For any practitioners not just architects, designers, manufacturers, engineers, but anyone interested in innovation
Skills to design, create and build a business to sell affordable living products.
Innovative entrepreneurs with knowledge on how to position, pitch and market products that promote affordable living
The course provides 30 students with the abilities to build a business that innovates, creates and sells affordable living products. The course offers knowledge about various materials used for designing affordable living products, with a deep dive into the properties of laminated corrugated cardboard, a highly affordable material. By the end of the course, all students will design and produce indoor furniture and objects using this material. Building on Anant University’s experience in making laminated corrugated cardboard furniture for 25 COVID-19 hospitals across 6 states in India, the students will then learn how to position, pitch and market the product they make. They will learn from successful entrepreneurs how to build a profitable and impactful business in this niche and growing area of affordable living.
Programme Fee: ₹15,000
Once 100% of the program fees is paid, the enrolment letter will be sent to you within 24 hours
*Need-based scholarships are offered
The course is divided into two tracks - the Theory Track (TT) and the Design Track (DT) - which move in parallel. Participants are introduced to topics to improve their understanding of design, production, and marketing principles within the context of sustainable and affordable products. The participants will design and prototype products in teams during the design track. They will be encouraged to apply the principles from the theory track to develop products that support affordable living. The course ends with a final product pitch by each participant team.
Day Overview
Participants learn about inequity, sustainability, and the need to design for affordable living. They form teams for the design track. Participants are introduced to the design thinking process and apply the process to define the problem and brainstorm on ideas.
Theory Track
Course Overview
Introduction to Sustainability
Introduction to Sustainability
Design Track
Team Formation
Design Challenge Kick-Off
Day Overview
Participants learn about design principles essential for products in the affordable segment. They are introduced to various affordable materials with a deep dive into corrugated cardboard. They continue to engage in the ideation process to develop preliminary designs for their products. Team discussions are encouraged.
Theory Track
Materials Overview – Alternate materials
Materials Overview – Corrugated Board
Design Track
Group Working Sessions
Plenary Sessions
Day Overview
Participants focus on prototyping. The participants are encouraged to develop multiple iterations of their design by incorporating feedback loops into their design process. The participants are introduced to Solve-a-thon frameworks.
Design Track
Solve-a-thon
Day Overview
Develop an understanding of mainstream manufacturing processes to develop corrugated board products. Introduction to marketing strategies for consumers targeting affordable products. Participants continue refining their products and begin developing their marketing pitches for their products.
Theory Track
Understanding Manufacturing & Production
Marketing for Affordable Living Products
Design Track
Group Working Sessions
Pitch Ideas Session
Day Overview
Participants receive feedback on their marketing pitches and continue refining their prototypes.
Design Track
Freezone – Group Working Sessions
Day Overview
The teams present a pitch for their products along with a prototype of their designs.
Theory Track
Group Pitch Presentations