DPP | DES201 | 4 Credits
<aside> 💡 Instructor: Dr. Anmol Srivastava
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Course Description: This course introduces students to the theoretical and practical aspects of design evolving processes. The course presents the varied palette of design from design of physical objects, to design of human-computer interactions, to design of services, to design of micro systems and connected/complex systems. It offers tasks that initiate the process of learning fundamental skills such as observation & representation, investigation, analysis, synthesis, conceptualization, reflections, projection, visualization & representation.
Topics such as Design Processes, Design Perspectives, Design Context & Concerns, Problem Solving Methods, Idea Generation, User-Focused Thinking and Basic Communication are covered during the course. It also introduces students to various stages of problem solving process from problem identification to investigation and analysis of needs as well as tools and techniques used for generation, iteration, evolution and communication of ideas and design concepts.
This course helps sensitize students to study the social, cultural and physical environment in which his/her design has to operate, so that the design has a meaning or relevance to the people concerned.
Broadly, the course gives students the opportunity to develop essential design thinking skills such as exploring the designed space to identify problem, applying the design thinking process to problems, visualizing design solutions, refining final designs and communicating ideas in visually appropriate form through assignments and projects.
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⚠️ Important: Please read the Academic Dishonesty Policy document carefully
Wicked problems in India that can be addressed through design thinking are numerous, given the complex and multifaceted challenges the country faces. Here is a list of some potential wicked problems in India.
| Wicked Problem | Short Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Water Scarcity | India's water crisis is exacerbated by over-extraction of groundwater, failing infrastructure, and climate change. It affects over 600 million people. Innovative solutions, such as rainwater harvesting and community-driven water supply, can help. |
| 2. Air Pollution | Air pollution is a major health hazard in many Indian cities, primarily due to industrial emissions and vehicular pollution. Innovative urban planning and electric vehicles can mitigate this issue. |
| 3. Educational Inequality | Educational inequality in India persists due to disparities in access and quality. Design thinking can create adaptive learning platforms, inclusive curricula, and teacher training programs. |
| 4. Urban Slums | Urban slums in India face issues of overcrowding, inadequate housing, and poor sanitation. Design thinking can help with low-cost, eco-friendly housing designs, community-driven projects, and improved sanitation. |
| 5. Agricultural Productivity | India's agriculture sector is marred by issues like monoculture and resource-intensive farming. Innovative solutions include precision agriculture, crop diversification, and sustainable practices. |
| 6. Energy Access | Rural and remote areas in India often lack access to electricity. Design thinking can facilitate solutions such as renewable energy systems, microgrids, and energy-efficient technologies. |
| 7. Gender Inequality | Gender inequality in India is rooted in socio-cultural norms and disparities in economic opportunities. Design thinking can empower women through entrepreneurship programs and awareness campaigns. |
| 8. Transportation Infrastructure | India's transportation infrastructure faces issues of congestion and safety. Innovative solutions include public transportation improvements and eco-friendly alternatives like electric vehicles. |
| 9. Public Sanitation | Poor sanitation conditions in India pose health risks. Design thinking can lead to better waste management, including low-cost sanitation solutions and waste-to-energy projects. |
| 10. Cybersecurity | With the increasing use of technology, cybersecurity threats are on the rise. Design thinking can develop user-friendly security solutions and digital literacy programs to counter cyberattacks. |
| 11. Disaster Preparedness | India is prone to natural disasters. Design thinking can result in resilient infrastructure and early warning systems, reducing the impact of disasters. |
| 12. Cultural Preservation | India's rich cultural heritage needs protection. Design thinking can help with digital archiving, heritage tourism initiatives, and cultural preservation projects. |
| 13. Aging Population | India's aging population requires tailored solutions. Design thinking can address their needs through age-friendly housing, healthcare, and social services. |
| 14. Healthcare Access in Rural Areas | Access to healthcare remains a challenge in rural India. Design thinking can lead to innovative solutions, including mobile health clinics and telemedicine services. |
| 15. Waste Management | India's waste management systems require improvement. Design thinking can create better waste collection, recycling, and waste-to-energy solutions. |
The following can be included in the STEEP Analysis:
Social/ Society; Tech/ Infrastructure; Economic/ Business; Environmental;
Political/ Governance/ Legal