Human-Centred Design Workshop for Indian Defence Innovation at IIT Kanpur

IIT Kanpur to host India’s first Human-Centred Design workshop for defence innovation, connecting academia, industry, and DRDO experts.

Kanpur, September 15, 2025 — The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) is preparing to host India’s first-ever Human-Centred Design workshop for Indian defence innovation on September 16–17, 2025. The two-day strategic event will take place at the Prabandhan Boardroom and Convention & Exhibition Centre (PBCEC), IIT Kanpur, aiming to transform the way defence innovation integrates human-centred principles across systems and processes.

Organised under the aegis of the DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-COE) and the Department of Design at IIT Kanpur, this workshop marks a groundbreaking step in shaping the Indian defence ecosystem. The focus is on fostering collaboration between defence personnel, industry leaders, and academic experts, and developing actionable strategies for integrating human-centred design (HCD) into defence research and development.

A Strategic Leap in Defence Innovation

The Human-Centred Design workshop for Indian defence innovation represents a national-level initiative that positions India at the forefront of defence design thinking. Unlike traditional defence programs that emphasize purely technological advancements, this workshop prioritizes the human element—ensuring that design solutions are effective, user-friendly, and operationally efficient.

Experts agree that HCD integration can drastically improve system usability, reduce errors in critical operations, and enhance the overall performance of defence technology. According to a 2024 DRDO report, adopting human-centred design principles could increase operational efficiency in defence equipment by up to 25%. This strategic focus aligns with global best practices, where nations like the United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom are investing heavily in HCD-led defence innovation.

Distinguished Participation from Academia and DRDO

The workshop will feature eminent dignitaries and thought leaders from both academic and defence sectors. Key participants include:

• Shri L.C. Mangal, Distinguished Scientist & Director General (Technology Management), DRDO
• Dr. N. Ranjana, Director, Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM), DRDO
• Prof. Tarun Gupta, Dean, Research and Development, IIT Kanpur
• Mr. Sanjay Tandon, Director, DIA-COE, IIT Kanpur
• Prof. Satyaki Roy, Head, Department of Design, IIT Kanpur
• Dr. Vivek Kant, Associate Professor, Department of Design, IIT Kanpur (Workshop Host)

These leaders will provide expert guidance on academic, operational, and strategic dimensions of human-centred design implementation, ensuring a collaborative approach between academia, defence, and industry.

Workshop Objectives

The primary goal of the Human-Centred Design workshop for Indian defence innovation is to establish a dedicated HCD vertical at DIA-COE, IIT Kanpur. Key objectives include:

• Integration of HCD principles into defence innovation: Ensuring design processes are user-centric and mission-oriented.
• Strategic roadmap development: Creating actionable plans for long-term adoption of HCD across defence R&D projects.
• Collaborative engagement: Facilitating partnerships between defence personnel, industry experts, and academic institutions.
• Knowledge exchange and capacity building: Offering training modules, case studies, and practical insights into human-centred design.

The workshop will feature panel discussions, interactive sessions, and hands-on exercises focused on applying HCD principles to defence innovation challenges. Attendees will gain insights into the practical implementation of HCD in systems engineering, equipment design, and operational workflows.

Significance of Human-Centred Design in Defence

Human-centred design is a multidisciplinary approach that emphasizes the needs, preferences, and limitations of end-users throughout the design process. In defence applications, this approach ensures that technology is not only advanced but also operable, adaptable, and safe for personnel.

Key benefits of HCD integration in defence include:

• Enhanced operational efficiency: Designing equipment that reduces cognitive load and minimizes errors.
• Improved safety: Prioritizing user ergonomics and human factors in design.
• Innovation acceleration: Encouraging iterative design thinking to solve complex defence challenges.
• Cost-effective solutions: Reducing redesign and training costs through user-focused development.

Experts believe that India’s defence ecosystem can significantly benefit from HCD-led innovation, making it more agile, adaptive, and globally competitive.

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Expert Insights

Dr. Vivek Kant, Associate Professor at IIT Kanpur and host of the workshop, stated:

“Integrating human-centred design principles into Indian defence innovation is a pivotal step toward building systems that are not only technologically advanced but also intuitive and user-friendly. This workshop will serve as a model for future collaborative initiatives between academia, industry, and defence organizations.”

Similarly, Shri L.C. Mangal, Distinguished Scientist at DRDO, highlighted:

“Human-centred design is critical for operational readiness. By understanding the needs of our personnel and designing with them in mind, we can achieve higher efficiency, safety, and mission success.”

Strengthening India’s Defence Innovation Ecosystem

The workshop is expected to set the stage for long-term collaboration, research, and development in the field of human-centred design for defence. By creating a dedicated HCD vertical at DIA-COE, IIT Kanpur aims to:

• Facilitate industry-academia partnerships
• Encourage innovative R&D projects
• Develop training programs for defence personnel
• Standardize HCD practices across Indian defence projects

Additionally, the workshop aligns with India’s vision to foster self-reliance in defence innovation while adopting global best practices in design thinking.

Opportunities for Academia and Industry

For academic institutions and industry stakeholders, the workshop offers a unique platform to engage with defence experts, gain insights into real-world challenges, and contribute to the strategic roadmap for HCD adoption. Industry leaders can explore partnerships, pilot projects, and technology transfers, while academia can strengthen research output and curriculum relevance in human-centred design applications.

This initiative also provides opportunities for students and early-career researchers to understand the intersection of design thinking, defence technology, and strategic innovation, potentially influencing future defence projects in India.

Key Takeaways for Defence and Design Professionals

• User-centric innovation: Emphasis on designing for the needs of end-users, ensuring higher operational efficiency.
• Collaborative problem-solving: Integration of multiple stakeholders in the design process.
• Evidence-based strategy: Using research insights and case studies to inform design decisions.
• Scalable solutions: Development of HCD frameworks that can be applied across multiple defence programs.

Internal & External Resources

For readers looking to explore related topics, internal resources include:

• NCERT Courses
• Current Affairs
• Notes
• MCQs
• Videos
• Syllabus
• Free NCERT PDFs
• NCERT Mind Maps

External authoritative reference: Mart India Infotech

10 FAQs About the Human-Centred Design Workshop

1. What is the Human-Centred Design workshop for Indian defence innovation?
   It is India’s first national-level workshop focused on integrating human-centred design principles into defence innovation.
2. Where and when is the workshop being held?
   The workshop is at PBCEC, IIT Kanpur, on September 16–17, 2025.
3. Who are the main participants in the workshop?
   Participants include DRDO scientists, industry leaders, and academic experts from IIT Kanpur.
4. What is the goal of integrating HCD in defence?
   The goal is to improve usability, safety, and efficiency of defence systems through user-centric design.
5. How will the workshop benefit industry and academia?
   It facilitates collaboration, research opportunities, and practical application of HCD principles.
6. Who is Dr. Vivek Kant?
   Dr. Vivek Kant is an Associate Professor at IIT Kanpur, hosting the workshop on HCD in defence.
7. What is DIA-COE?
   DIA-COE is the DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence at IIT Kanpur promoting defence innovation.
8. Why is human-centred design important in defence?
   HCD ensures technology is intuitive, operationally efficient, and aligned with personnel needs.
9. Will there be follow-up initiatives after the workshop?
   Yes, the workshop aims to establish a dedicated HCD vertical and long-term research projects.
10. Where can I access related educational resources?
    Internal resources include NCERT Courses, Notes, MCQs, Videos, and Mind Maps via Edunovations.