Future of Design Education: Embracing Innovation, Collaboration and Ethics
Experts discuss the evolving paradigms shaping the future of design education in India
In a world marked by rapid technological advancements and shifting societal needs, design education stands at the forefront of innovation and adaptation. At the fifth edition of the Future of Design Summit & Awards 2024, a panel of esteemed experts delved into the theme of "Changing Face of Design Education," shedding light on the evolving paradigms shaping the future of design. Chaired by Professor Pradyumna Vyas, President-elect of the World Design Organization (WDO), the session delved into the challenges and opportunities facing design education in today's rapidly changing world.
Embracing Change in Design Education
In his opening remarks, Professor Pradyumna Vyas emphasised the transformative journey of design education, tracing its origins back to the Bauhaus movement in 1919. He set the stage for discussions by highlighting the need for design education to adapt to the shifting demands of the digital era and prioritise sustainability. He said, "Design education has evolved significantly since its inception during the Second Industrial Revolution, with Bauhaus in Germany, marking a pivotal moment in 1919."
Adaptability in Design Education
Siddharth Shahani, Executive President of Atlas Skilltech University, highlighted the mainstream status of design education, stressing the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability. He stated, "Design education has become mainstream, rivalling engineering and management. Lifelong learning skills are paramount, adapting to evolving technologies like AI and machine learning."
Curriculum Innovation for the Future
Nandita Abraham, CEO and Interim Dean of BITS Design School addressed the challenge of curriculum development in response to the evolving education landscape. While emphasising the importance of critical thinking and creativity, she said, "It's a challenge to create a new curriculum aligned with the evolving education landscape. With technology advancing rapidly, our design schools must bridge the gap between fixed mindsets and the need for adaptability in a new generation of designers."
Transdisciplinary Approaches in Design Education
The panel discussed the significance of transdisciplinary approaches in design education, emphasising the need for collaboration across diverse sectors. Abraham highlighted the importance of designers engaging with policymakers, bureaucrats and professionals from various fields. She said, "Design cannot be in isolation. Designers need to collaborate with different sectors to create meaningful impact."
Integrating Research into Design Education
Dr. Guruprasad Rao, Professor and Dean at the School of Design, NMIMS University, Mumbai, shed light on the importance of research in design education. He focused on the growing emphasis on understanding the intersection of design and psychology. He said, "Design research in India has matured over the last three decades, with a growing emphasis on understanding the intersection of design and psychology."
Ethics and Values in Design Education
The panel underscored the importance of ethics and values in design education, particularly in the context of India's rich cultural heritage. Shahani emphasised the need for patience and values as students navigate the professional world, saying, "Integrating design education with entrepreneurship is essential to foster innovation and job creation."
The Promise of Design Education for a Sustainable Future
In his closing remarks, Professor Rao reflected on the promise of design education in shaping a sustainable future. He expressed optimism about the role of design in addressing global challenges, stating, "It's a wonderful time to be alive. Design education has the potential to make Earth safe and pave the way for future habitats."
The BW Businessworld Future of Design Summit 2024 provided a platform for thought-provoking discussions and insights into the future of design education. With a focus on adaptability, collaboration and ethics, the panellists highlighted the critical role of design in addressing societal challenges and shaping a more sustainable future.
