Students of the Department of Design at CARE College of Engineering, Trichy visited Tuticorin Port for an industrial visit to gain first-hand exposure to boat design, boat construction techniques, marine engineering, and real-world maritime operations. They explored various types of wooden and steel boats, studying their carrying capacities, structural components, functionality, and the challenges involved in designing vessels for diverse applications. The visit provided valuable insights into how user needs, safety, durability, efficiency, ergonomics, and environmental conditions influence product design and design decision-making.

From a design thinking perspective, the industrial visit encouraged students to apply the Design Thinking Process through observation, field research, and user analysis. By interacting with boat owners and understanding operational challenges, students gained practical knowledge in user research, user behavior, creative problem-solving, and human-centered design. This experiential learning opportunity provided meaningful industry exposure, strengthening students’ ability to analyze real-world problems, identify opportunities for innovation, and develop practical, user-centered design solutions for future applications.