How to Prepare for NMIMS DAT Visual & Spatial ability and Observation & Memory 2025

NMIMS’s School of Design is one of the esteemed institutes for aspirants looking for a future in design. NMIMS’s School of Design conducts design aptitude test (NMIMS DAT) for admission to its Undergrad and Postgrad courses. For admission to the B.Des program. Given the moderate difficulty of the NMIMS DAT, prospective students should develop and adhere to a preparation plan in order to prepare effectively. Visual and spatial ability and Observation and memory are important sections of the NMIMS DAT exam that needs proper attention and focus for preparation. Careers360 has curated an article for preparation and resources for section “Visual & Spatial Ability and Observation & Memory” for NMIMS DAT 2025.

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This Story also Contains

1. How to Prepare for NMIMS DAT Visual and Spatial Ability
2. Preparation Books for NMIMS DAT Visual and Spatial Ability
3. How to Prepare for NMIMS DAT Observation and Memory
4. Memory
5. Preparation Books for NMIMS DAT Observation and Memory
6. Preparation Tips for Visual & Spatial ability and Observation & Memory section

How to Prepare for NMIMS DAT Visual and Spatial Ability

Visual and Spatial Ability concepts are asked under Part A which consists of MCQs type questions. The time duration for part A is 20 minutes.

Topics that are usually asked in the section include: Mental Visualization : 2D to 3D Visualization based on views, Paper Folding & Unfolding, Spatial orientation/Volumes and Direction, Volumes Transformation/ Counting the Surfaces, Spinning and Rotation of Volumes and Scaling Up and Down.

Visual Ability

To give our ideas and narratives a form, we need visualization in design thinking. Visualization is thinking, listening, interpreting the idea in our minds and then putting it out on paper altogether. It can also be defined as any technique for creating images, designs, concepts or animations to communicate a message. Getting insight into the Imagination and visualization of simple and complex 2D & 3D geometric shapes is an important part of the section as a lot of questions are asked from these topics. Also, their manipulations and spatial relationships through representations in pictorial and geometric forms. Analyzing and observation skills are the key topics here where it is important to understand objects in depth with not just the outer obvious meaning.

Spatial Ability

Spatial ability can also be termed as spatial intelligence is the ability of designers that allows them to visualize a 2-D shape and understand how it will appear in a 3-D state, their transformation and/ or manipulation of 2d shapes and 3d objects. It also helps designers to interpret how it can scale up or scale down, how it will look in cross-sections, or how it can rotate in their minds without the presence of any physical state or any tangible pieces in front of them.

Preparation Books for NMIMS DAT Visual and Spatial Ability

• Analytical Geometry 2D and 3D By P. R. VITTAL

The book is primarily designed for undergraduate students to help them understand the principles of 2D and 3D geometry. The book deals with the practical as well as mathematical aspects of 2D and 3D geometry with an approach of developing an understanding through various examples. This book is good for getting foundation knowledge for geometry.

• Concept of 3D Geometry by Ashish Vidhyarthi & D. K. Dixit

This book deals with the basic 3D geometries and the equations related to them, making the complex 3D objects into simplified and easy to understand for aspiring students.

How to Prepare for NMIMS DAT Observation and Memory

Observation and Memory concepts are asked under Part A which consists of MCQs type questions. The time duration for part A is 20 minutes.

Topics that are usually asked in the section include: Pattern Recognition- Transformation, Arrangements, Alignments & Orientation, Understanding of Composition, Understanding of Basic Design Principles and Geometric Shapes and Fundamentals of Geometry.

Observation

Ability to read and view objects and information beyond making connections, drawing meanings and conclusions, obvious details, forming opinions, and making comparisons. Observation in design thinking is an immersion into the design for gathering insights and information. Observation is understanding the design in-depth and understanding the needs of your users and then coming up with practical, logical and critical solutions. It is through observation skills that a designer develops a good eye which is crucial for a good designer. Design is all about the details, the more a design has good details, the more it will have depth. Therefore, it is a very crucial skill that every designer or design aspirant has to develop within themselves.

Memory

Memory or Design sensitivity is the sensitivity ability a designer should have that helps to analyze the design in depth and remember minute details for any change in the design and then respond accordingly to that change. Memory is one of the most important skills that should be developed in a designer to create better output. Observation and Memory together helps a designer to get a better and more detailed understanding of the needs of the users for whom they are designing and become more mindful and sensitive in creating their design.

Preparation Books for NMIMS DAT Observation and Memory

• The Design of Everyday Things By Donald A. Norman

The Design of Everyday Things is one of the most popular and important books for any designer as it deals with human-centered design and human psychology to create products with not only great functionality but also user friendly.

• The Art of Noticing: 131 Ways to Spark Creativity, Find Inspiration, and Discover Joy in the Everyday By Rob walker

This book comprises 131 different activities to provide practical exercises and techniques to help individuals sharpen their observation skills, enhance creativity and have a deeper understanding of our everyday world. This book is a great source for mindful activity and observation and boosts creativity.

• A Modern Approach to Verbal & non-verbal Reasoning By R.S. Aggarwal

This book is one of the most popular and most helpful for the preparation of verbal and non-verbal reasoning sections when preparing for any competitive examination. This book consists of a wide range of problems and solutions for students to prepare with proper explanations. This book is one of the best sources to prepare for logical and analytical reasoning.

• Shortcuts in Reasoning By Disha Experts

Shortcuts in Reasoning is a book that deals with reasoning questions effectively and quickly and is a great resource for students preparing for competitive exams. This book also involves tips and tricks for better preparation for quick solution and time- management in the exams.

Preparation Tips for Visual & Spatial ability and Observation & Memory section

1. Follow the Syllabus and Concepts

For NMIMS DAT Part A Preparation 2025, students should understand the NMIMS DAT syllabus and concepts for the NMIMS DAT Part A and then prepare the study strategy accordingly. Understanding the explained concepts by using books and resources to prepare, students can create timetables according to the topics which are more or less difficult to them and then assign time for them respectively.

2. Previous years question papers

Students should also solve questions from this section from the previous year to understand their weaknesses and strengths and then create a study plan accordingly. This will also help students to understand the NMIMS DAT exam Pattern.

3. Observational Skills Development

Pay close attention to logos, brands, and patterns around you. It could be currency, newspaper patterns, optical illusions, etc. Observation is the key here, students need to observe them closely and understand the details and the reasons for these details.

4. Creating an effective study strategy

Different strategies work for different applicants and therefore, aspiring students should come up with strategies that will cater to them personally and help with better NMIMS DAT exam preparation. Some of the tips that can help students are:

• Students can create their own timetable according to their weaknesses and strengths by assigning more time to the weak topics and daily practice topics. This not only helps them but will also create a sense of confidence and better time management.

• Read at least one article from the given list of articles and books related to these topics to gather a larger spectrum of knowledge.

• Solve as many previous year question papers and mock tests as possible as it would provide a better insight on the examination.

• Try to solve mock test papers daily as it not only provides students with better preparation but also helps in building confidence and understanding of what questions take what amount of time for them to solve.

• Students should understand and consistency is the most important key here, and only through consistency and discipline they would be able to crack competitive exams.