Once in a rare while in history, we see a convergence so strong that it changes the way human society lives. In the 15th century, it was the convergence of the printing press, sea voyages, and trade. In the 19th century, it was industrialization, globalization, and colonization. In the 21st century, it is going to be Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Design.
We often see these fields as standalone which is a limitation of the way our education system is set up. There are technology institutes, like IITs, business institutes like IIMs, and design institutes like NIDs. Fundamentally, technology, entrepreneurship, and design talk to each other in more ways than we think.
Design has impacted how humans consume, companies create, and countries govern. 10x investment in design creates 100x returns. It can solve problems way upstream. Imagine if cities are designed well versus designed badly. If processes are designed well versus designed badly. If experiences are designed well versus not designed at all.
Technology is utility. It doesn’t mean everyone will have the same products. That’s where entrepreneurship comes in. Using the same technology to create different products. So using the Internet and payment technologies, several companies created marketplaces. That’s entrepreneurship. But the same products do not mean the same experience. That’s where design makes a difference. A better-designed product feels different even if it operates with the same business model using the same technology.
India is known to be a home of technology talent. Our entrepreneurial spirit is also acknowledged globally. This is the reason why we have missions like Make In India, and why there is a great number of unicorns coming out of India. The time has come for Design In India. A product that is made in India is not as big a leverage as a product that is designed and made in India.
Rishihood’s approach to this triad is unique. We have not created these as three departments. That’s a straightforward task. We have amalgamated these for convergence. For example, an entrepreneurship minor for a design student, and a design minor for a tech student. Further, we have the ‘Principles of Design’ course as a First Year Foundation Program for all incoming learners. That’s how they develop a sense of problem-solving and leadership. Rishihood’s B.Design course is situated at the interplay of TED
Some of the best leaders have leveraged this convergence. Steve Jobs and his design of the Apple products, Musk and the design of Tesla, Brian Chesky and the AirBnB experience, Bhavish and Ola Electric are examples of using tech, entrepreneurship, and design at its max.
With the $5M Makers Fund and the incubator at Rishihood, the learners can really put their ideas into action. ‘Makers Space’ and labs equipped with facilities like 3D printing, Apple Vision Pro, and CAD, allow them to touch and feel their products.
Gone are the days when you could succeed only as a designer. Today’s world requires interdisciplinary teams that understand the interplay between business, technology, and design. Designers need to think beyond aesthetics — they need to understand the business aspects of their creations as well as the technological frameworks that underpin them. Incorporating this interdisciplinary approach into higher education equips future professionals with a holistic understanding and prepares them to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
At Rishihood, this philosophy is reflected in our B.Design course, one of the leading design college in India. By offering a fusion of technology, entrepreneurship, and design, we aim to develop creators who will lead the next wave of innovation in India.
P.S. When TED Talks started, they probably didn’t expect their acronym to symbolize fusion in the 21st century — although in their case the “E” stands for entertainment!
Curious about how design will shape India’s future? Learn about the future of design in India.
- Foundation Courses
- Design Fundamentals: This course introduces basic design principles like composition, color theory, typography, and form.
- Drawing and Sketching: Develops observational skills and hand-eye coordination through drawing and sketching exercises. Art History and Theory: Explores the historical development of design, from ancient civilizations to contemporary movements.
- Material and Processes: Introduces various materials and techniques used in design, such as woodworking, metalworking, and digital fabrication.
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Teaches students how to use computer software to create and manipulate designs.
- Design Studio: Provides practical experience in applying design principles to real-world projects.
