[By Srishti Manipal Institute]
“How does one design for a complex world? Instead of keeping on filling the world with stuff, what design strategies will allow us – humans – to lead more meaningful and environmentally responsible lives?” These were some important questions posed by the British-born author, John Thackara in his 2005 book ‘In the Bubble: Designing in a Complex World.’ It is a question most aspiring designers consider when thinking about the role that design plays in shaping the world around us.
And in order to do that, one mustn’t just think about the present, but also about the past and the future. How the actions of the past, affect the present and similarly how one can use this information to tailor the actions of the present to bring a better future. Simply, the key aim is to understand how to nurture the future.
Why is a design degree important?
In order to be the kind of designer who takes the responsibility to nurture their future, it is important to have the foundations right, which is understood by pursuing a degree. One must learn the art of producing innovative and sustainable solutions that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and emotionally satisfying.
A design course also helps lay a foundational level of understanding of the subject matter. Through such a course, students are introduced to different materials, processes, and technologies. A thorough education also allows talented designers to harness their skills to produce fine works of art. More importantly, a designer must consider how the world moves in this digital age and use that information to find harmony between the art of design and the power of technology.
An environment with like-minded designers will allow one to grow their skill and creativity and encourages the exchange of ideas and experimentation. Moreover, a degree in design usually serves as a leeway to entering the professional world.
Design careers for the future
The world is in a delicate place now, and the designers of today are creating products and services that are sustainable. Research has shown that electric cars are better for the environment. They emit fewer greenhouse gases and air pollutants than petrol or diesel cars. It is estimated that In over a year, just one electric car on the roads can save an average 1.5 million grams of CO2. That’s the equivalent of four return flights from London to Barcelona. Today, that world is racing to innovate and upgrade on this much needed technology that nurtures our world for a better future, devoid of green house gases that can improve air quality and bring down global warming.
Urbanfarming is a process of using innovative scientific farming techniques to produce high yield and high quality of fresh organic food in very limited urban areas like terraces and balconies, all year -round. This form of farming utilises existing land resources to produce fresh, organic produce that can be easliy consumed within close range of production, thereby cutting down transportation impact on farm produce and pressure on land use in agricultural and forest areas. Food, water and land scarcity is a looming threat from climate change. Such innovation in our food production and consumption are being designed and developed into viable models for mass adaptation.
But it isn’t just with respect to business practices, design also helps change perspectives, challenge social stereotypes and catalyse social changes. This can be best understood by studying the Dharavi Design Museum in Mumbai, a body that solely showcases the ingenuity and creativity of the Dharavi slum by working along with the local designers and craftspeople who reside there. Together, they have been designing sustainable, innovative, and affordable products. In doing so, there has been a huge perspective shift in how the residents of Dharavi were viewed. Sustainable and impactful design thinking has allowed for better management of social and environmental challenges. That is how the modern designer is now nurturing a better future.
Study Designing at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology
Becoming a designer who not just works to create art, but also leaves an impact on society requires understanding the complex working of world systems. And Srishti Manipal is one such institute that specially integrates such information into their syllabus allowing for designers to graduate with a better future. Moreover, their unique curriculum is inclusive, and interdisciplinary and approaches education in a holistic way, rather than focusing on just relaying necessary information.
To learn more about the impact of designing with Srishti Manipal, watch this video, which is an overview of one of the post graduate programs offered at the institute: MDes in Design Led Innovation.
If you wish to be among the best designers in the nation, then earning a degree from Srishti Manipal is the best choice for you. Srishti Manipal has just commenced the admission process for the 2023-23 intake for its courses. The entry to our course is through the SMEAT Exam.
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