The program prepares researchers to address today’s design challenges by combining theory and practice. Students learn to use design not just to analyze problems, but to create real change. The program supports flexible career paths in design, research, policy, strategy, and emerging technologies. Scholars work closely with communities, creative practitioners, industry, government, and academics. Through this collaboration, they develop new approaches that promote equity, justice, and sustainability, while learning beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Students may pursue either applied or theoretical research.

• Applied Research
  Applied research focuses on creating new knowledge and innovation through hands-on practice and analysis.
  Design Outcome: Scholars who successfully develop a research-based design outcome that addresses important contemporary design challenges may be awarded a Ph.D.
  Mentorship and Support: Scholars may receive guidance from entrepreneurs and investors, with possible seed funding for prototyping and incubation.
  Requirements: Scholars must complete coursework, pass the qualifying examination, and submit a thesis alongside a design outcome that makes a significant contribution to the field.
• Theoretical Research
  Theoretical research focuses on improving understanding of design practice and generating knowledge with real-world relevance.
  Research Output: A Ph.D. may be awarded based on the originality and quality of research, even without creating a design outcome.
  Publications: Strong research is demonstrated through 2–3 Scopus-indexed publications.
  Requirements: Scholars must complete coursework, pass the qualifying examination, and submit a thesis that makes a significant contribution to the field.
• Coursework
  The program welcomes students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, including engineering, sciences, humanities, social sciences, fine arts, design, cinema, management, or public policy, to name a few. It helps students learn how to frame and solve complex research problems using design and systems thinking across disciplines.
  Students propose their research topics at the time of admission and finalize them when the program begins, in alignment with faculty expertise. The coursework builds strong research skills, encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and supports the development of new methods and ideas appropriate for transdisciplinary research to address contemporary ‘wicked’ problems.
  The curriculum combines research with action-oriented learning to address real-world challenges such as climate change and social development. Students learn advanced transdisciplinary design processes and work collaboratively to question existing approaches and propose meaningful alternatives.
• Learning Outcomes
  After completing coursework, students will be able to:
  • Define research problems and solutions within a transdisciplinary framework
  • Effectively apply design thinking into domain specific challenges
  • Apply systems thinking effectively in transdisciplinary research
  • Develop new knowledge, methods, and interpretations
  • Critically review design literature from multiple disciplines
  • Plan and carry out research across the social sciences
  • Question established assumptions using design approaches
  • Use design methods creatively in research and practice
• Thrust Areas
  The Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences focuses on two key research thrust areas aligned with the University’s vision:
  • Transdisciplinary Studies
    This area brings together ideas and methods from multiple disciplines to address complex social challenges, with a focus on sustainability and development.
    Core Design Themes:
    • Systems thinking for complex problems
    • Participatory and co-creative design
    • Context-aware and scalable solutions
    • Ethical design practice
      Sub-Areas:
    • Design, Society & Culture: Equity, culture, critical theory, and ethics of technology
    • Design & Future Studies: Future thinking, human–technology relationships, and responsible innovation
    • Design & Sustainability: Circular systems, climate resilience, sustainable materials, and just transitions
    • Design Management: Strategic design, collaboration, impact measurement, and adaptive processes
  • Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)
    This thrust area draws on India’s long-standing knowledge traditions in philosophy, science, arts, and culture, integrating them with contemporary design education and research.
    Core Design Themes:
    • Balancing tradition and modern innovation
    • Decolonizing design education
    • Ethical use of technology alongside craftsmanship
      Sub-Areas:
    • Arts, Crafts & Aesthetics: Documentation, revival, material innovation, and artisan engagement
    • Indian Ethnocentric Design: Indigenous design frameworks, integration with modern science, and culturally rooted design education