Toy Design Course | Learn Toy Design & Development | IIT Guwahati
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 274 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Design Engineering, Architectural Theory |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 17 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unlock Your Creativity: A Comprehensive Introduction to Toy Design
Have you ever wondered what goes into creating the toys that spark joy, foster learning, and become cherished childhood companions? The world of toy design is a fascinating intersection of art, psychology, engineering, and business. We are excited to introduce a detailed 12-week course, Introduction to Toy Design, led by the esteemed Prof. Supradip Das from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati. This course is meticulously crafted to guide aspiring designers through the entire journey of bringing a toy from a spark of imagination to a tangible product.
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Supradip Das
Learning from an expert with both academic rigor and industry-relevant experience is crucial. Prof. Supradip Das brings over thirteen years of rich teaching experience from premier design institutions like Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology and M.S. Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies.
As an Assistant Professor in the Department of Design at IIT Guwahati and holder of a PhD in Design from IIT Guwahati itself, his expertise is deeply rooted in research and innovation. He is the founder of the ProtoLab at IIT Guwahati, a hub for cutting-edge research in Toys & Games, Furniture, Packaging, and Medical Device Development for children.
His practical impact is evidenced by his mentorship with the World Design Organisation and the success of his students, who have received nominations for prestigious awards like the Global Grad Show Dubai and the Green Product Award. Prof. Das and his students also hold numerous patents and design registrations, proving a hands-on approach to innovative design.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is designed to be accessible and highly beneficial for a specific audience looking to build a strong foundation in toy design.
- Intended Audience: All students pursuing design degrees at both government and private colleges.
- Prerequisites:
- A Bachelor's degree in any discipline (for postgraduate design students).
- Basic knowledge of CAD software such as SolidWorks, Rhino, or Blender.
- Level: Undergraduate/Postgraduate
- Industry Support: The curriculum is developed with insights relevant to major industry players like Funskool and Hamleys, ensuring real-world applicability.
What Will You Learn? Course Overview
This dynamic 12-week program is more than just a theory class; it's a deep dive into the creative, technical, and commercial facets of toy creation. Students will explore the essential principles, from understanding child development and play psychology to mastering materials, safety standards, and sustainable practices. The course balances artistic creativity with engineering precision, culminating in hands-on projects that reflect current market trends and innovations.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
| Week | Topic | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Toy Fishing Expedition: Understanding Toys | Foundational concepts and the role of toys. |
| Week 2 | Toy Story: A Brief History | Evolution of toys through time. |
| Week 3 | Play And Creativity: Theoretical Perspectives | Psychological theories (e.g., Piaget, Sutton-Smith). |
| Week 4 | Toy And Culture: Historical Perspective | Toys as reflections of societal and cultural values. |
| Week 5 | Toy Experience: User Experience for Toy Design | Designing for engagement, ergonomics, and joy. |
| Week 6 | Design Considerations: Learning The Ropes | Safety, materials, age-grading, and durability. |
| Week 7 | Toy Design for Special Needs | Inclusive design principles. |
| Week 8 | Toy Design Process: A Comprehensive Picture | End-to-end process from ideation to prototype. |
| Week 9 | Industry Requirements | Manufacturing, costing, and industry standards. |
| Week 10 | Innovation And Advanced Concepts | Smart toys, sustainability, and future trends. |
| Week 11 | Packaging | Designing effective and sustainable toy packaging. |
| Week 12 | Marketing | Branding, positioning, and reaching the consumer. |
Essential Reading & Resources
The course is supported by a comprehensive reading list that includes seminal texts and contemporary research. Key books include:
- The Ambiguity of Play by Brian Sutton-Smith
- Ergonomics for Children by R. Lueder & V.J.B. Rice
- Toys and Sustainability by S.S. Muthu
- Design for Children by Kimberlie Birks & Laura Appleton
- Toy Design from Concept to Realization by Irene Guerrieri (2025)
- Joy of Making Indian Toys by Sudarshan Khanna
Launch Your Career in the Toy Industry
The Introduction to Toy Design course by Prof. Supradip Das is a unique opportunity to learn from a master educator and innovator within the prestigious IIT system. Whether you aim to join leading toy companies, start your own venture, or simply bring a structured, innovative approach to product design, this course provides the perfect foundation. Embrace the challenge of making learning fun and fostering joy for all ages through the powerful medium of play.
Enroll Now →