Design Research and PhD Prospects after M.Des

Published by Shikha Kumari on Sep 08, 2025

Most students do a master’s degree in design to pursue a PhD afterwards. Since research in design is not a very popular career option, most people don’t know about the research prospects that this field offers. Let’s learn about some of the career prospects in detail.

Design Researcher/UX Researcher

A design researcher or a UX researcher researches and works on how users perceive designs and what inclines them more. They create maps for firms on what designs would attract more audience and test designs for usability.

Design Consultant/Strategist

A design consultant or strategist develops action plans on how and when to launch a design for best outputs. This role involves analyzing market trends, user needs, and organizational objectives to create innovative, user-centric strategies.

Product Designer

A project designer owns the entire process of making of product from the raw materials to the design launch. They focus on aesthetics, functionality, and user experience, ensuring products are intuitive, visually appealing, and market-ready.

PhD in Design

A PhD in Design helps you to become an expert in a specialized field like Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Strategic Design, Sustainable Design, or Interaction Design. It involves in-depth research, contributing to design theory, methodologies, or applications.

Faculty Positions

You can go for teaching on the subject at top institutes like IITs, IISc, etc. You can also collaborate with the professors for research purposes and write research papers in you preferred domain.

Commercial Research

Commercial Research in design involves working in R&D departments to innovate products, services, or processes. Researchers explore user behavior, emerging technologies, and market trends to develop cutting-edge design solutions.

Working Opportunities

• Design Consultancies: IDEO, Frog Design, Think Design, or Lollypop offer roles in consulting, strategy, and research across industries like tech, retail, and healthcare.
• Corporate Sector: Companies like Google, Microsoft, Tata Elxsi, or Godrej hire for product design, UX research, and strategic roles.
• Startups: Innovate in niche areas like sustainable products, wearable tech, or edtech with startups like Ather Energy or Upstox.
• Academia and Research Labs: NID, IITs, or global labs like Microsoft Research provide opportunities for PhD holders and faculty.
• Freelance/Entrepreneurship: M.Des graduates can start their own design studios or consult for SMEs, focusing on UX, product design, or branding.
• Global Opportunities: With a strong portfolio or PhD,you can work with international firms or universities in the US, UK, or Europe.