Innovation by Design Course | IIT Bombay Prof. B.K. Chakravarthy | 7C Framework
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 1948 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 4 weeks |
| Categories | Design Engineering, Patents and Intellectual Property Rights |
| Credit Points | 1 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 13 Feb 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 29 Mar 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Innovation by Design: Transforming Ideas into Impactful Solutions
In a world brimming with complex challenges, from sustainability to accessibility, the need for effective solutions has never been greater. But how do we move from identifying a problem to creating an innovation that truly benefits users? The answer lies in a structured, empathetic, and collaborative process known as Innovation by Design.
This powerful approach is the core of a transformative 4-week undergraduate course offered by the prestigious Industrial Design Centre (IDC) at IIT Bombay. Taught by the renowned Professor B.K. Chakravarthy, this course provides a comprehensive roadmap for anyone looking to master the art and science of turning ideas into reality.
Meet Your Guide: Prof. B.K. Chakravarthy
Learning innovation is best done from an innovator. Prof. Chakravarthy is not just an academic; he is a practitioner and a bridge between research and real-world application. At IIT Bombay, he established the Shenoy Innovation Studio, a dynamic hub where students work on live projects, gaining hands-on experience.
His doctoral research led to the creation of the "Collaborative Model for New Product Innovation," a framework widely adopted by industry leaders. With extensive experience working with government bodies and essential service communities, Prof. Chakravarthy brings a unique, ground-level perspective to the theory of innovation.
What You Will Learn: The 7C Framework of Innovation
The course is structured around a proven methodology: the "Seven Concerns of Innovation" or the 7C Framework. This step-by-step approach guides you through the entire innovation journey, ensuring solutions are user-centric, feasible, and impactful.
| Week | Module | Core Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 1. Introduction 2. First C: The Cause | Understanding the philosophy of innovation and identifying the root problem or need that drives the project. |
| Week 2 | 3. Second C: The Context 4. Third C: The Comprehension | Analyzing the environment (social, technical, economic) and developing a deep, empathetic understanding of the user. |
| Week 3 | 5. Fourth C: The Check 6. Fifth C: The Conception | Evaluating existing solutions and constraints, then brainstorming and generating creative solution concepts. |
| Week 4 | 7. Sixth C: The Crafting 8. Seventh C: The Connection | Prototyping, refining, and finally, connecting the solution to the market and community for implementation and scale. |
Why Take This Course?
This course is meticulously designed to be accessible and valuable to a wide audience.
- Open to All: The course welcomes students from any discipline—engineering, design, business, or humanities—who are curious about creating change.
- Learn from Case Studies: Concepts are taught through real-world case studies, showing the 7C framework in action.
- Develop Critical Skills: Move beyond theory to build practical skills in empathy, user research, collaboration, prototyping, and systemic thinking.
- Understand IP & Patents: Gain crucial knowledge in the categories of Patents and Intellectual Property Rights, learning how to protect your innovations.
Essential Resources & Further Reading
Prof. Chakravarthy’s work provides a rich foundation for the course. Key references include:
- Chakku 7C’s Link: A detailed look at the 7C framework.
- Collaborative Model For Innovation Link: Explore the research-backed model behind successful product development.
- Pitfalls in the Innovation Process Link: Learn common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Innovation By Design – Collaboration is the Key Link: Understand why teamwork is essential to overcome innovation challenges.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is perfect for:
- Undergraduate students seeking a structured approach to innovation.
- Aspiring entrepreneurs and product managers.
- Engineers and designers wanting to enhance their problem-solving toolkit.
- Anyone passionate about developing solutions that make a tangible, positive impact on society.
Innovation by Design is more than a course; it's a mindset. It teaches that the best solutions come not from technology alone, but from a deep understanding of human needs, meticulous effort, and collaborative spirit. Under the guidance of an IIT Bombay expert, you will learn to navigate the complex journey from a compelling cause to a meaningful connection, empowering you to become an innovator who designs for a better tomorrow.
Enroll Now →