ONE-TO-ONE
CERTIFIED WORKSHOPS
INDUSTRY IMMERSIONS
TEDx
Format
Degree awarded by
Classes begin
Eligibility
Duration
Course Fee
(HIGHLIGHTS)
Choose
Transdisciplinary
Design at TDV
Design for Transformation
Transdisciplinary Design programme at The Design Village encompasses transformational design, preparing designers who do not limit themselves to a singular design domain, but work as independent, non-silo designers who can design with any and every medium imaginable. Students are trained in transdisciplinary processes that seek to create desirable and sustainable changes in behavior and form, in individuals, systems and organizations. It is a multi-stage, iterative journey of applying design principles to complex systems for impact.
Freedom and Responsibility
Students in the Transdisciplinary Design programme chart out their learning manifesto: a personal vision that serves as their north star, and prepare their bucket list: a set of dreams they intend to fulfil during the programme, both of which are at the core of their education at TDV. During their four years, they are offered the opportunity to take up courses from any specialization, based on their interest, while being closely guided by an industry expert, who guides them in their decision making.
Knowledge and Industry Exposure
With an intent to prepare designers for anything they may work for, and provide exposure to everything they shall work with: the Transdisciplinary programme provides an unmatched exposure of knowledge and industry. Students take up four industry immersions across the world in China, France, India and UAE, experiencing Culture, Impact, Innovation and Sustainability. In parallel, they co-learn with their peer learners, who are international students studying at top institutions such as Politecnico di Milano, TU Delft etc. through two certified workshops held in various parts of India.
(AWARDS)
Experience an
Award-Winning
Curriculum
Curriculum of the Transdisciplinary Design undergraduate programme is based on the Vision in Design methodology, invented by TDV's Founding Member and Programme Chair Prof. Paul Hekkert. Students are not limited by manifestation and have a choice to explore and traverse across domains, learning to be independent, all-round designers, and experiencing a unique, bespoke and everlasting journey.
CODE
CREDITS
Course Title
BDE101
10
Students come from different social and cultural environments. The course helps students to put aside the conventional ways of doing things, reimagine one’s position and create an openness to the world of design.
BDE102
2
Designers must understand the world and its realities, to be able to design appropriately. The course introduces students to different realities: gender, religion, family structures, cultural practices etc.
BDE103
2
All steps towards designing have far-reaching implications: intended and unintended, short-term and long-term, on the self and on the collective. In this course, students research and map past designs, understand factors that lead to various implications, and strengthen their lateral thinking.
BDE104
2
The course takes students through an explorative, iterative, critically-reflective methodology, and encourages them to articulate, speculate and present their worldview from choosing between multiple mediums.
BDE105
2
Coming from the discipline of anthropology, ethnography helps understand the multi-facets of culture. The course introduces students to the ground reality of the world using this qualitative research method.
BDE106
2
Designers need to develop the ability to infer and contextualize the elements and principles of design. Elements are basic set of tools on which design is created, while principles of design relate to how you use these elements. The course helps students develop a basic understanding of the elements and principles, and translate that understanding into projects.
BDE107
5
Project-based course based on an approach in which calculated predictions are made through visible patterns and trends. Designed as an intense sprint with a speculative brief, it is aimed to create new ideas and solutions for the present that involve thinking through the future.
BDE108
5
Workshop-based course in which students work on projects involving more than one discipline or field of study in order to understand how to collaborate with different knowledge systems.
CODE
CREDITS
Course Title
BDE201
10
Educational excursion to co-learn from your peers and mentors, working together and living in conditions beyond a city for long-term bonding.
BDE202
2
From an already identified target audience, designers need to explore the integration of purpose and storytelling into their design concepts. The course fosters a holistic approach to ideation, encouraging students to empathize with the users ranging from micro-details to the overarching strategy for a user journey.
BDE203
2
The course introduces students to design by using a series of sequential steps with multiple kinds of predetermined flows, to arrive at design solutions.
BDE204
2
Designers have to work at many scales and with varied stakeholders with vested interests. The course equips students to identify these stakeholders and understand that different concerns, needs, attitudes and opinions they have.
BDE205
2
A context to begin with, will always have more than one variable to study, be it through space-based documentation techniques or of any other sensorial kinds. In this course, the learner maintains an objective viewpoint by applying rational and quantitative learnings to present an analysis of the context.
BDE206
2
By exploring the interplay through materials and techniques, the course helps students develop a nuanced understanding of how materials can convey meanings, evoke emotions and generate experiences for an observer. It enhances a student’s ability to effectively communicate through materials and their manifestations.
BDE207
5
Short intensive project on space and interior and textile brands, helping students understand the industry, audiences, and value propositions.
BDE208
5
Project-based course that encourages students to develop an idea through a reflective design process, understanding how to reframe a project brief to see possibilities.
CODE
CREDITS
Course Title
BDF301
6
Designers must develop grounding and humility to be empathetic in this endeavour. The course fosters a sense of social responsibility and ethical design practice. Through community service projects, students develop a deeper understanding of societal needs and learn to apply design to serve the community.
BDF302
4
The course introduces notions of ethics, morals and values through a variety of philosophers, designers, and critical inquiry involved in the process of creation and decision-making. It equips students with the tools and knowledge to create responsible and ethical design solutions that contribute positively to society.
BDF303
4
Context-driven and interaction-centred approach that helps students learn a way to come up with solutions that give people meaning or value.
BDF304
2
BDF305
2
BDF306
2
BDF307
2
BDF308
4
BDF309
4
Project-based course to introduce students to systems thinking and giga-mapping of space and interior design through an open-ended, process driven, research lead project brief.
CODE
CREDITS
Course Title
BDF401
6
Experiential course to encourage students towards exploring the world through active engagement, experimentation, and stepping outside one’s comfort zone to develop resilience.
BDF402
4
Exploring the intersection of culture, society and design, the course helps students build cross-cultural perspectives, and develop the ability to be culturally sensitive in their design approach.
BDF403
2
Designers must have an understanding of consumer behaviours that affect the decision-making process, extrinsic motivations, and other psychological factors. The course teaches students to identify target audiences and develop a general knowledge of the existing and possible mechanisms that inspire a buyer.
BDF404
2
Designers put out artefacts and experiences in the world. This course helps students to understand that users attach multiple and diverse meanings to artefacts beyond utilitarian function and they have a logic to it, which the designer then employs to design better.
BDF405
2
BDF406
2
BDF407
2
BDF408
2
BDF409
8
CODE
CREDITS
Course Title
BDF501
8
Every designer has their own stand on a problem. Pilgrimage, as an experiential course, teaches stduents to take a stand, and find ways to be the individual they they are.
BDF502
6
Designers require skills to articulate the outcomes of their research, while being mindful that their personal briefs do not cloud their judgement. As a foundation to the dissertation, the colloquium teaches students critical analysis of information, identification of underlying assumptions, and constructing persuasive arguments.
BDF503
2
Exchange of monetary values brings legal frameworks into the picture, and the designing of a business helps to understand that better. The course helps students becomes aware about the hurdles that may come in way of the intended design solution the designer has prepared for a user. Be it through entrepreneurship, partnership, or freelance, the designer is able to understand the costs and values of the markets, products and all other processes involved.
BDF504
2
Aesthetics are core to every design project. The course inculcates an understanding of aesthetics that goes beyond surface-level visual appeal to experiences, multi-sensoriality and conceptual theories. It helps the student realize that aesthetics is not just about beauty, but also about the basic response to any and all objects of desire.
BDF505
2
Sustainability is at the core of future design practice. This course helps students understand design processes in their entirety and their implications on the environment, economy and society. By understanding the resources available and their interconnectedness, students develop a responsible and sustainable approach to design.
BDF506
2
BDF507
4
BDF508
4
CODE
CREDITS
Course Title
BDF601
30
Industry Internship helps students to gain valuable hands-on experience and explore real-world opportunities by spending time with industry professionals. Students can take up their internship at an international university or a professional organization, based on their personal career choices. TDV’s Industry Relations team works closely with each student to ensure their specific career goals are met, and necessary exposure and work experience imparted at a high-repute space and interior design corporation.
CODE
CREDITS
Course Title
BDF701
6
Designers need to dissociate themselves from the chaos of routine life and circumstance and encourages periodic introspection and reflection to find a better way forward in design life. This experiential course takes students through an environment, disconnected from the traditional and technological distractions of everyday life. By disconnecting from the demands and realities of daily life, students gain new perspectives on design, and strengthen their sensory observations.
BDF702
24
Self-driven intensive 16-week space and interior design project where the full onus of design and development is on the student. The process begins with designing the project brief, to developing the prototype, and pitching the project to a prospective real-world client. Action-oriented in nature, the capstone is an opportunity for students to be reflective of themselves, their stand, thinking, process and skill, and their identity as a designer.
CODE
CREDITS
Course Title
BDF801
6
It is important for designers to be inspired in order to create inspiring work in the industry. The course introduces how one can be inspired and what value it brings to the table. As a senior student, this course is an avenue for students to give back to their successors, sharing with them their journey and their learnings from the enchanting world of design.
BDF802
24
Research-driven dissertation allows students to showcase the design thinking and research skills they have developed throughout the course. Students explore a topic of their interest, contributing to the field of space and interior design, while making a meaningful contribution to the industry.
(PLACEMENTS)
Work with Changemakers
Graduates of Transdisciplinary Design Programme at TDV work in Impact, Technology, Design and Business, Creative Leadership, Strategy, Sustainability, and Governance.
Vanshika Mehta
Deloitte, Gurugram
Dishita Pragya
Government of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal
Shruti Singh
Reliance Brands Ltd, Delhi
Saansh Arora
Centre for Social Design, Delhi
Radhika Thapar
Tata Elxsi, Bangalore
(STUDENT WORK)
Showcase your
Work to the World
Prove your mettle, and win an opportunity to present the best final design project of your cohort at TEDxTDV.
If Our Clothes Could Heal
Akshita Maheshwari
2024
Some Of Us Out Of All Of Us
Gunjana Kharbanda
2023
Fashion Reset
Akarsh Goyal
2022
Why Call Ourselves Facilitators
Souvik Mukherjee
2020
(MASTERS)
Get Globally
Recognized
Cumulus Green Award
Cumulus Association Of Design Schools Of The World
Mayank Raj, Patna, 2024, Yukti Anand, New Delhi, 2020, Manisha Bisht, Pune, 2023
Outstanding Digital Submission 2024
Bio Design Challenge
Vedangi Rane, Mumbai, 2026, Divyansh Jain, 2024, Rewari - Haryana, Prakriti, Gorakhpur, 2024, Raghav Modi, Jaipur, 2024
(Real-world Projects )
Industry projects are a part of TDV classroom, giving students an in-depth, hands-on experience of how organizations approach actual design problems, manage clients, and deliver final products in the market.
Experiment with conscious materials while exploring synergy between new and old
Conscious Collective, 2024
Godrej Design Lab
Propose interventions to drive positive systemic changes in the APAC region and not America first
Google-on-Ground, 2022
Google APAC
Systemic interventions for sustainable tourism growth in the state of Meghalaya
Tourism in Meghalaya, 2020
MIDFC
Strategic interventions to deepen stakeholder relationships
People of Araku, 2022
Araku Coffee
Experiment with conscious materials while exploring synergy between new and old
Conscious Collective, 2024
Takshila Education Society
Extending the work and ideology of Parivartan and Takshila through social interventions, and creating educational and systemic moments of interaction
Parivartan, 2019
Takshila Education Society
(STUDENT WORK)
Innovate in
the Classroom
Transdisciplinary Design students at The Design Village take up classroom projects that have the potential to impact the society, transform organizations, and creatively change the world.
The Beautiful Game
The Beautiful Game
Abhishek Das
2022
Positive Breastfeeding
Smart textiles that mitigate pain associated with breastfeeding
Akshita Maheshwari
2024
Selving
Call for action reflecting human commoditization as a means of income caused by the loss of jobs due to automation
Pradeep Singh
2021
Ethical frameworks
Ethical frameworks in persuasive design
Karan Pal Singh
2021
(FACILITATORS)
All-Inclusive
Global Immersions
Students of the Transdisciplinary Programme at TDV get exposed to diverse design industries across the globe with dedicated week-long immersions, each held annually, at no additional tuition, living, or travel costs above the programme fee.
(EXPOSURE)
Certified Workshops with
International Universities
Imperturbability
A commitment towards design education in a plural
anthropocenic world
Dive into peer learning with students of top-ranked
global universities, as a part of two all-inclusive certified
workshops.
Abhishek Das
2024
(FACILITIES)
Access State-of-the-
art Labs
Leverage world-class machinery, technical equipment, and software at on-campus labs that facilitate imagining and executing concepts from all disciplines
Fashion Lab
State-of-the-art Fashion & Textile Design Lab with a capacity of 20 students, and top-end imported machinery and equipment
MacLab
Technologically-advanced Computing Lab with a capacity of 15 students, fulfilling any and every need of communication and interaction designers
FabLab
Fabrication Lab accredited by Fab Foundation, a US non-profit emerged from MIT's Center for Bits and Atoms FabLab Programme, offering state-of-the-art and most advanced machinery on-campus, with a capacity of 30 students.
Archohm Studio
Architecture and Interior Design Studio intertwined with TDV campus, offering students an unmatched exposure of the space and interior design industry.
(MASTERS)
Mentored by Industry
Leaders
Define your knowledge goals, identify your course direction, and kickstart your career trajectory with guidance of your 1:1 mentor: an industry leader practicing transdiscipinary design
Anna Noyons
Founder, ink Social Design
Jeroen van Erp
Innovation Strategist, Fabrique
(FACILITATORS)
PROGRAMME FACULTY
Paul Hekkert
Programme Chair
Mudita Pasari
Programme Head
Shazaman Saiyed
Programme Coordinator
Isha Talsania
Faculty
Meenakshi Thirukode
Faculty
Tarjani Samani
Faculty
Varun Manocha
Designer, IBM, Bengaluru
(FAQs)
FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
About Transdisciplinary Design
1) What is Transdisciplinary Design?
1)Transdisciplinary Design is an approach that transcends traditional boundaries between disciplines, integrating knowledge, methods, and perspectives from various fields to address complex challenges in innovative and holistic ways. It focuses on collaborative problem-solving, bringing together designers, scientists, technologists, and other experts to create solutions that are sustainable, adaptable, and impactful. By embracing a multi-stage, iterative process, transdisciplinary design seeks to transform systems, behaviors, and environments, encouraging designers to think beyond the limitations of a single domain and to work with a wide range of tools, mediums, and technologies.
2) Why study Transdisciplinary Design?
2)Studying Transdisciplinary Design equips individuals with the skills and mindset needed to tackle complex, real-world challenges that cannot be solved within the confines of a single discipline. It prepares designers to think critically, creatively, and systemically, enabling them to work collaboratively across fields like technology, social sciences, sustainability, and business. This approach fosters adaptability, making designers capable of navigating and leading change in diverse and dynamic environments. It also provides opportunities for global exposure, professional growth, and the development of a unique, versatile skill set, empowering designers to innovate in ways that have meaningful, sustainable, and transformative impacts on society and the environment.
3) What does Transdisciplinary Design programme cover?
3)The Transdisciplinary Design programme covers a diverse curriculum designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle domain-independent challenges. It includes foundational design principles and methodologies such as user-centered design, participatory design, and systems thinking, which are essential for developing innovative solutions. Sustainability and social impact are emphasized, with courses that explore sustainable design practices and projects that promote circular economies or enhance community well-being. Students also engage with technology and innovation, learning about digital design, interactive media, and emerging technologies to create cutting-edge products or services.
Collaboration and teamwork are crucial components, as the programme encourages students to work in interdisciplinary teams, simulating real-world design scenarios that require diverse expertise. Global perspectives and cultural studies help students understand how cultural factors influence design decisions, further enriched by industry immersions in various countries that provide practical exposure to global design trends. Additionally, the curriculum covers design research methods, enabling students to conduct thorough investigations into user needs and market trends to inform their design processes. Throughout the programme, students develop a professional portfolio that showcases their design projects, processes, and outcomes, preparing them for the job market.
For more details on the specific curriculum, please refer to the curriculum section above.
4) Do I need to be good in art or drawing to study Transdisciplinary Design?
4)No, you do not need to be exceptionally skilled in art or drawing to study Transdisciplinary Design. While having basic drawing skills can be helpful, the programme focuses more on developing a broad set of problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaborative skills. Transdisciplinary Design emphasizes understanding complex systems, working across different disciplines, and applying design principles to create innovative solutions, rather than traditional artistic skills. The programme often encourages using a variety of tools and techniques, including digital technologies and prototyping methods, allowing students with diverse strengths and backgrounds to thrive.
1) Why choose The Design Village for Transdisciplinary Design?
1)The Transdisciplinary Design programme at The Design Village focuses on transformational design, training designers to work across multiple domains and mediums for impactful and sustainable change. It offers students the freedom to create a personalized learning manifesto and pursue courses tailored to their interests, all under the guidance of industry experts. Through global industry immersions in China, France, India, and the UAE, as well as collaborations with international peers from top institutions, the programme provides extensive exposure to culture and innovation preparing students for a diverse and dynamic design landscape.
2) What is the teaching methodology in TDV’s Transdisciplinary Design course?
2)The journey is based on the learning manifesto of each student and the itinerary chalked out to achieve it.
Hence the journey undertaken by every villager at TDV is unique and bespoke, and it does not have to cease at the end of four years. Although the journey is individual, the villager is not alone. There is a support system of relevant people, to assist the villagers at every junction.
Each Transdisciplinary learner charters her own personal learning path. This path is custom-made for her with a great mix and match of experiences, which navigates and synthesizes diverse fields of expertise, forming a holistic. By seamlessly blending knowledge, methodologies, and tools from multiple disciplines, they craft innovative solutions that transcend traditional boundaries.
1) ‘Villaging’ activities for personal development, with the goal to build the TDV community and oneself
2) Design projects to be retrieved from the ‘task box’, where everything is based on reality.
3) ‘Baskets’ contain clusters of courses characterized by a common theme, discipline, or learning objective.
3) What does a Transdisciplinary Designer Do?
3)A Transdisciplinary Designer work often involves developing strategies, products, systems, or experiences that address social, environmental, and economic challenges in impactful and sustainable ways. They may work on diverse projects, such as designing user-centered products, creating sustainable systems for communities, or developing strategies for organizational transformation. They adapt their approaches based on the context and requirements, using their ability to think critically, creatively, and collaboratively to bring about meaningful change.
4) What career opportunities await Transdisciplinary Design graduates?
4)Graduates of Transdisciplinary Design have a wide range of career opportunities due to their versatile skill sets and interdisciplinary knowledge. Potential career paths include:
1. Experience Designer: Creating engaging and meaningful experiences across various touchpoints, including physical and digital environments, by integrating user needs and emotional resonance into the design process.
2. Service Designer: Improving and designing services that enhance user experiences across various industries, including healthcare, hospitality, and retail.
3. Sustainability Consultant: Advising organizations on sustainable practices and solutions that reduce environmental impact and promote social responsibility.
4. UX/UI Designer: Focusing on user experience and interface design for digital products and services, ensuring they are user-friendly and engaging.
5. Innovation Strategist: Working with organizations to develop new strategies and products that foster innovation and meet emerging market needs.
6. Design Researcher: Conducting research to understand user behaviors, needs, and trends, informing design processes and decisions.
7. Social Impact Designer: Designing solutions aimed at addressing social issues, such as poverty, education, and health disparities, often in collaboration with NGOs or community organizations.
8. Brand Strategist: Developing and implementing branding strategies that align with organizational values and resonate with target audiences.
9. Entrepreneur: Starting their own design-focused businesses or ventures that address specific market needs or challenges.
The roles are not limited to these but can vary and extend to various sectors such as technology, healthcare, education, government, and non-profits, allowing graduates to pursue careers that align with their interests and passions.
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Work with professional-grade machinery and take classes that cover the technical, the mechanical and the tactile elements of engineering at MAKE Abu Dhabi, a community-based space for creative individuals that is part workshop, lab, studio and garage. Year I: Innovation