Principles of
Design
“A human-centered approach to solving real-world
problems”
#ApproachingRishihood
The Foundation Program
Identification & Context Application & Action
(Who am I / we / the world?) (How do we design, analyze, and scale solutions?)
Self and Society Understanding India Global Grand Challenges Principles of Design System Thinking Tech and Policy
Who am I? Who are we? What are we dealing with? How do we approach a problem? How do Systems work? How do Technology and Policy
What defines the current global influence each other?
order?
Course Outline
PHASE PHASE 1 PHASE 2 PHASE 3 PHASE 4
TOPIC Foundation and Problem Framing Ideation and Concept Development Application and Evaluation Synthesis and Presentation
DURATION January- Early February Late February - March April May
Introduction to Design Thinking- Kicking off with Exploring New Media: Comics and VR Heuristics Evaluation- Students conduct Final Project Presentations- The
core concepts, student engagement and group workshops- Integrating storytelling and a formal evaluation and submit an culmination of the course where groups
initiation immersive technology into the design assessment paper. present their final projects.
process.
Empathy and User Research- Learning to Applying Core Design Methods- Hands-on Calligraphy Workshop-
understand users through empathy mapping and Introduction to UX, Product, Service Exploring typography and visual
HMW frameworks. Design and Information Architecture. principles through a traditional art form.
Hands on Lego Workshop- A practical session to Mid Term Evaluation- A formal Exploring typography and visual
foster creative problem solving and collaboration. assessment to gauge student progress. principles through a traditional art form.
Ideation and Problem Method- Introduction from
Ideation and Problem Submission- Groups move
from brainstorming to defining and submitting
their core problem statements.
ART
MYSORE ROSEWOOD INLAY PAINTING
(GI TAG)
CRAFT
MYSORE ROSEWOOD INLAY CONSOLE
TABLE
(GI TAG)
DESIGN
CHANDIGARH CHAIR
Art, Craft and Design
ASPECT ART CRAFT DESIGN
PURPOSE Expression Skill & Tradition Problem Solving
FUNCTION Not Required Optional Essential
FOCUS Emotion/Idea Technique/Material User & Utility
PROCESS Intuitive Learned & Practiced Research Driven
OUTCOME Unique Developed Skilled Functional Solution
Art, Craft and Design
ART
Expression
CRAFT
Skill & material
DESIGN
Problem-solving
• A hand-thrown pottery cup sits closer to craft
• A ceramic cup designed for IKEA shifts toward design
• A limited-edition hand-glazed Starbucks mug sits in the overlap
While a Starbucks coffee tumbler represents design due to its user-
centric, problem-solving approach, and a pottery cup represents craft
because of its emphasis on material skill and making process, a coffee
cup–inspired art installation represents art, as it prioritizes conceptual
expression and interpretation over function.
3
Activity
Overview
• Chinese whisper
• Find a weirdly useful object
4
TEACHING NOTES AHEAD
1. Art - Expression
Art is primarily about self-expression and aesthetics, Focuses on conveying emotions, ideas, or personal vision, Not necessarily
functional, Open to multiple interpretations, Value lies in creativity and originality
Examples: Painting, sculpture, fine art photography, installation art
Key question: What do I want to express?
2. Craft - Skill
Craft focuses on skill, technique, and tradition, Involves hand skills and material mastery, Often follows cultural or traditional practices,
Can be functional or decorative, Emphasizes process and workmanship
Examples: Pottery, weaving, embroidery, wood carving, block printing
Key question: How well is it made?
3. Design - Solution
Design is about problem-solving with purpose, Combines aesthetics + function, User-centric and goal-oriented, Based on research,
constraints, and usability, Often reproducible and scalable
Examples: Fashion design, graphic design, product design, interior design
Key question: Does it solve the problem effectively?
1. Starbucks Coffee Tumbler – Design
● Problem-driven (portability, insulation, spill-proof)
● User-centric and optimized
● Material serves performance
● Mass-produced
2. Pottery Tea/Coffee Cup – Craft
● Skill-driven and material-led
● Handmade using traditional techniques
● Function exists, but making process is central
● Variations are valued
3. Coffee Cup Art Installation / Sculpture – Art
● No functional requirement
● Focuses on idea, emotion, or critique
● Viewer interpretation matters more than usability
● Material is symbolic, not practical
Example:
● A cup enlarged to human scale to represent addiction to caffeine
● Cups suspended in space to depict daily rituals
● Cracked cups symbolizing fragility or exhaustion