1st Semester
Innovation and Design Thinking
From problem discovery to working prototypes
This course introduces students to hands-on prototyping and design thinking practices through a structured learning journey. Learners work with physical materials, digital tools, electronics, and fabrication machines to understand how ideas are translated into working prototypes.
Overview
This course covers the nuances of building great prototypes. This is a completely hands-on course where students are introduced to a variety of physical and digital tools that can aid them in the process of building hardware and software projects. The course is comprehensive in its use of machines benefiting students from a variety of domains. With activities involving wood art, CAD modelling and laser cutting, the course touches upon all the essentials that an innovator needs to create, all in a span of 12 weeks.
Course Outcome
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Apply design thinking and rapid prototyping methods to identify problems and develop practical solutions.
- Design and build low-fidelity and digital prototypes, including user interfaces and interactive flows.
- Safely use workshop tools, digital fabrication equipment, and materials to create physical prototypes.
- Develop basic electronic systems by working with circuits, sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers.
- Create custom components using 3D CAD tools and fabricate them using 3D printing and CNC processes.
- Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to design, build, test, and present a functional working prototype.
FORMAT : Hybrid
DURATION : 12 Weeks
HOURS PER WEEK : 2 HOURS
NO OF VIDEO CONTENT : 12
NO OF ASSIGNMENTS : 6
Syllabus
Course Syllabus
Introduction & Rapid Prototyping Foundations
Week 1
Students are introduced to the course structure, objectives, and the mindset of rapid prototyping. Through a hands-on design challenge using everyday materials, they experience problem-solving, teamwork, and iterative thinking. The focus is on learning by doing rather than perfection.
Low-Fidelity Prototyping & Idea Validation
Week 2
This week focuses on pen-and-paper prototyping techniques to quickly visualize ideas. Students create paper prototypes to test concepts, gather feedback, and validate assumptions. The session concludes with short presentations to communicate design intent clearly.
Digital Interface Prototyping with Figma
Week 3
Students learn the fundamentals of digital interface design using Figma. The module covers UI basics, wireframing, and building interactive screen flows. Emphasis is placed on translating ideas into clickable digital prototypes.
Workshop Tools & Safety Fundamentals
Week 4
Participants are introduced to workshop environments, tools, and materials. The session emphasizes safety protocols, correct handling of tools, and understanding material properties. Students gain confidence to work responsibly in a fabrication setup.
Team-Based Fabrication Challenge
Week 5
Students work in teams to design and build physical structures using power tools. The challenge encourages creativity, collaboration, and practical problem-solving. Teams learn to plan, execute, and iterate under real-world constraints.
Basics of Electronics & Circuit Design
Week 6
This week introduces fundamental electronics concepts such as voltage, current, and components. Students design and simulate simple circuits using digital tools. The focus is on understanding how electronic systems function before physical implementation.
Microcontrollers & Component Interfacing
Week 7
Students are introduced to microcontrollers and their role in smart systems. They learn how to interface basic components such as LEDs, buttons, and sensors. Simple programs are written to control hardware behavior.
Arduino Programming with Sensors & Motors
Week 8
This module focuses on programming microcontrollers using Arduino. Students work with sensors and motors to create responsive systems. Emphasis is placed on logic, control flow, and real-world applications.
3D CAD Modelling for Prototyping
Week 9
Students learn 3D CAD modelling using industry-standard, cloud-based tools. The session covers designing custom parts with correct dimensions and constraints. Models are prepared for fabrication and real-world use.
3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing
Week 10
Participants explore additive manufacturing through hands-on 3D printing. They learn file preparation, slicing, printer operation, and troubleshooting. The focus is on turning digital designs into physical components.
Advanced Digital Fabrication Techniques
Week 11
This week introduces CNC machining, laser cutting, and vinyl cutting. Students understand precision manufacturing methods and material selection. The session highlights how different fabrication techniques serve different prototyping needs.
Integrated Team-Based Prototyping Challenge
Week 12
In the final week, teams undertake a comprehensive prototyping challenge. Students integrate design thinking, electronics, programming, CAD, and fabrication skills learned throughout the course. The program concludes with prototype demonstrations and structured feedback.
learning experience
WHAT STUDENTS TAKE AWAY
- Practical exposure to multiple prototyping methods
- Confidence working with digital, electronic, and fabrication tools
- Experience translating ideas into physical outputs
Students interested in hands-on innovation and maker-based learning.
Explore how ideas become prototypes.
