What is Design Clinic Scheme?
The Design Clinic Scheme is an initiative by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) to bring the MSME sector and design experts into a common platform. The scheme aims to provide MSMEs access to design expertise and resources for improving the design of their products, making them more competitive in domestic and international markets.
Launched to address the gap between MSMEs and design expertise, the scheme enables small enterprises to leverage the creative capabilities of design institutes and professionals. Good design can significantly enhance product value, usability, and marketability, helping MSMEs command better prices and reach wider markets.
Objectives of Design Clinic Scheme
- • Sensitize MSMEs about design value and innovation
- • Provide professional design assistance to MSMEs
- • Improve product design, packaging, and branding
- • Enhance usability and user experience of MSME products
- • Facilitate student-industry interaction for practical learning
- • Help MSMEs become more competitive through better design
Why Design Matters for MSMEs
Market Differentiation
Good design helps products stand out in crowded markets and creates unique identity
Premium Pricing
Well-designed products command better prices and higher margins
User Satisfaction
Better usability leads to happier customers and repeat business
Export Readiness
International markets demand high design standards
Scheme Components
The Design Clinic Scheme operates through two main components:
Component 1: Design Awareness
One-day seminars and workshops to sensitize MSMEs about the importance of design and innovation in their business.
Activities Covered:
- • Understanding design value in business
- • Case studies of design-led success stories
- • Basics of product design and development
- • Design for manufacturing and cost optimization
- • Packaging and branding fundamentals
- • Intellectual property protection for designs
Component 2: Design Project
Professional design intervention where MSMEs work with design experts and students on specific design improvement projects.
Project Types:
- • New product design and development
- • Existing product redesign and improvement
- • Packaging design and development
- • Brand identity and graphics design• User interface and experience design
- • Design for environment and sustainability
Design Assistance Types
MSMEs can seek assistance across various design domains:
Product Design
- • Form Development: Aesthetic and ergonomic improvement of products
- • Function Optimization: Improving product functionality and usability
- • Material Selection: Guidance on appropriate materials for cost and quality
- • Design for Manufacturing: Optimizing designs for easier production
- • Value Engineering: Reducing cost while maintaining quality
Packaging Design
- • Structural Design: Creating innovative packaging structures
- • Graphics Design: Visual appeal and brand communication
- • Protective Packaging: Ensuring product safety during transit
- • Sustainable Packaging: Eco-friendly packaging solutions
- • Retail Packaging: Shelf appeal and point-of-sale impact
Brand and Communication Design
- • Logo and brand identity development
- • Marketing collateral design
- • Catalog and brochure design
- • Digital presence design
- • Exhibition and display design
Financial Support
The Design Clinic Scheme provides substantial financial assistance for design projects:
Funding Structure for Design Projects
| Project Type | Maximum Project Cost | Govt. Contribution | MSME Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design Project | Up to ₹15 lakh | 75% (₹11.25 lakh) | 25% (₹3.75 lakh) |
| Student Project | Up to ₹2.5 lakh | 90% (₹2.25 lakh) | 10% (₹25,000) |
Cost Components Covered
Professional Fees
- • Design consultant fees
- • Faculty guidance charges
- • Expert consultation
Prototype Development
- • 3D printing and modeling
- • Sample making
- • Testing and refinement
Materials and Tools
- • Design materials
- • Software licenses
- • Workshop consumables
Travel and Logistics
- • Site visits
- • Material sourcing
- • Project-related travel
Design Awareness Seminars
- • Cost: Nominal participation fee (₹500-1000 per participant)
- • Duration: One-day seminar
- • Content: Design awareness, case studies, best practices
- • Certificate: Participation certificate provided
Eligibility Criteria
To avail benefits under the Design Clinic Scheme:
Enterprise Requirements
MSME Registration
Must be a registered MSME under Udyam Registration. Both manufacturing and service MSMEs are eligible.
Product/Service Base
Should have existing products/services that can benefit from design intervention. Startups with working prototypes are also eligible.
Commitment
Must demonstrate willingness to implement design recommendations and contribute the required share of project cost.
Prior Participation Benefit
MSMEs that have attended Design Awareness Seminars get priority in Design Project applications. Attendance at awareness programs helps MSMEs better understand design value and prepare more effective project proposals.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for Design Clinic assistance:
Step 1: Identify Design Need
Assess your products/services and identify specific areas where design intervention can help - product form, packaging, usability, branding, etc.
Step 2: Attend Design Awareness
Participate in a Design Awareness Seminar organized by DC MSME or partner institutes to understand design better and prepare for the project.
Step 3: Prepare Project Brief
Develop a clear brief outlining: Current product issues, desired improvements, target market, budget, and timeline.
Step 4: Submit Application
Apply through the Design Clinic portal or submit to DC MSME office with required documents and project proposal.
Step 5: Initial Consultation
Design expert conducts preliminary discussion to understand requirements and refine project scope.
Step 6: Project Allocation
Project is allocated to an appropriate design institute based on expertise match and availability.
Step 7: Design Development
Collaborative design work between MSME, design experts, and students over 3-6 months.
Participating Institutes
Design Clinic projects are executed through premier design and technical institutes across India:
Premier Design Institutes
NIDs (National Institutes of Design)
- • NID Ahmedabad (main campus)
- • NID Gandhinagar
- • NID Bengaluru
- • Other NID campuses
NIFTs (National Institutes of Fashion Technology)
- • NIFT Delhi
- • NIFT Mumbai
- • NIFT Bengaluru
- • Other NIFT centers
IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology)
- • IIT Bombay (IDC)
- • IIT Delhi
- • IIT Guwahati
- • Other IITs with design departments
Other Institutes
- • MIT Institute of Design
- • Srishti Institute
- • Pearl Academy
- • Other empanelled institutes
Student Engagement
A unique aspect of Design Clinic is the involvement of design students:
- • Students work on real industry projects gaining practical experience
- • Fresh, innovative perspectives from young designers
- • Lower project costs due to student involvement
- • Potential recruitment pipeline for MSMEs
- • Faculty supervision ensures quality outcomes