Emphasizing inclusivity and diversity, inherent in design and caught through its tagline ‘Design for Everyone’, Design Vanguard 2024—the first design show of Woxsen University’s School of Arts and Design Hyderabad on April 27, displayed the finest works of Woxsen University’s talented students and provided a glimpse into the innovative design endeavours at the university.
Twenty innovative projects were unveiled at the event, themed on socially relevant and important issues such as Climate Change, MedTech, Disaster Management, Craft Innovation, Inclusive Design, Mental Wellness, and Heritage Conservation. With sustainability as a key factor behind the selection of materials, the entire event showcased the University’s commitment to addressing contemporary challenges and shaping a better future through design innovation.
The event was attended by Adivi Sesh, renowned Actor & Director, who served as the Chief Guest; 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; Mr. Srinivas Kollipara – Group Vice President Of Xelpmoc Design & Tech Limited, Man (Mikah) Zhao, Lecturer in Management and Entrepreneurship at Birmingham City University, among others.
Speaking about the event, Adivi Sesh, renowned Actor and Director and Chief Guest, said, “I wish I had access to something like this when I was 18 or 19 years old. The Design Vanguard is beautiful, and Woxsen University is doing a wonderful job with the students here. I loved all the student projects showcased, particularly the one where a student made a film using Kondapalli toys. If given a chance to design, I would love to join here as a student.”
The event also hosted young fashion enthusiasts, accompanied by their parents. The platform not only ignited their interest in the field of fashion design but also provided insights into the developments in this field and industry to help them in building a promising future in the fashion world.
Underscoring the transformative power of student-driven initiatives in the realm of design, J.Qork—a sustainable lifestyle brand and an integral part of University’s Design Capstone project, entirely driven by design students—made its debut at the event. J.Qork is a real business entirely managed by design students of Woxsen University, where five ground-breaking products were unveiled. As a special presentation, fashion design students led an engaging J.Qork Product Walk, showcasing the craftsmanship and inspiration behind the unique creations.
Sharing her thoughts, Dr. Adity Saxena, Dean School of Arts & Design Woxsen University, said, “Recognizing the evolving needs of the industry and the emerging opportunities, it’s crucial to create a platform for exceptionally talented design students to showcase their best work and innovative concepts. It is also essential that we utilize the transformative power of design to bring about positive social change. Design Vanguard represents our earnest effort in this direction—it not only highlights the unique design endeavours at Woxsen University but also serves as a bridge connecting talent with the diverse demands of various industries.”
Design Vanguard 2024 offered engaging workshops providing hands-on experience to participants in diverse artistic mediums, catering to both beginners and enthusiasts alike. The participants explored the art of origami with “Crease to Craft,” delved into watercolor techniques with “Palettes and Puddles,” experienced linocut printing with “Inked Impressions,” and learned caricatures in “Any Body Can Draw.” These workshops managed by faculty members and design students aimed to provide a creative space for the participants to explore and enjoy their creativity.
