Mahindra University has launched the School of Design Innovation in Hyderabad. The school has partnered with the Pininfarina Design Academy in Italy and Shenoy Innovation Studio IDC IITB to offer students mentorship from top design experts. The first academic session will begin on August 15, 2024, with a Bachelors Program in Design.
The curriculum will cover design fundamentals like sketching, engineering labs, prototyping, and digital tools. Students can specialize in Industrial Design, Communication Design, or Experience Design. Cutting-edge technologies such as AR, VR, and AI will also be emphasized. The program will conclude with a Capstone Project tackling real-world industry challenges.
Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice-Chancellor of Mahindra University, highlighted the importance of preparing students for the future job market through design education. The School of Design aims to cultivate solutions for real-world problems and equip students with the necessary skills.
The School of Design Innovation is open to all students who have completed their 10+2 education and have a passion for design. Applicants must submit a portfolio of their work for consideration. Selected candidates will undergo an interview process. The first batch of students will receive a 25% Chancellor’s Scholarship worth INR 1 lakh per year.
Prof. B. K. Chakravarthy, Founding Dean of the School of Design Innovation, emphasized the importance of design innovation in problem-solving. The curriculum will focus on helping students develop innovative products and services by combining creativity with strategic thinking. Hands-on experiences, field visits, and design boot camps will be used to foster the skills needed to address complex challenges.
The curriculum at the School of Design Innovation will be guided by Prof. Chakravarthy’s 7Cs framework, which outlines the key concerns of design thinking for innovation. This framework includes considerations such as The Cause, The Context, The Comprehension, The Check, The Conception, The Craft, and The Connection.
