Mahindra University introduces School of Design Innovation

The School of Design aims to offer students mentorship from leading design experts from India and around the globe. The inaugural academic session is set to begin on August 15, 2024, with a Bachelor’s Program in Design.

Mahindra University has officially announced the opening of its School of Design Innovation in Hyderabad. This initiative features partnerships with the renowned Pininfarina Design Academy in Torino, Italy, and the Shenoy Innovation Studio at IDC IIT Bombay. The school aims to offer students mentorship from leading design experts from India and around the globe. The inaugural academic session is set to begin on August 15, 2024, with a Bachelor’s Program in Design.

Comprehensive Curriculum

The curriculum is uniquely structured to provide a blend of design fundamentals, including sketching, engineering labs, prototyping, and digital tools. Students can specialize in one of three disciplines: Industrial Design, Communication Design, or Experience Design. The program emphasizes an integrated approach, focusing on cutting-edge technologies such as AR, VR, and AI. Each student's course will culminate in a Capstone Project aimed at addressing real-world industry challenges, serving as the foundation for their specialization.

Commitment to Excellence

Dr Yajulu Medury, Vice-Chancellor of Mahindra University, commented on the launch: "As India advances in its technological growth towards Atmanirbhar Bharat, we are witnessing significant adoption of new technologies that require updated skill sets and competencies. The establishment of the School of Design marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to excellence and innovation in education. We believe design transcends aesthetics, focusing on crafting solutions for real-world challenges. Our comprehensive curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities aim to prepare students for future job markets."

Eligibility and Scholarships

Students who have completed their 10+2 across all streams and possess a passion for design and sketching are eligible to apply. Applicants must submit a portfolio of their work, and selected candidates will be invited for an interview. The School will also offer a 25% Chancellor's Scholarship, worth INR 1 lakh annually, to the first batch of students.

Fostering Innovation

According to Professor B K Chakravarthy, Founding Dean of the School of Design Innovation, the primary goal of design innovation is effective problem-solving that combines creativity with strategic insight. "A user-friendly interface is as crucial as the underlying technology, making it more appealing to the market. Through hands-on experiences, field visits, and cross-cultural design boot camps, we aim to equip our students with the necessary skills and mindset to address complex challenges. Our vision is to advance beyond concept and prototype stages, leveraging our industry connections to bring ideas to market, thus turning passion into profession."

Guiding Principles of Design Thinking

The curriculum will be guided by Professor Chakravarthy’s Chakku’s 7Cs, a framework encompassing the Seven Concerns of Design Thinking. These include:

- The Cause

- The Context

- The Comprehension

- The Check

- The Conception

- The Craft

- The Connection

With this structured approach, the School of Design Innovation aims to cultivate the next generation of design leaders equipped to make a significant impact in their fields.

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