Emerging B.Des Specializations - Job Scope & Salary Trends

In this modern world, where visual appeal and user experience play a significant role in determining the success of a product or service, design programs have emerged as indispensable tools for creative professionals. These software applications encompass a vast scope that extends far beyond traditional graphic design. From web and user interface (UI) design to animation, architecture, industrial design, and more, design programs have revolutionised the way we conceive, create, and communicate ideas.

There is a good scope for careers after completing B.Des programs. Students can join industries such as the Apparel Industry, Textile Design, Furniture Design, Architecture, and Product Design, and apply the skills learned in this professional program.

This article will rightly delve into the diverse scope of design programs and their impact on various industries.

Top B.Des Program Specialisations for Future

In India, a Bachelor of Design or B.Des degree is a four-year undergraduate degree program that prepares students to work in a range of design-related professions. The best B.Des program specialisations for 2024 are in great demand and provide promising professional opportunities. Fashion design, graphic design, interior design, product design, and UX design are a few of the most popular specialisations.

Let us shed some more light on each of these best specialisations for B.Des programs that have huge future scope:

1. Graphic Design: One of the most sought-after courses for a B.Des program specialisation is Graphic Design. It encompasses various visual elements to communicate ideas effectively. Graphics designers utilise software like Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, and Inkscape to create logos, marketing materials, illustrations, and other visual assets. They also play a crucial role in crafting brand identities and establishing consistent aesthetics.
2. Web and UI/UX Design: As the internet dominates our lives, web and UI/UX design have become essential components of any successful digital project. Web design programs like Adobe XD, Sketch, and Figma empower designers to create visually appealing and user-friendly websites and apps. User experience (UX) designers focus on enhancing the overall user journey, ensuring a seamless and intuitive interaction with the digital product.
3. Animation and Motion Graphics: Design specialisation programs like Adobe After Effects and Autodesk Maya enable animators and motion graphic artists to bring static images to life. Animation is employed in various industries, from entertainment and advertising to education and training, adding depth and engagement to content.
4. Industrial Design: Industrial design software, such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and Rhino, plays a pivotal role in designing products ranging from consumer electronics to automobiles and machinery. These programs aid designers in creating 3D models, prototypes, and simulations, expediting the product development process and reducing costs.
5. Architecture and Interior Design: Architecture and interior design is yet another top design specialisation for the future. Both fields are expected to grow in demand in the coming years, as the world's population continues to grow and urbanize. Architects and interior designers leverage software tools like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit to conceptualise, design, and visualise buildings and interior spaces. These tools enhance precision, streamline collaboration, and allow for realistic renderings, offering clients a detailed view of the final project.
6. Fashion Design: The fashion business is always dynamic, and there is a great need for creative and imaginative fashion designers who can stay on top of the newest trends, making it one of the top design specialisations for the future. Fashion designers have embraced design software like Adobe Illustrator and CLO 3D, which assist in pattern making, digital sketching, and virtual prototyping. These programs accelerate the design process, enabling designers to experiment with ideas and materials before creating physical samples.
7. Video Game Design: In this age of Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Reality (AR) based games, Video Game Design is a top design specialisation with a promising future. The video game business is quickly expanding, and competent video game creators are in high demand. In the gaming industry, software programs like Unity and Unreal Engine provide developers and designers the tools to craft immersive and visually stunning gaming experiences. These platforms offer real-time rendering and interactivity, allowing designers to iterate and test ideas quickly.
8. Visual Effects and Film: The film and entertainment industry relies heavily on design programs to create breathtaking visual effects. Applications like Adobe Premiere Pro, Autodesk Maya, and Nuke empower filmmakers to seamlessly integrate computer-generated imagery (CGI) into live-action footage, enhancing storytelling and world-building.

What After a B.Des Program?

This advanced qualification offers a multitude of advantages, including improved job prospects, higher remuneration, and increased recognition within the design industry. Additionally, successful B.Des graduates with top specialisations can create more job opportunities in different design fields of study.

Students can also pursue an M.Des degree after completing their bachelor studies in the design field to expand their educational qualifications and skill set. An M.Des degree can assist graduates in expanding their knowledge base, enhancing practical skills, improving research abilities, and finding more suitable design jobs. An in-depth understanding of this field can aid graduates in developing their design careers at a quick pace with more opportunities.

Salary Trends For Design Graduates

Salary scope and trends after a B.Des degree in India for various design specialisations vary according to the industry, design sector, the designer's experience, and job location. However, according to reports, the anticipated starting salaries for B.Des graduates in several design specialisation fields in India are as follows:

Graduates with a master's degree can pursue careers as Fashion Designers, Textile Designers, Design Managers, and more, in Boutiques, Merchandise Manufacturing Companies, Fashion Designing Hubs, or Interior Architecture firms. They usually have an average annual salary ranging from INR 4 lakh to INR 6 lakh as an executive and as a manager, they earn around INR 11 lakh per annum. However, individual earnings may vary based on potential, skills, and resourcefulness.

Future Role of AI in Design

Embrace upskilling with AI for an abundance of smart jobs! As we face an uncertain future, one question looms large in the minds of many: What will become of our existing workforce and job landscape? Will they become obsolete or diminish in number?

The uncertainties are numerous, but amidst these challenges, there is a transformative solution: Upskilling with AI Technology. By empowering ourselves with AI know-how, we can wield a workforce capable of tackling tasks with unparalleled efficiency. These futuristic smart jobs will flourish, opening new avenues of opportunity. Imagine a world where what once took six hours to accomplish can now be done in under an hour, paving the way for heightened productivity, amplified creativity, and boundless project realization.

Let us be clear – AI thrives on the inputs it receives from us; it lacks autonomous thought. Thus, the mantle of creative thinking and input remains firmly in our grasp. The key to unlocking this potential lies in constant upskilling and staying abreast of advancing technologies. The future is beckoning, and we hold the power to shape it. Embrace the fusion of AI and human potential, and together, we will build a tomorrow brimming with opportunities and prosperity!

Embrace the fusion of design and AI, and let your imagination blaze the trail to a future limited only by the depths of your creativity!

End Note!

Design programs, once confined to specific fields, now transcend boundaries, catalyzing transformative changes in our vision and creation process. From graphic design to architecture, animation, fashion, and beyond, these versatile tools have become the architects of our visual world. But this is just the beginning. As technology surges forward, the convergence of AI  with design software is ushering in an era of limitless possibilities.

Professionals must cultivate their creative prowess relentlessly, for the landscape of creativity and innovation is in perpetual flux. In the face of this thrilling evolution, those who master these tools and hone their craft will stand at the forefront of a new creative revolution, shaping a world that knows no bounds.

The article has been curated with valuable inputs from Prashanth G Malur, Dean at the School of Design at Bhartiya Engineering & Science Technology (BEST) Innovation University, Anantapur, AP.