Programme Fee
+ Applicable Taxes
Duration
12 Weeks · 8–10 hrs/week
Available Seats
20 seats maximum
Delivery Mode
Online-first
Apply or enquire
3
Months · 12 modules
2+1
Foundation + Diploma project
Jury
IIT × HCD × Industry panel
Pedagogic lineage: NID / Prof. M P Ranjan’s Design Concepts & Concerns, Parsons Transdisciplinary Design, and HCD Institute’s AI-integrated, DIC-credentialed, India-rooted practice.
MONTHS 1 – 2
Observe · Frame · Make · Reflect. Studio, seminar, and field — three modes running in parallel.
MONTH 3
Your bespoke diploma project. A real problem, a dedicated mentor, and a full design research process.
POST-PROGRAMME
Portfolio, alumni network, Iceland internship pathway, and advanced HCDx programmes.
WEEK 1
The designing self & what is design?
Observer
WEEK 2
Field observation & learning from context
Observer
WEEK 3
Systems thinking & modelling complexity
Modeller
WEEK 4
Problem framing & the design brief · Concept Mela
Modeller
WEEK 5
Visual language & design representation
Maker
WEEK 6
Human factors, ergonomics & usability
Maker
WEEK 7
Prototyping, testing & iterative refinement
Maker
WEEK 8
Business thinking & design strategy
Narrator
WEEK 9
AI-integrated design thinking
Narrator
WEEK 10
Critical thinking, systems futures · Mid-critique
Narrator
WEEKS 11–12
Diploma project: research → prototype → jury
Researcher-Practitioner
DIC Micro-Diploma
Joint credential from IIT Hyderabad (DIC) and HCD Institute
Studio portfolio
10 weeks of documented, jury-validated design exercises
Process book
A complete design research document — portfolio-ready
Mentor access
IIT faculty + HCD practitioner pool throughout
Global pathway
Iceland internship pathway via HCD’s Nordic partnerships
Career positioning
Product, UX, strategy, social impact, entrepreneurship
Do I need a design background to apply?
No design background is required. The programme begins from first principles — learning to observe, frame, and think before software or aesthetics.
What is the weekly time commitment?
Plan for 8–10 hours each week, including live seminar, studio critique, independent studio work, and field exercises.
Can I choose my own diploma project topic?
Yes. You bring a real problem from your work, community, or domain of interest, and HCD mentors help refine it into a design opportunity.
What does “IIT Hyderabad certified” mean?
The DIC Micro-Diploma is awarded jointly by the Design Innovation Centre at IIT Hyderabad and HCD Institute, evaluated by jury rather than attendance alone.
What is the Concept Mela?
It is a sharing-and-critique format where students pin up work, explain concepts, and receive feedback from peers, faculty, mentors, and invited reviewers.
How is the programme assessed?
There are no written exams. Assessment is based on studio outputs, critique, research quality, process book, prototype, and final jury presentation.
What can I do after completing the diploma?
Graduates are positioned for product, UX, strategy, social impact, entrepreneurship, advanced HCDx programmes, and portfolio-led career transitions.
How do I apply?
Apply via hcd.institute with a statement of intent, optional portfolio review, advisor interview, and onboarding before the cohort begins.
