Dr Pramath Raj Sinha, Founder, Ashoka University, ISB, and JS Institute of Design and Clément Derock, Founder, École Intuit Lab talk about their expansion in New Delhi by offering new institute to students in the field of design. They also discuss about job opportunities in the field and courses being offered by the institute.
Q. Kindly give us a brief about the collaboration?
A. The founders of JS Institute of Design had identified significant gaps in the way design is currently taught to students. Drawing on their extensive experience in the design arena and in setting up innovative education institutions, they determined that there was a need to adopt a more holistic approach that blends academic concepts with industry-focused practical experience. They believe that this approach will make the students better prepared to meet the needs of the evolving work environment.
Our initiative to partner with École Intuit Lab and bring the institution to the students of Delhi NCR region is a continuation of our efforts to equip students with the appropriate skills, knowledge and talent that are required for the modernizing Indian economy. We chose to partner with École intuit lab as India is now home to three of their seven campuses.
Q. Design is a niche field and people have apprehensions about job opportunities. Could you tell us about the opportunities?
A. According to the "The Future of Design Education In India," (a report by India Design Council), the market potential for design in India is expected to exceed Rs. 18, 000 crore by 2025. However, only a fifth of this potential is currently being tapped. The potential of the graphic, communication and packaging design industry is estimated to be more than Rs 5,500 crore. So, there is plenty of scope for designers in areas like visual communication and packaging design.
In the game development arena, India already has 250+ game development companies which employ more than 15,000 game developers. Given the growing interest in gaming amongst youth, the number of job openings in game art, design and development are predicted to increase rapidly. Digital product design is also another area where the need for designers is increasing rapidly, thanks to the explosion in the use of web and mobile applications. We expect jobs for user interface designers and customer experience designers to also increase significantly in the coming years, as new technologies and services enter the market.
With new technologies permeating our lives, there is a huge demand for creativity and design to ensure that India is able to compete on the global stage. India is a key market for multinational companies, thus providing plenty of opportunities for graduates in the design sector. India should focus on the growth in both public and private design education to provide adequate choice to its deserving youth while ensuring that its graduates are well-qualified to comfortably compete on an international stage. In my view, the opportunities for designers are plentiful--provided students have the right education, skills and experience.
Q. Why did JSID approach École Intuit Lab for creating a presence in Delhi-NCR?
A. École Intuit Lab is ranked amongst the top 5 Design Schools in France. They have been successfully running a design institution in Mumbai for the past ten years, using curriculum developed by practitioners and experts in France. École Intuit Lab’s pedagogy combines academic knowledge with industry experience to produce students with a truly international outlook to design. Many students are now working with leading Indian and international firms, or have gone on to pursue higher education in Canada, USA and other countries.
Q. How will the collaboration help students who wish to pursue a career in designing?
A. The world-class education programs that are being offered by École Intuit Lab comply with the French standards for a European degree program. The curriculum is regularly updated, and the students are taught by highly qualified, 70 plus visiting faculty who have extensive industry experience. The students at École Intuit Lab also participate in regular design workshops conducted by international faculty, and have the opportunity to go on international exchange programs to Paris and Marseille or do a semester abroad. Every student is required to undertake two mandatory industry internships, and complete an intensive industry-oriented project. These prepare students for the workplace, and ensure that they are conversant with the latest practices in design.
Additionally, the institute has collaborations with UBISOFT and UNITY. They also have an option to complete their final year at Abertay University and get a degree and intern with UBISOFT and other AAA studios.
Demand for traditional fields such as graphic design, interior design, accessory design, jewelry design, and product design is strong, and now, they are also being eclipsed by the growing interest in the domains of communication, interaction, and game design. Hence, joining any of the courses at the institute is a great opportunity for students willing to pursue a career in design.
Q. What are the programs that will be offered by École Intuit Lab Delhi?
A. École Intuit Lab Delhi will be offering four undergraduate level programs and one post graduate program: UG Visual Communication (4 years & 30 students a batch): The program trains students to infuse words and images with life and meaning, in ways that can persuade, educate, entertain or inform. UG Digital Product Design (4 years & 30 students a batch): Digital product design extends traditional graphic design to encompass UX Design (user experience) and UI Design (user interface). Students are trained to become functional designers and creative problem solvers who are equipped to manage the entire digital product life cycle.
UG Game Art & Design (4 years & 30 students a batch): This program equips students with the artistic and technical skills required to design and develop games, and produce other interactive solutions.
UG in Fine Art (4 years & 30 students a batch): Students are trained to be contemporary artists who are able to channel their creativity and visual expression to share ideas and messages with the world.
PG in Advertising Design & Visual Communication (18 months): This program provides an in-depth understanding of advertising, branding design, digital and communication strategies. Students are equipped for roles in global marketing and communication as designers, strategists, art directors and above all, powerful communicators.
Q. Future plans to open campuses in other cities as well?
A. Yes very much, with the surging demand in design, digital and gaming, we see ourselves expanding in India and globally. The spirit of Indian design emerges from its deep cultural roots and its growing economic position. The power of design in an Indian context is enhanced with the large population which calls for design solutions. Beyond aesthetics, design has the power to bring change in the lives of people and be an integrator of values, ambitions and lifestyle. The Design Industry in India has seen tremendous growth with a growing number of design users and this is backed by the prosperous Design Education sector.
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Abhay an alumnus of IIMC and Delhi University, has over a decade long experience of reporting on various beats of journalism. During his free time he prefers listening to music or play indoor and outdoor games.