INTRO: How to begin Your Preparation

This post is shared for those who are in need of prioritized, well arranged study materials for free in all its education platforms.

Beginning design exam preparation for common entrance exams in design requires a structured approach that combines technical knowledge, creativity, and a thorough understanding of design principles. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you: How this website, help you:

More: In future, it will contain topic by topic study materials for FREE (in progress).

1. Understand the Exam Structure: - Understand how your skill match with different design specific subjects. (Design types - https://www.freedes.in/)

- Research about the specific entrance exam you're taking (e.g., NID, NIFT, UCEED, CEED https://www.freedes.in/design-exams)

- Understand the exam pattern, type of questions, and marking scheme. (https://www.freedes.in/study-guide) - Note down what previously attempted and cracked students say about exam. (Cracked Students from this platform - https://t.me/freedesignguides/6)

2. Gather Study Material:

- Collect recommended books and guides specific to the exam. (Few Reference books list - https://t.me/freedesignguides/7)

- Look for online resources, mock tests, and sample papers. (Previous exam papers - https://www.freedes.in/previous-papers), (Reference Portfolio - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ceed.nid.guides/files), (Reference books on manufacturing, sketching, coaching materials, self study guides all available in facebook and Telegram - Group backup and other subfolders.)

- Familiarize yourself with design concepts, principles, history, and significant designers. - New to Sketching (Free tutorials - https://www.freedes.in/post/grow-your-blog-community)

Facebook Group - FREE Files for all. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/ceed.nid.guides)

Did you Know? Most of the study kits sold online by people are collected from here and telegram group. So what are you waiting for?

3. Design Foundation:

- Strengthen your basics in design, sketching, and visual representation. (Sketching and Team 25 section - https://t.me/freedesignguides/403 )

- Learn the principles of design: Balance, Contrast, Rhythm, Emphasis, and Unity.

- Understand the elements of design: Line, Shape, Color, Texture, and Space. (Soon will be updated - https://www.freedes.in/post/grow-your-blog-community)

Telegram Group - FREE files for all. (https://t.me/freedesignguides)

Note: Please Open Notifications section before search to find all associated files. Filter topic using "#".

4. Regular Sketching:

- Design entrance exams often test sketching skills - Learn at your home. (Online Tutorial - Guide 1, Guide 2, Guide 3, Guide 4, Guide 5, more tips in telegram)

- Practice daily, sketching everything from still life, human figures, to abstract concepts. (Telegram: Sketching as seen below covers most of the fundamentals, others - O1, O2, O3)

- Work on improving speed and precision. Some tips which helped lot of students, Tip 1, Tip 2, Tip 3, Tip 4, Tip 5. or practice the 4 points shared above on everyday basis can help a lot. Other topics which frequently appeared every year: Topic 1, Topic 2, Topic 3, Topic 4, Topic 5, Topic 6, Topic 7, Topic 8, Topic 9 & Topic 10.

Study notes: More topics with latest data will be updated soon making the website an online study guide.

5. Strengthen Observational and Analytical Skills:

- Design problems often require keen observation.

- Practice analyzing everyday objects, understand their functionality, ergonomics, and aesthetics. Improving your observational skills can significantly enhance your ability to tackle design problems. Keen observation allows you to notice details, understand user behaviors, and recognize patterns that can inform your design decisions.

⍣ Observation: Spend dedicated time just observing. Choose an object, scene, or person and study it in detail without any distractions.

⍣ Journaling: Keep a notebook handy to jot down interesting details, patterns, or behaviors you observe.

⍣ Photography: Engage in photography. Trying to capture the essence of your subject can enhance your observational skills.

Don't just rely on your sight always. Listen, touch, and immerse fully in your environment.

⍣ User Behavior: If designing for users, watch how they interact with products or environments. Note their challenges and preferences.

⍣ Challenge Assumptions: Question what you believe you know. Try to see things from a fresh perspective or through another person's eyes. (Never demotivate another person when he/she is wrong, instead hear him/her out till end and explain your ideology as a suggestion)

⍣ Participate: There are workshops geared towards improving observational skills, often in art or design contexts.

Some of the Workshops, trainings and competitions are updated in here.

Discuss your observations with peers. They might offer a different perspective, highlighting things you might have missed.

⍣ Analyze and keep modifying Designs: Regularly study good designs and try to understand the choices the designer made. Conversely, analyze flawed designs to understand what went wrong.

⍣ Being Curious: Adopt a curious mindset. Always ask questions about why things are the way they are.

By consistently practicing and challenging yourself, your observational skills will grow sharper over time, making you more adept at identifying and addressing design challenges.

6. Stay Updated:

- Keep abreast of current design trends, innovations, and technologies. (Trends keep growing everyday to highlight new skills using technology improvement, some trends in Graphic Design, UI (user Interface) Trends, Product design Trends, etc.

- Read design journals, magazines, and blogs

- Visit design exhibitions or workshops if possible. Telegram Group of this website, https://t.me/freedesignguides also contains - Latest prototypes in action, new design concepts launched, latest design magazines, latest GK magazines, Tips and tricks to polish your software skills, motivational and inspirational videos on design and a collection of previous students genuine chat screenshots.

7. Solve Previous Year's Papers:

- Solving past papers helps understand the kind of questions asked and improves time management. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ceed.nid.guides/files

- Analyze your mistakes and avoid them in future mock tests. - Telegram

8. Enhance Creativity:

- Engage in creative exercises, like brainstorming or mind mapping.

- Practice ideation – think of multiple solutions for a single problem.

- Take up small design challenges or projects.

9. General Knowledge and Current Affairs:

- Some design entrance exams test general awareness.

- Stay updated with current events, especially those related to design, art, and culture. (Telegram - Filter in chat #gk, #motivation, #information or #observation to find more)

10. Mock Tests and Time Management:

- Regularly take mock tests to simulate the exam environment. (Puzzle Challenge, Sketching Challenge and many more are available in telegram).

- Time yourself to ensure you're able to complete the paper within the allotted time.

Mock tests/ Challenges available in telegram platform (sample image),

11. Physical and Mental Health:

- Ensure you have a balanced diet and get adequate sleep.

- Engage in activities that reduce stress like meditation, physical exercise, or hobbies.

(Feels drained out/demotivated/feels lonely and lost - Get in touch via website chat or mail)

12. Join Coaching or Workshops (if needed for sketching improvement):

- If you feel the need, join coaching classes that are specific to design entrance exams.

- Some workshops focus on portfolio creation or specific skills, such as sketching.

13. Create a Study Schedule:

- Plan your studies. Allocate specific times for sketching, theory, and solving papers.

- Ensure you have time for revisions and breaks.

14. Seek Feedback:

- Show your work to mentors, peers, or teachers to get constructive feedback.

- Incorporate feedback to improve your skills and understanding. - Patiently wait for the mentor or individual guiding you to respond.

Let's chat - Down right corner, available 24x7 to chat or seek feedback & for career guidance. All the chat remains confidential and not shared anywhere else.

Remember, design entrance exams test your creativity, problem-solving ability, and understanding of design. It's essential to balance both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Stay consistent in your preparation, and always have a curious mind. If you think this article helped you, don't forget to share it to people who needs it the most. Good luck & thank you for visiting the website and its associated platforms !