UPES School of Design Introduces AI-Integrated Product Design Program

The UPES School of Design has launched a new Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) program in Product Design with a cutting-edge focus on AI integration. This move is a strategic response to the evolving demands of the modern design industry, where artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly vital role in everything from conceptualization to prototyping. This new program aims to equip students with the skills to leverage AI tools to create innovative, user-centric products.

The program's curriculum is a four-year, full-time undergraduate degree that blends traditional design principles with advanced technological skills. UPES is among the first institutions to embed AI directly into a design program's core structure, a move designed to make its graduates highly competitive in the job market. The final deadline to apply for admission to the UPES School of Design for the current admission cycle is August 14, 2025.

How AI Is Integrated into the Curriculum

The AI-integrated curriculum is designed to move beyond theoretical knowledge. Students will not only learn about AI but will also use it as a practical tool throughout their program. Key areas of integration include:

• Generative AI: Students will learn to use generative AI tools to rapidly create design concepts, explore multiple iterations, and visualize complex forms.
• Predictive Analytics: AI will be used to analyze consumer data and market trends, allowing students to design products that are more likely to succeed.
• AI for Prototyping: The program will include the use of AI in digital and physical prototyping, including software for optimizing 3D printing and manufacturing processes.
• AI and Responsible Design: A crucial part of the curriculum will be on the ethical implications of AI in design, ensuring that graduates are prepared to create products that are both innovative and responsible.

Eligibility, Admission Process & Career Opportunities

To apply for the B.Des. in Product Design with AI Integration, candidates must have secured a minimum of 50% marks in both Class 10 and Class 12 from any stream. The selection process is comprehensive and includes:

1. UPES DAT: Candidates must take the online Design Aptitude Test (DAT) conducted by UPES, unless they have a valid score from national-level exams like UCEED, NID, or NIFT. The UPES DAT exam is conducted every Saturday.
2. Portfolio Presentation & Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a personal interview where they will present a portfolio of their creative work.

Graduates of this program can expect to pursue roles as product designers, UX designers, industrial designers, and design engineers in tech, automotive, and consumer goods industries. The highest salary package offered to design graduates at UPES in 2024 was ₹14 LPA, with an average CTC of ₹6.48 LPA.