International Design  Week celebrates creativity & inclusivity; aims to bring a positive change

The International Design Week hosted by School of Design and Visual Arts (SDVA) at Apeejay Stya University (ASU), Gurugram showcased immense creativity and design thinking at a unique level during this week-long event.  

The fourth day of the Design Week kicked off with a compelling presentation by Mr. Loonen, who has been the esteemed resource person. The focus of the day centered around a pivotal phase in the design process – the prototyping stage.

Mr. Loonen aptly highlighted the progression of design week journey. From immersing in empathy to defining problems and ideating creative solutions, he highlighted prototyping as the bridge between imagination and reality, a tangible expression of collective creativity.

Emphasising the essence of the process, Mr. Loonen encouraged students to embrace the power of prototyping. He conveyed a crucial message – it’s not about perfection; it’s about learning and refining. The call to turn ideas into physical or digital manifestations resonated strongly, allowing for testing, iteration, and continuous refinement of solutions.

In a spirit of empowerment, Mr. Loonen advised students not to shy away from thinking outside the box, to experiment fearlessly, and to welcome the iterative nature of the design process. This mindset, he emphasised, was key to unlocking innovation and uncovering unforeseen possibilities.

Following this insightful presentation, the session transitioned into a review of Day 3. Students actively discussed the myriad ideas generated during the brainstorming session. Suggestions flowed, and a collective decision was made to hone in on a particular idea for further exploration. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as the Design Week journey progressed, each day unveiling new layers of creativity and collaboration.

The Final Day

On the concluding day of Design Week, students took centre stage to showcase an impressive array of innovative design solutions and prototypes, all crafted with the shared vision of enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities.

The presentations were a testament to the creativity and dedication of the students. From the unveiling of smart goggles designed for enhanced navigation to innovative wardrobes catering to unique accessibility needs, the spectrum of projects was awe-inspiring. Notably, some students delved into creating specialised shopping trolleys tailored specifically for the blind, while others developed solutions addressing the challenges faced by individuals using wheelchairs.

The event unfolded as a celebration of creativity and inclusivity, offering a glimpse into the potential of design thinking to bring positive change to diverse lives. Each project represented not just a physical manifestation of creative ideas but a sincere effort to make a meaningful impact on the daily experiences of individuals with disabilities.

Beyond the impressive showcase, the event held profound significance as a learning opportunity. Both faculty and students alike were enriched by the insights gained throughout the week. The exchange of ideas, the collaborative spirit, and the tangible outcomes showcased on the concluding day affirmed the transformative power of design thinking in addressing real-world challenges.