Transforming Design Learning for the Emergence of Future Change Agents
In this fast-paced world, where artificial intelligence and robotics are wiping out jobs in various sectors, a career in design has become a sought-after option for students globally, including India. UI and UX designers rank among the top 15 fastest-growing jobs, as per the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025.
JK Lakshmipat University, Jaipur, shines as a beacon for design education, offering a versatile Bachelor of Design (B.Des) program that goes beyond the realms of UI/UX, graphic, or apparel design.
The misconception that students must be from the science stream to ace a design career has been debunked by Professor A. Balasubramaniam, Director of the Institute of Design at JKLU. This interdisciplinary design education caters to students from all streams. All it takes is a strong scientific temper, inquisitiveness, and creativity.
The myth that a B.Des degree only equips you with technical prowess and visual perception is far from true. Modern design programs also prepare students to embark on a creative journey while solving pressing global issues. For instance, bridging the digital divide would be unachievable without design thinking. Affordable devices that make the internet accessible to millions of Indians are a result of ingenious designers at work.
Design students are expected to tackle complex systemic problems. The Institute of Design at JKLU, under the stewardship of Dr. Devanuj K. Balkrishan, Professor at JKLU, focuses on instilling critical thinking and versatility in students to help them see the big picture and provide practical solutions to real-world problems.
A B.Des student should look beyond stereotypical design disciplines and explore contemporary ones such as Interdisciplinary Design, Interaction Design, Product Design, and Integrated Communication Design. A B.Des in Interdisciplinary Design, for instance, equips graduates with a comprehensive skill set, combining technology with traditional design principles. These designers excel in diverse roles, from designing ad campaigns to setting up startups that offer multiple design solutions.
Product Design has seen exponential growth, with graduates now addressing critical social issues such as providing solutions for areas without electricity with battery-operated lamps or supplying drinking water to communities with rollable tanks. Interaction Design has transcended UI design to pioneer immersive human-to-human, human-to-device, and device-to-device interactions. Integrated Communication Design covers a broad spectrum, dealing with areas like data visualization, reporting, and writing.
JKLU emphasizes practical learning, global exposure, and training in communications and critical thinking to prepare students for the challenges of the real world. Don Norman, a world-renowned design thought leader, states, "We need new kinds of designers - those who can work across disciplines, understand human beings, business, and technology."
Founded in 2011 by the 140-year-old J.K. Organization, JKLU inherits the legacy of excellence and commitment to nation-building. With a NAAC A-grade accreditation, JKLU is at the forefront of innovation in engineering, management, and design, ensuring students are adept at conquering the ever-evolving professional landscape.
JKLU's faculty consists of accomplished scholars from prestigious institutions such as the IIMs, IITs, NIDs, and other top universities worldwide. The university's curriculum centers on interdisciplinary learning, hands-on projects, and practical problem-solving, providing students with the flexibility to address complex challenges and drive meaningful change.
JKLU's strong industry connections, real-world projects, and immersive internships form a core part of the university experience, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. International partnerships and exchange opportunities offer students a global perspective, enriching their education and expanding their horizons.
At JKLU, students benefit from access to cutting-edge centers such as the Centre for Critical Thinking and Communication, the Atal Incubation Centre, and the AIMA Biz Lab. These platforms champion innovation, entrepreneurship, and critical inquiry, encouraging students to explore new ideas and cultivate a problem-solving mindset.
- Students at JK Lakshmipat University, Jaipur, can embark on a creative journey while solving pressing global issues, as design education at the institute extends beyond UI/UX, graphic, or apparel design.
- Design programs at modern universities like JKLU prepare students not only with technical skills but also equip them to excel in diverse roles, such as setting up startups or addressing critical social issues.
- JKLU's faculty and curriculum emphasize interdisciplinary learning, focusing on developing critical thinking, versatility, and a practical problem-solving mindset among students.
- Participating in JKLU's strong industry connections, real-world projects, and immersive internships can help students bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, while also offering access to cutting-edge centers championing innovation, entrepreneurship, and critical inquiry.
