HCD Labs · Schools Programme · Design Innovation Centre, IIT Hyderabad
Design labs for schools. A direct line to IIT.
HCD Labs establishes fully equipped design innovation centres in partner schools — run under the IIT Hyderabad DIC framework, with annual faculty-led teacher certification and a formal pathway for exceptional students into IIT programmes.
IIT Hyderabad DIC framework
3 tiers · ages 12–18
₹10,000 per student · year
Annual teacher certification
NEP 2020 aligned
Academic year 2026–27 · Applications open · Limited schools per cohort
Apply for your school
We will respond within 48 hours.
2026–27 intake · Rolling admissions · Limited schools per cohort
You will receive the partner onboarding pack on enrolment.
3
tiers · ages 12–18
IIT
Hyderabad DIC framework
3-day
annual teacher training
₹10K
per student · per year
NEP
2020 aligned curriculum
Annual
innovators showcase
What is HCD Labs
The IIT design methodology. In your school.
India's National Education Policy 2020 calls for experiential, hands-on learning from an early age. HCD Labs provides the infrastructure, curriculum, and institutional backing to make that real — anchored to IIT Hyderabad's Design Innovation Centre. Each HCD Lab mirrors the physical and methodological environment of a university-level design lab, and students work through progressively complex challenges, building the capacity to innovate rather than just consume.
01
A university-grade design lab
Dedicated space for clay modelling, materials exploration, electronics prototyping, and AI-assisted design — open studio space modelled on IIT's DIC: flexible, well-lit, tool-ready.
02
A maker's culture, not just tinkering
Students who make things understand them differently. The act of prototyping — in clay, in code, in cardboard — is a form of thinking that no lecture can replicate. At IIT Hyderabad's DIC, the maker's instinct is treated as a core intellectual faculty, not an extracurricular.
03
A national network under IIT DIC
Partner schools join a national network under the IIT Hyderabad DIC hub-and-spoke framework — with direct academic oversight, annual teacher training, and rights to co-brand the lab with the IIT DIC mark.
The learning path
Three tiers. From intuition to innovation.
Each HCD Lab runs a three-tier curriculum spanning ages 12–18 — progressing from design thinking and materials, through electronics and prototyping, to AI, systems, and the IIT pathway. Alongside the student tiers, every partner school receives annual teacher certification at IIT Hyderabad and formal co-branding rights under the DIC framework.
Tier 1 · Ages 12–14
Foundation
Design Thinking & Materials
Empathy mapping and user observation, clay modelling and 3D form exploration, systems mapping and problem framing, creative sketching and visual communication — closing with design challenge sprints built on real-world briefs.
Hands-on
The analogue core of design thinking
Clay, light, materials — students learn to look beyond the obvious and build the confidence to shape ideas with their hands from the very first term.
Tier 2 · Ages 14–16
Build
Electronics & Prototyping
Arduino and Raspberry Pi programming, physical product prototyping, basic robotics and mechatronics, and electronics for human-centred applications — refined through iterative testing and design feedback loops.
Lab-ready
Prototyping infrastructure
Electronics, robotics, and AI model prototyping equipment for Tier 2 and 3 students — housed within the school's own HCD Lab.
Tier 3 · Ages 16–18
Innovate
AI, Systems & IIT Pathway
AI model prototyping and prompt design, VR and spatial computing exploration, and advanced systems and service design — culminating in IIT Hyderabad faculty-reviewed projects.
Milestone
HCD Young Innovators Showcase
Tier 3 students earn eligibility for the annual HCD Young Innovators Showcase — where top projects are reviewed by IIT Hyderabad DIC faculty.
Teacher Certification
Faculty
Annual training at IIT Hyderabad
One nominated teacher from each partner school attends a residential 3-day training programme at IIT Hyderabad each academic year, delivered by Design Innovation Centre faculty. This is not an online certificate — it is a substantive immersion in design thinking methodology.
Renewed annually
Certified Design Thinking Educator
Credential issued by IIT Hyderabad DIC on completion, renewed annually with a refresher. Train-the-trainer guides build internal capacity, and quarterly curriculum updates keep the lab current.
Ongoing support
Model
Train-the-Trainer Model
Certified teachers receive facilitation guides to build internal capacity across the school's staff over time.
Each term
Quarterly Curriculum Updates
New project briefs, challenge frameworks, and resource packs sent each term to keep the lab current.
Free Design Toolkit
Try human-centred design yourself.
Adapted from Think. Design. Change. — A Design Thinking Guide for India's Young Minds, co-authored by hcd.institute's own team. Explore the seven mindsets, run a method card in your next class, or set up a lab with what your school already has.
01
Radical Empathy
Assume the people you design for know things you don't.
02
Collaboration
No significant design problem is solved by one person.
03
Experimentation
Every prototype is an experiment. We are always on version 2.0.
04
Optimism
Creative confidence: problems can be solved, and it's worth trying.
05
Embracing Ambiguity
Sit with not knowing before rushing to a solution.
06
Bias Toward Action
Doing is a form of thinking.
07
Contextual Sensitivity
An Indian addition: design must answer to local realities.
The IIT Hyderabad DIC Framework
Formal academic backing.
Real co-branding rights.
IIT Hyderabad's Design Innovation Centre was established under the Ministry of Education as a national hub for design-led innovation. The hub-and-spoke model connects institutions across India and internationally under a shared curriculum and quality framework. HCD Labs partner schools become part of this network as school-level spokes — receiving academic oversight, curriculum access, and the institutional weight of the IIT Hyderabad association.
01
Academic partner
Design Innovation Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad — established under the Ministry of Education as a national hub for design-led innovation.
02
Co-branding rights included
Use the IIT Hyderabad DIC mark across all school communications. Partner schools may display "Powered by IIT Hyderabad Design Innovation Centre" in prospectuses, websites, admissions brochures, and physical lab signage. Brand assets and usage guidelines provided in the partner onboarding pack.
03
NEP 2020 aligned
The HCD Labs curriculum meets NEP 2020's mandate for experiential, competency-based learning — helping schools demonstrate meaningful innovation infrastructure to inspection bodies and parent communities.
The IIT Young Innovator Pathway
The best students earn a direct line to IIT Hyderabad.
Top projects from the annual HCD Labs showcase are reviewed by IIT Hyderabad DIC faculty. Students who demonstrate exceptional design instinct and innovation capacity earn a formal bridge from school-level exploration to university-level design education.
01
Access & discounts
Priority access to the HCD Institute Weekend Intensive at IIT Hyderabad, and discounted enrolment for the 7-Day Design Thinking Immersion.
02
Recommendation & visibility
A letter of recommendation from IIT Hyderabad DIC faculty for university applications, plus visibility to the IIT Hyderabad Department of Design for further engagement.
03
The pathway
School → Showcase → Institute → Immersion → IIT: HCD Labs tinkering and design, annual DIC faculty review, the Weekend Intensive and 7-Day Programme at IIT Hyderabad, and advanced engagement with the Department of Design.
Pricing — one annual fee. Everything included.
₹10,000
per enrolled student · per academic year
India
₹10,000 · student / year
UAE / International
AED equivalent · same inclusions
Setup fees
None
Licensing costs
None
Curriculum access
Included
No setup fees, no licensing costs, and no separate charges for curriculum access. The per-student model keeps costs proportionate to your school's scale.
What's included
01
Full curriculum framework — term-by-term project briefs, facilitation guides, and student materials across all three tiers.
02
Annual teacher training at IIT Hyderabad — one teacher nomination for the 3-day residential programme. Additional nominations at a per-head rate.
03
IIT DIC certification pathway — students work within the IIT Hyderabad DIC academic framework, and top projects reach IIT faculty review.
04
Co-branding rights — use the IIT Hyderabad DIC mark in all school marketing. Brand asset pack provided on enrolment.
Apply — is your school ready to lead?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We accept a limited number of schools per cohort to ensure each partner receives proper onboarding support.
What to include in your note
Tell us why HCD Labs is a fit.
Write to us with your school name, city, approximate student enrolment, and one sentence on why HCD Labs is a fit for your institution. We will respond within 48 hours.
I. Your school name, city, and approximate student enrolment.
II. One sentence on why HCD Labs is a fit for your institution.
III. Your preferred start term for the lab.
1
Write to us — send your school name, city, and student enrolment to dic@hcd.institute.
2
Onboarding call — we review fit and walk you through the IIT Hyderabad DIC framework and lab setup.
3
Setup & certification — we help you build the lab and nominate a teacher for annual training at IIT Hyderabad.
4
Launch — your HCD Lab opens under the IIT Hyderabad DIC framework. We respond to every application within 48 hours.
Academic year 2026–27
Applications open · Limited schools per cohort · Rolling admissions
We respond within 48 hours
You will receive the partner onboarding pack on enrolment.
FAQ
Common questions
Not finding your answer? Write to dic@hcd.institute and we will reply within 24 hours.
What infrastructure does an HCD Lab require?
A dedicated room of approximately 600–800 sq ft with flexible furniture, basic prototyping materials (clay, cardboard, paper), an electronics station for Arduino and Raspberry Pi work, and a display wall for projects in progress. We provide a full setup guide and a recommended suppliers list calibrated to your city.
How is HCD Labs different from an Atal Tinkering Lab?
Atal Tinkering Labs focus primarily on STEM and robotics competitions. HCD Labs is built around the design thinking methodology developed at IIT Hyderabad's Design Innovation Centre — a broader framework that includes empathy research, systems thinking, clay modelling, and human-centred prototyping alongside electronics work. Every partner lab sits formally within the IIT Hyderabad DIC academic framework.
What does Rs. 10,000 per student include?
Annual access to the HCD Labs curriculum framework, IIT Hyderabad DIC certification pathway, one teacher nomination for the annual residential training at IIT Hyderabad, quarterly curriculum and project brief updates, submission access for the HCD Young Innovators annual review, and the right to co-brand with the IIT Hyderabad DIC mark in all school marketing.
How does teacher certification work?
One nominated teacher attends a 3-day residential programme at IIT Hyderabad DIC each year, delivered by Design Innovation Centre faculty. Upon completion they receive a Certified Design Thinking Educator credential from IIT Hyderabad DIC. Annual refresher certification maintains the credential. Additional teachers can nominate at a per-head rate.
What co-branding rights does the school receive?
Partner schools may use the phrase 'Powered by IIT Hyderabad Design Innovation Centre' in prospectuses, websites, admissions brochures, and physical lab signage. Logo usage guidelines and brand assets are provided in the partner onboarding pack upon enrolment.
Is there a pathway for exceptional students to reach IIT?
Yes. Top student projects from HCD Labs are reviewed annually by IIT Hyderabad DIC faculty. Outstanding students receive priority access to HCD Institute's Weekend Intensive and 7-Day Immersion programmes at discounted rates — a formal bridge from school-level exploration to university-level design thinking education at IIT Hyderabad.
Is pricing available in UAE Dirhams?
Yes. The AED equivalent is confirmed at the time of enrolment and reflects the current INR/AED rate. Schools in the UAE operate under the same curriculum and co-branding framework. Teacher training is conducted during the annual IIT Hyderabad DIC intake or via a regional satellite session where cohort sizes allow.
How many students can participate per school?
There is no minimum or maximum. Most partner schools enrol between 40 and 200 students. For whole-school adoption above 300 students, contact us for an institutional agreement with adjusted per-student pricing.
Academic year 2026–27 · Applications open
Is your school ready to lead?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We accept a limited number of schools per cohort to ensure each partner receives proper onboarding support. Write to us and we will respond within 48 hours.
Questions? Write to dic@hcd.institute · Response within 24 hours
The HCD Institute
Design Innovation Centre (DIC)
Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad Kandi, Sangareddy,
Telangana, India – 502284
dic@hcd.institute
dic@iit.ac.in
HCD Worldwide
Certification
DIC - Global Immersion
IITH 7 - Day Full Immersion
IITH 2 - Day Full Immersion
HCDx in Product Building
HCDx in Strategy & Leadership
HCDx in Public Policy
HCDx in Global Supplychain
HCDx in Schools & Colleges
hcd © 2026 All rights reserved
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HCD Labs · Schools Programme · Design Innovation Centre, IIT Hyderabad
Design labs for schools. A direct line to IIT.
HCD Labs establishes fully equipped design innovation centres in partner schools — run under the IIT Hyderabad DIC framework, with annual faculty-led teacher certification and a formal pathway for exceptional students into IIT programmes.
IIT Hyderabad & DIC certified
3 tiers · ages 12–18
₹10,000 per student · year
Annual teacher certification
NEP 2020 aligned
Academic year 2026–27 · Applications open · Limited schools per cohort
Apply for your school
We will respond within 48 hours.
You will receive the partner onboarding pack on enrolment.
What is HCD Labs
The IIT design methodology. In your school.
India's National Education Policy 2020 calls for experiential, hands-on learning from an early age. HCD Labs provides the infrastructure, curriculum, and institutional backing to make that real — anchored to IIT Hyderabad's Design Innovation Centre. Each HCD Lab mirrors the physical and methodological environment of a university-level design lab, and students work through progressively complex challenges, building the capacity to innovate rather than just consume.
Most design and engineering graduates from strong Indian institutions are ready for global universities — but lack the academic portfolio and research credentials that admissions committees require. This programme builds both. Through a hybrid structure combining online learning with an optional residential fellowship at IIT Hyderabad's Design Innovation Centre, you develop the thinking, research skills, and academic writing expected of a global design scholar. Through HCD's partnership with Iceland Design and Architecture (Miðstöð Hönnunar og Arkitektúrs), graduates who demonstrate commitment can access structured support for admission to Nordic universities focused on sustainability, systems design, and human-centred practice.
01
A university-grade design lab
Dedicated space for clay modelling, materials exploration, electronics prototyping, and AI-assisted design — open studio space modelled on IIT's DIC: flexible, well-lit, tool-ready.
02
A maker's culture, not just tinkering
Students who make things understand them differently. The act of prototyping — in clay, in code, in cardboard — is a form of thinking that no lecture can replicate. At IIT Hyderabad's DIC, the maker's instinct is treated as a core intellectual faculty, not an extracurricular.
03
A national network under IIT DIC
Partner schools join a national network under the IIT Hyderabad DIC hub-and-spoke framework — with direct academic oversight, annual teacher training, and rights to co-brand the lab with the IIT DIC mark.
Programme schedule
One year. Six pillars.
A hybrid programme — online learning combined with monthly visits to IIT Hyderabad's DIC as needed. All students participate in campus sessions throughout the year. Additionally, two students per cohort are awarded a competitive residential fellowship: 3–6 months on campus with hostel accommodation and stipend.
Module 1
Foundations
Principles of Human-Centred Design
The history, philosophy, and methods of HCD. From user research to systems thinking — the conceptual framework underlying credible design practice globally. Faculty-led live sessions, readings, and a written reflection submitted at module close.
Ongoing
Academic portfolio · first submission
You begin building your academic portfolio from day one. Faculty set the standard against Nordic and international university expectations. First formal review at module close.
Module 2
Research
Design Research Methods
Qualitative and quantitative research for design. Field studies, ethnographic methods, synthesis frameworks, and the writing conventions of international design journals. You conduct at least one primary research study during this module.
Ongoing
Portfolio · research chapter
Your research study is documented and added to your portfolio as a standalone chapter — structured to the conventions of academic presentation.
Module 3
Writing
Academic Writing and Publication
Participants write, refine, and submit original research to selected peer-reviewed journals. Faculty guide each paper through the editorial process. A published or submitted paper significantly strengthens your university application.
Milestone
Portfolio · final submission and faculty sign-off
Faculty sign off on your portfolio before it is submitted to any university. The portfolio includes your research chapter, paper, HCD project documentation, and your academic statement.
Module 4
Residential
Residential Fellowship at IIT Hyderabad
Two students per cohort are awarded a competitive residential fellowship — 3 to 6 months on campus at IIT Hyderabad's Design Innovation Centre, with hostel accommodation and stipend provided. All other students participate in monthly campus visits throughout the programme year.
At DIC campus
IIT studio, labs, and faculty access
Fellows work alongside IIT faculty and doctoral researchers on live projects. Full access to DIC fabrication labs and design studios. The fellowship is awarded on academic performance — not applied for at enrolment.
Module 5
Morning · 9 am – 1 pm
AI and systems analysis
Session on AI as a strategic design tool — applied to each participant’s project. Second-order effects analysis: mapping systemic consequences of the proposed solution.
Afternoon · 2 pm – 6 pm
Guest session and open studio
Lecture by an IIT researcher or senior industry practitioner. Open studio time for project work and pre-jury rehearsal. Third and final mentor session.
Module 6
Pathway
Nordic University Pathway
HCD's partnership with Miðstöð Hönnunar og Arkitektúrs (Iceland Design and Architecture) gives qualifying graduates structured support for admission to Nordic universities. Application guidance, portfolio review, and introductions to admissions teams at institutions focused on sustainability and systems design.
Partnership
Iceland Design and Architecture
Through HCD's formal partnership with Iceland Design and Architecture, graduates who meet the programme's academic standards can access facilitated introductions and admission support at Nordic universities. This is not a guarantee — it is a pathway for those who earn it.
Certification
IIT Hyderabad and DIC Certification
Certification is awarded jointly by IIT Hyderabad and the Design Innovation Centre upon successful completion of all coursework, the academic portfolio, and paper submission. The certification carries the institutional weight of IIT Hyderabad and is recognised by international admissions offices.
Investment
₹6,00,000
Annual programme fee ·
Residential fellowship (2 students per cohort)
Accommodation on IIT campus, 6 nights
₹6,000 – ₹14,000
Meals, on-campus dining
Included in accommodation
Travel to Hyderabad
At participant cost
All tools and materials
₹0 · provided on campus
For context: Comparable programmes at Aalto, RCA, or KADK cost €15,000–€30,000 annually. This programme provides an IIT Hyderabad and DIC certified credential, original published research, a faculty-reviewed portfolio, and a structured Nordic university pathway — at a fraction of the cost.
Formal academic backing. Real
co-branding rights.
01
IIT Hyderabad and DIC Certification — recognised by international admissions offices. Awarded jointly upon completion of all coursework, portfolio, and paper submission.
02
Published research — at least one paper submitted to a selected peer-reviewed journal, documented in your academic portfolio alongside your methodology and findings.
03
Academic portfolio — a structured, faculty-reviewed portfolio built to the standards expected by Nordic and global university admissions committees.
04
IIT campus access — all students visit IIT Hyderabad's DIC monthly throughout the year. Two students per cohort are additionally awarded a competitive residential fellowship with hostel and stipend.
The IIT Hyderabad DIC Framework
Formal academic backing.
Real co-branding rights.
IIT Hyderabad's Design Innovation Centre was established under the Ministry of Education as a national hub for design-led innovation. The hub-and-spoke model connects institutions across India and internationally under a shared curriculum and quality framework. HCD Labs partner schools become part of this network as school-level spokes — receiving academic oversight, curriculum access, and the institutional weight of the IIT Hyderabad association.
01
Academic partner
Design Innovation Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad — established under the Ministry of Education as a national hub for design-led innovation.
02
Co-branding rights included
Use the IIT Hyderabad DIC mark across all school communications. Partner schools may display "Powered by IIT Hyderabad Design Innovation Centre" in prospectuses, websites, admissions brochures, and physical lab signage. Brand assets and usage guidelines provided in the partner onboarding pack.
03
NEP 2020 aligned
The HCD Labs curriculum meets NEP 2020's mandate for experiential, competency-based learning — helping schools demonstrate meaningful innovation infrastructure to inspection bodies and parent communities.
The IIT Young Innovator Pathway
The best students earn a direct line to IIT Hyderabad.
Top projects from the annual HCD Labs showcase are reviewed by IIT Hyderabad DIC faculty. Students who demonstrate exceptional design instinct and innovation capacity earn a formal bridge from school-level exploration to university-level design education.
01
Access & discounts
Priority access to the HCD Institute Weekend Intensive at IIT Hyderabad, and discounted enrolment for the 7-Day Design Thinking Immersion.
02
Recommendation & visibility
A letter of recommendation from IIT Hyderabad DIC faculty for university applications, plus visibility to the IIT Hyderabad Department of Design for further engagement.
03
The pathway
School → Showcase → Institute → Immersion → IIT: HCD Labs tinkering and design, annual DIC faculty review, the Weekend Intensive and 7-Day Programme at IIT Hyderabad, and advanced engagement with the Department of Design.
Pricing — one annual fee. Everything included.
₹10,000
per enrolled student · per academic year
India
₹10,000 · student / year
UAE / International
AED equivalent · same inclusions
Setup fees
None
Licensing costs
None
Curriculum access
Included
No setup fees, no licensing costs, and no separate charges for curriculum access. The per-student model keeps costs proportionate to your school's scale.
What's included
01
Full curriculum framework — term-by-term project briefs, facilitation guides, and student materials across all three tiers.
02
Annual teacher training at IIT Hyderabad — one teacher nomination for the 3-day residential programme. Additional nominations at a per-head rate.
03
IIT DIC certification pathway — students work within the IIT Hyderabad DIC academic framework, and top projects reach IIT faculty review.
04
Co-branding rights — use the IIT Hyderabad DIC mark in all school marketing. Brand asset pack provided on enrolment.
Apply — is your school ready to lead?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We accept a limited number of schools per cohort to ensure each partner receives proper onboarding support.
What to include in your note
Tell us why HCD Labs is a fit.
Write to us with your school name, city, approximate student enrolment, and one sentence on why HCD Labs is a fit for your institution. We will respond within 48 hours.
I. Your school name, city, and approximate student enrolment.
II. One sentence on why HCD Labs is a fit for your institution.
III. Your preferred start term for the lab.
1
Write to us — send your school name, city, and student enrolment to dic@hcd.institute.
2
Onboarding call — we review fit and walk you through the IIT Hyderabad DIC framework and lab setup.
3
Setup & certification — we help you build the lab and nominate a teacher for annual training at IIT Hyderabad.
4
Launch — your HCD Lab opens under the IIT Hyderabad DIC framework. We respond to every application within 48 hours.
Admissions
We review every application personally. We are looking for graduates with genuine intellectual curiosity, a clear reason to pursue global education, and the commitment to do original research. The statement of purpose is two pages.
The statement of purpose · 2 pages
One additional requirement:
tell us why now.
We admit on the basis of purpose, clarity of thinking, and intent. Your statement should make clear why a global education in HCD matters to you at this point in your life — and what you intend to do with it.
I. Your academic and professional background — and the gap in knowledge or opportunity you are looking to address.
II. The specific challenge you will work on during the immersion — and why it matters now.
III. What you intend to do with this credential and the work produced during the week.
1
Application form — Name, organisation, current role, and a one-paragraph description of the challenge you are bringing.
2
Statement of purpose · 2 pages — Reviewed by the DIC–HCD admissions panel. The challenge definition is the most important element for the immersion format.
3
30-minute admissions call — A structured conversation to pressure-test your challenge definition and confirm the immersion format is the right fit for your schedule.
4
Confirmation and pre-immersion pack — Admission decision within 48 hours. Pre-immersion briefing pack issued two weeks before arrival, including reading, challenge preparation guide, and campus logistics.
August 2026 immersion.
Applications close 15th July 2026 · Confirmation within 48 hours
Next immersion after this: February 2027
Pre-immersion briefing pack sent two weeks before arrival.
October 2026 · 6 places remaining
Applications close
15July
10 participants. Seven days. The next immersion after this is February 2027. If the challenge is live — now is the right time.
Questions? Write to admissions@hcd.institute · Response within 24 hours
The HCD Institute
Design Innovation Centre (DIC)
Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad
Kandi, Sangareddy, Telangana, India – 502284
Certification
HCDx in Public Policy
HCDx in Global Supplychain
HCD Worldwide
Academic year 2026–27 · Applications open
Is your school ready to lead?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We accept a limited number of schools per cohort to ensure each partner receives proper onboarding support. Write to us and we will respond within 48 hours.
Questions? Write to dic@hcd.institute · Response within 24 hours
Academic year
2026–27
Applications open · Limited schools per cohort · Rolling admissions
We respond within 48 hours
You will receive the partner onboarding pack on enrolment.
The learning path
Three tiers. From intuition to innovation.
Each HCD Lab runs a three-tier curriculum spanning ages 12–18 — progressing from design thinking and materials, through electronics and prototyping, to AI, systems, and the IIT pathway. Alongside the student tiers, every partner school receives annual teacher certification at IIT Hyderabad and formal co-branding rights under the DIC framework.
Tier 1 · Ages 12–14
Foundations
Design Thinking & Materials
Empathy mapping and user observation, clay modelling and 3D form exploration, systems mapping and problem framing, creative sketching and visual communication — closing with design challenge sprints built on real-world briefs.
Hands-on
The analogue core of design thinking
Clay, light, materials — students learn to look beyond the obvious and build the confidence to shape ideas with their hands from the very first term.
Tier 2 · Ages 14–16
Build
Electronics & Prototyping
Arduino and Raspberry Pi programming, physical product prototyping, basic robotics and mechatronics, and electronics for human-centred applications — refined through iterative testing and design feedback loops.
Lab-ready
Prototyping infrastructure
Electronics, robotics, and AI model prototyping equipment for Tier 2 and 3 students — housed within the school's own HCD Lab.
Tier 3 · Ages 16–18
Innovate
AI, Systems & IIT Pathway
AI model prototyping and prompt design, VR and spatial computing exploration, and advanced systems and service design — culminating in IIT Hyderabad faculty-reviewed projects.
Milestone
HCD Young Innovators Showcase
Tier 3 students earn eligibility for the annual HCD Young Innovators Showcase — where top projects are reviewed by IIT Hyderabad DIC faculty.
Teacher Certification
Faculty
Annual training at IIT Hyderabad
One nominated teacher from each partner school attends a residential 3-day training programme at IIT Hyderabad each academic year, delivered by Design Innovation Centre faculty. This is not an online certificate — it is a substantive immersion in design thinking methodology.
Renewed annually
Certified Design Thinking Educator
Credential issued by IIT Hyderabad DIC on completion, renewed annually with a refresher. Train-the-trainer guides build internal capacity, and quarterly curriculum updates keep the lab current.
Ongoing support
Model
Train-the-Trainer Model
Certified teachers receive facilitation guides to build internal capacity across the school's staff over time.
Each term
Quarterly Curriculum Updates
New project briefs, challenge frameworks, and resource packs sent each term to keep the lab current.
Free Design Toolkit
Try human-centred design yourself.
Adapted from Think. Design. Change. — A Design Thinking Guide for India's Young Minds, co-authored by hcd.institute's own team. Explore the seven mindsets, run a method card in your next class, or set up a lab with what your school already has.
01
Radical Empathy
Assume the people you design for know things you don't.
02
Collaboration
No significant design problem is solved by one person.
03
Experimentation
Every prototype is an experiment. We are always on version 2.0.
04
Optimism
Creative confidence: problems can be solved, and it's worth trying.
05
Embracing Ambiguity
Sit with not knowing before rushing to a solution.
06
Bias Toward Action
Doing is a form of thinking.
07
Contextual Sensitivity
An Indian addition: design must answer to local realities.