IIT Bombay ePGD Interaction Design 2026: India’s Only IIT-Backed UX/UI PG Diploma — Complete Review for Design & Product Professionals

The ePostgraduate Diploma in Interaction Design (ePGD IxD) is a professional postgraduate diploma programme offered by the IDC School of Design at IIT Bombay.

The programme is specifically designed for working professionals who want to build expertise in:

• UX Design
• UI Design
• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
• Product Design
• Interaction Design
• Design Research
• AR/VR Experiences
• Human Factors & Usability
• Digital Product Innovation

Unlike short-term UX bootcamps or certification courses, this programme follows a structured academic framework backed by IIT Bombay’s design ecosystem. Participants earn 36 academic credits by completing prescribed courses over a maximum period of 3 years.

The programme combines:

• Online live learning
• In-person studio learning
• Research-based design methodologies
• Hands-on projects
• Industry-oriented application

This makes it one of the few advanced UX/UI programmes in India that balances academic depth with practical execution.

The biggest differentiator of this programme is the institution behind it.

IDC School of Design at IIT Bombay is widely regarded as one of India’s premier design schools. Over the years, IDC has played a significant role in shaping interaction design and HCI education in India.

The institute has consistently been ranked among India’s leading design institutions and is globally recognised for innovation, research, and interdisciplinary education.

Some important highlights include:

• IIT Bombay ranked among top institutions in India
• Strong research ecosystem
• Global academic recognition
• Industry collaborations
• Experienced design faculty
• Advanced design labs and studios

For professionals already working in product, UX, or digital domains, having an IIT Bombay credential can significantly strengthen career credibility.

The IIT Bombay ePGD IxD programme is designed to offer flexibility to working professionals.

Programme Duration

• Minimum Duration: 12 Months
• Maximum Duration: 36 Months

Participants must complete 36 credits to earn the diploma. 

Learning Format

The programme uses a hybrid learning approach:

• Live online sessions
• Weekend learning
• In-person studio sessions at IIT Bombay
• Hands-on projects
• Research assignments
• Design evaluations

Even online courses may require participants to visit the IIT Bombay campus for assessments, presentations, or final evaluations. 

This hybrid model ensures learners receive practical studio exposure rather than only theoretical online learning.

1. IIT-Backed UX/UI Diploma

This is among the very few interaction design diplomas in India backed by an IIT ecosystem.

The academic rigor and institutional credibility make it stand apart from generic online UX certifications.

2. Industry-Relevant Curriculum

The curriculum focuses heavily on practical digital product design and emerging technologies.

Professionals learn:

• User research
• Interaction design
• Product usability
• Design systems
• Visual communication
• Data visualisation
• Human factors
• AR/VR design

3. Flexible for Working Professionals

The programme is structured for professionals managing full-time jobs.

Weekend sessions and modular learning help learners upskill without career breaks.

4. Strong Focus on Portfolio Development

Hands-on projects and studio-based learning help participants build real-world portfolios — one of the most important factors in UX hiring. 

5. Access to IIT Bombay Ecosystem

Participants gain exposure to:

• IIT faculty
• Design studios
• Peer learning
• Academic mentorship
• Design research culture

The curriculum includes core and advanced interaction design subjects.

Some important courses include:

DEO604 – Design of Interactive Products (12 credits) 

Format – Online and in-person (course offered twice each year)

• Core foundation course with hands-on practice through a course project
• Covers design process, user studies, interaction design, and design evaluation
• Builds on the Monsoon Course on HCI, a course popular among industry professionals for 25 years

DEO605 – Data Visualization (6 credits)

Format – Online

• Key design techniques and theory for data visualization
• Practical experience in building and evaluating visualizations

DEO606 – Quantitative Research Methods in Design (6 credits) 

Format – Online

• An advanced course on quantitative research skills tailored for design research professionals
• Learn to formulate a design research hypothesis, identify variables, collect and analyse data, and apply statistical methods appropriately

DEO607 – Qualitative Research Methods in Design (6 credits) 

Format – Online

• An advanced course for design researchers and professionals who wish to take their qualitative research skills to the next level
• Application of qualitative research methods in design contexts

DEO608 – Theoretical Perspectives in Design (6 credits)

Format – Online

• An advanced course offering critical perspectives on technology and design
• Analyzes how ideologies shape technology and society

DEO609 – Game Design: principles and practice (6 credits) 

Format – In-person

• Key concepts for creating purposeful games
• Intensive synchronous, full-time course in which you design real, innovative games

DEO610 – Introduction to Virtual and Augmented Reality (6 credits) 

Format – In-person

• Extended Reality (XR) domains and VR technology
• Design processes for immersive, interactive experiences

DEO611 – Human Factors in Interaction Design (6 credits) 

Format – In-person

• Critical for professionals designing interfaces and interactive products
• Focus on usability, safety, and user satisfaction

The programme has a flexible eligibility structure, making it accessible to professionals from multiple domains.

Candidates may apply if they have:

• A bachelor’s degree in design, engineering, architecture, fine arts, applied arts, ergonomics, communication, or related fields

OR

• Any undergraduate degree with 3+ years of industry experience in:
• UX/UI Design
• Product Management
• Web Development
• Graphic Design
• Visual Design
• Brand Management
• Copywriting

OR

• Qualified the CEED examination with a non-design degree.

This multidisciplinary eligibility is important because modern UX and product design teams often include professionals from technical, business, and creative backgrounds.

The IIT Bombay ePGD IxD is ideal for:

UX/UI Designers

Professionals looking to move into senior UX or design leadership roles.

Product Managers

Those wanting deeper understanding of user behavior and product experience.

Software Developers

Developers transitioning toward product and user-centered design roles.

Graphic Designers

Creative professionals aiming to enter the digital product ecosystem.

Design Researchers

Professionals interested in user research, usability testing, and HCI.

Educators and Academicians

Faculty members wanting expertise in interaction design and design pedagogy.

The UX industry in India is growing rapidly across:

• SaaS
• Fintech
• EdTech
• AI products
• E-commerce
• Gaming
• Healthcare tech
• Enterprise software

After completing the programme, professionals may pursue roles such as:

• UX Designer
• UI Designer
• Product Designer
• Interaction Designer
• UX Researcher
• Design Strategist
• Human Factors Specialist
• Information Architect
• Experience Designer
• Product Experience Lead

The programme’s interdisciplinary approach also supports transitions into:

• Product management
• Innovation consulting
• Design leadership
• Digital transformation roles

According to the programme details, participants learn to:

• Master end-to-end digital product design
• Apply interaction design principles
• Align business goals with user needs
• Solve real-world design challenges
• Build practical design portfolios
• Use research-driven design methodologies
• Understand immersive technologies like AR/VR 

These outcomes directly align with current hiring expectations in product and UX industries.

Application Fee

• INR 2,500 + GST

Total Programme Fee

• INR 3,00,000 + GST 

Additional charges may apply for extra credit courses beyond the required 36 credits.

While the programme is certainly premium-priced, the fee structure reflects:

• IIT Bombay academic ecosystem
• Faculty expertise
• Studio-based learning
• Research-driven curriculum
• Advanced interaction design specialization

For professionals targeting senior UX or product design roles, the long-term career ROI could justify the investment.

The programme includes guidance from experienced IIT Bombay faculty members such as:

• Prof. Anirudha Joshi
• Prof. Prasad Bokil
• Prof. Girish Dalvi
• Prof. Jayesh Pillai
• Prof. Swati Pal
• Prof. Venkatesh Rajamanickam 

Their expertise spans:

• Interaction design
• Typography
• Immersive media
• Ergonomics
• Design research
• Game design
• Visual narratives

This diversity provides learners exposure to multiple dimensions of interaction design.

Most UX courses available today are:

• Short-term bootcamps
• Tool-focused certifications
• Portfolio-only training
• Surface-level UI programs

The IIT Bombay ePGD IxD differs because it combines:

• Academic depth
• Human-centered research
• Product strategy
• Design theory
• Practical studio work
• Emerging technologies

It focuses not only on “how to design screens” but also on:

• Why users behave in certain ways
• How interaction impacts experience
• How research shapes product success
• How usability affects business outcomes 

This is what separates interaction design education from generic UI design training.

While the programme is highly promising, applicants should also evaluate some practical considerations.

1. Time Commitment

The programme requires consistent effort, especially for working professionals.

Assignments, projects, studio sessions, and research activities can be demanding.

2. Campus Visits

Some evaluations and sessions require physical presence at IIT Bombay.

Professionals from distant cities should plan accordingly.  

3. Premium Pricing

The fee may be expensive for early-career professionals.

4. Newer Programme

Since the programme is relatively new, large-scale alumni outcome data is still evolving.

However, the institutional credibility of IIT Bombay and IDC still gives the programme significant market value.

For the right candidate — yes, absolutely.

The programme is particularly valuable for professionals who:

• Want formal UX/HCI education
• Plan to transition into product design
• Aim for senior UX roles
• Want research-oriented design skills
• Need portfolio-driven learning
• Prefer an IIT credential
• Want exposure to emerging technologies like AR/VR

However, this programme may not be ideal for:

• Beginners looking for quick UI tool training
• Professionals expecting guaranteed placements
• Learners unwilling to commit significant time

This is a serious postgraduate-level programme, not a casual design bootcamp.

The IIT Bombay ePGD Interaction Design 2026 programme stands out as one of India’s most comprehensive and academically credible UX/UI postgraduate diplomas for working professionals. 

Its biggest strengths include:

• IIT Bombay credibility
• IDC School of Design expertise
• Research-driven curriculum
• Hybrid learning model
• Portfolio-oriented projects
• Exposure to advanced interaction design concepts

As UX, AI interfaces, immersive experiences, and digital product ecosystems continue expanding in 2026, professionals with deep interaction design expertise will remain in high demand.

For ambitious designers, product professionals, and digital innovators, the IIT Bombay ePGD IxD could become a major career accelerator in the evolving experience economy.

If you are serious about building long-term expertise in UX, HCI, and product experience design — rather than just learning design tools — this programme deserves strong consideration.