Designing for the Future: Aashish Solanki's Visit to Woxsen University

Design has deep roots in India, woven into its rich culture and craft traditions. From rituals to festivals, design has always been an integral part of Indian life, providing inspiration for modern design.

Indian design draws its strength from cultural heritage and a growing economy. With a large population in need of solutions, design in India goes beyond aesthetics, driving change and integrating values, aspirations, and culture. The country has a thriving design industry, supported by a robust educational platform that nurtures diverse and talented designers.

As design in India continues to mature, there is a growing demand for professionals to address challenges like sustainability and smart cities. To meet this need, there is a push to raise design awareness among students.

Woxsen University is leading the way, offering a holistic, multidisciplinary design education. The university equips students with creative skills and prepares them for the evolving demands of the design industry, ensuring they can unify design with aesthetics, business, technology, and social concerns.

A Visionary Talk at Woxsen University

As the chief guest for the Rachanarambh 2024 Orientation Programme at Woxsen University’s School of Art & Design, Aashish Solanki shared his extensive knowledge and passion for UX design with a diverse group of students. With two decades of experience in the field, Aashish’s insights provided a valuable roadmap for these aspiring designers.

The event aimed to guide students through the challenges of a design career. His presentation, “Designing for the Future,” dived into the core aspects of future-focused design, emphasizing that effective design goes beyond mere aesthetics and functionality. It’s deeply intertwined with the emotional and experiential journey of the user.

Aashish highlighted the importance of anticipating future trends and understanding user needs as fundamental to crafting meaningful design experiences. He urged the students to think forward, encouraging them to envision and shape experiences that resonate with future generations.

Balancing Perspectives in Design

Aashish’s talk brought emphasis to the importance of balancing external and internal perspectives in design. He explained that while understanding the end user’s needs (external perspective) is crucial, it is equally important to stay true to one’s own design philosophy and values (internal perspective). This balance, Aashish argued, distinguishes exceptional designers from their peers, creating a synergy between global demands and personal design ethos.

To illustrate these concepts, Aashish engaged the students in a series of practical design exercises. These were not just theoretical drills but practical tools for self-discovery. By participating in these exercises, students could better understand their own design strengths, weaknesses, and styles, effectively shortening their learning curve and enhancing their growth in the industry.

The Pursuit of Quality

One of the key takeaways from Aashish’s visit was his unwavering focus on quality. He stressed that quality is the bedrock of successful design, whether it pertains to a product, service, or experience. Aashish posed a thought-provoking question to the students: “What is the most important tool in design?” This question was designed to prompt reflection on the fundamental principles that guide effective design, rather than just the tools used.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Aashish Solanki’s visit to Woxsen University left a profound impact on the future designers in attendance. B5y sharing his insights and engaging the students in meaningful exercises, he not only educated but also inspired them. His talk served as a reminder of the transformative power of design and the importance of approaching it with both a forward-thinking mindset and a commitment to quality.

As Woxsen University’s students embark on their design careers, they do so with the knowledge that designing for the future requires a balance of innovation, empathy, and personal integrity. Aashish Solanki’s visit was a testament to the evolving landscape of UX design and a beacon for the aspiring designers ready to shape the future.

Aashish Solanki’s visit underscored the vital role that experienced mentors play in shaping the next generation of designers. His insights not only highlighted the evolving demands of UX design but also emphasized the significance of nurturing creativity and integrity in the process. The students left with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of what it takes to excel in the field, ready to embark on their careers with a clear vision and unwavering dedication.

The Rachanarambh 2024 Orientation Programme at Woxsen University’s School of Art & Design was a remarkable event that enriched the students’ understanding of UX design and inspired them to pursue excellence in their future careers. Aashish Solanki’s insights and guidance will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on these aspiring designers as they navigate the landscape of design.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Adity Saxena, Dean of Woxsen University, and Kamalanarayanan Kamalakannan, Program Director, for their leadership and support in making this event a success. Their dedication to nurturing the next generation of designers is truly commendable.