students to the need for Visual Merchandising in the crafts sector, i.e., the art of presenting the crafts merchandise to the potential customers.
• To learn to establish linkage between craft design and marketing.
• To acquire skills to educate customers about the crafts products in an effective and creative way.
• To acquaint students with the art of presenting crafts merchandise in a 3D environment, to enable lasting impact and recall value.
• To train students to combine design aspects of crafts products and operation aspects of the crafts trade.

Course Content:

• The concept of Visual Merchandising.
• Basic working tools and skills related to VM.
• Display of crafts products in fairs/exhibitions or retail outlets.

Methodology:

• Lectures / Presentations
• Group discussions Individual and group assignments

Course 026 : Design Project II:

Weeks: 12

Development of crafts products for specific crafts clusters.

Category: Project

Relevance:

The performance of a student in this final course reflects his accomplishments as a student of crafts design.

Objectives:

• To undertake a real-life design project with crafts industry and apply learning gained as a crafts design student to real life situations.
• To demonstrate competence as practitioners of design in the crafts sector.
• To acquire vast knowledge about real life situations in crafts clusters and a holistic understanding about the role of design in the crafts industry.

Course Content:

• Working with any chosen crafts industry or cluster in the State of Uttar Pradesh.
• Analysis of real life issues and problems faced by that crafts industry or cluster.
• In the context of the above, design and develop suitable products for the crafts sector.
• Train crafts persons in the production of the products developed.
• Give suitable inputs in packaging, merchandising and marketing strategies to make design ideas commercially viable.
• Documentation of the entire process from data collection and analysis to testing of the product for commercial viability.

Methodology:

• Individual assignments in crafts industry.
• Inputs from crafts persons on materials, processes and commercial marketing of crafts.
• Inputs from Crafts Promotion Councils and such other institutions involved in the promotion of crafts.
• Regular discussions with the guide faculty and feedback.
• Presentation of design solutions generated for the crafts sector.