Sustainability Has Always Been A Part Of Our Culture. We Were Taught To Re-use:WDO's Pradyumna Vyas

Congratulations on your post as the president-elect of the World Design Organisation (WDO). What is the one aspect you will focus on immediately? 

Thank you. I worked at the National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad for thirty years, and there I had the opportunity to work in the area of Social Impact. Design for social impact looks at how design can benefit the marginalised sections of the society while helping the economy grow. There is a lot of discussions about sustainability and social impact these days, but at NID these aspects have always been central to our way of thinking and working. 

I would like to grow and move in this direction, and my work will be centered on these aspects. 

In your opinion, how has Indian design changed in the last few years?

We have become more conscious about aspects such as sustainability, which is hearting to see. Also, we are embracing a circular economy, which is the need of the hour. 

In terms of Indian design, which areas still need focus? 

Design plays a crucial role in growth and success across sectors. Given how we have come to rely on design for progress, we need a lot more qualified designers. That means, we need many more design schools and design teachers. 

Do you think we are doing enough to integrate sustainability with design? 

Culturally, we are a nation of people who value things. Back in the day, we were taught not to waste but to re-use. Sustainability has always been a part of our culture. We might have forgotten some of these lessons along the way, but the focus on sustainability has returned and it is an integral part of the design process today. Circular economy is the way forward. 

Please give us an example of Good Design. 

Digital transformation has truly empowered the people of this country, and that to me is good design. 

Earlier this month, the UK AI safety summit highlighted some of the dangers of AI for society. Your view? 

I believe where there is progress, there will be challenges. I would like to keep my focus on the positive aspects of technology. Of course, we must have regulations, but technology must be used to empower people, to help progress and for social good. 

Founded in 1957, the World Design Organisation (WDO) is a global non-governmental body. It services 180 member organisations and aims to advance the power of industrial design to enhance social, economic, cultural and environmental quality of life. The WDO engages with designers that focus on ‘design for a better world’.