April 27, 2024 @ T-Works, Hyderabad
Hyderabad recently witnessed a historic event in the world of design as Woxsen University’s School of Arts and Design hosted the city’s first-ever design show, ‘Design Vanguard 2024,’ at T-Works. The event was not just a showcase of creativity and innovation but a bold statement on the importance of inclusivity and sustainability in design. The theme, ‘Design for Everyone,’ was the guiding principle behind the event, bringing together students, industry leaders, and design enthusiasts to explore how design can address some of the most pressing issues of our time.
At the heart of Design Vanguard 2024 was a commitment to sustainability. Every project presented at the show reflected careful consideration of material selection, ensuring that the designs were not only innovative but also environmentally responsible. The show featured twenty cutting-edge projects that tackled a range of socially relevant issues. These projects were more than just academic exercises; they were real-world solutions designed to make a meaningful impact on society.
The projects unveiled at Design Vanguard 2024 addressed a diverse array of critical topics, from Climate Change and MedTech to Disaster Management, Craft Innovation, Inclusive Design, Mental Wellness, and Heritage Conservation. Each project was a testament to the students’ ability to blend creativity with social consciousness, offering new perspectives and innovative solutions to some of the world’s most urgent challenges.
For example, the Climate Change project focused on sustainable practices and materials to reduce environmental impact, while the MedTech project showcased groundbreaking designs aimed at improving healthcare delivery. The Inclusive Design project, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of accessibility, ensuring that products and environments are usable by people of all abilities.
Design Vanguard 2024 was more than just a showcase; it was a platform for networking and collaboration. The event brought together a diverse group of attendees, including corporates, design leaders, educational institutions, social sector representatives, startups, policymakers, celebrities, and influencers. This mix of participants created a unique environment for the exchange of ideas, fostering collaborations that have the potential to drive innovation in the design industry.
The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including Adivi Sesh, renowned Actor & Director, who served as the Chief Guest. Other notable attendees included Dr. S. Arun Kumar Pandu, Director and Head of Office Development Commissioner for Handlooms at the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India (Hyderabad); Parag Trivedi, Senior Director of User Experience at Salesforce and ex-UX Director at Microsoft; Tasleem Arif, Managing Director of OPPO India; Srinivas Kollipara, Group Vice President of Xelpmoc Design and Tech Limited; and Man Zhao, Lecturer in Management and Entrepreneurship at Birmingham City University. Their presence underscored the significance of the event and highlighted the quality of work being produced by the students of Woxsen University.
Design Vanguard 2024 was a resounding success, setting a new standard for design shows in Hyderabad. By focusing on inclusivity, sustainability, and socially relevant issues, the event demonstrated the power of design to effect positive change. As the city’s first design show, it established itself as a must-attend event for anyone interested in the future of design. The students and faculty of Woxsen University’s School of Arts and Design have set the stage for future innovations, and the design community is eagerly anticipating what comes next.
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