Prof Pravin Mishra
Dean, School of Design,
Vijaybhoomi University

‘Design’ and ‘Design Thinking’ have been buzz-words for the past few years in almost every industry, and the pandemic has now highlighted the need for being a ‘Designer’ and using Design Thinking methodologies at every level. Most organizations have realised the importance of being flexible and having a more structured approach towards problem-solving, instead of being in a fire-fighting mode all the time. Agile

methodologies laid the foundation for organisations to think flexibly, but the true boost to effective problem-solving comes from the way designers think and work.

Organisations desperately need dynamic, creative thinkers who are capable of re-imagining or revamping business processes and systems, approaching problem-solving with a design thinking mindset, and creating fresh value for customers and consumers. Enter the Design Strategist!

Students of Entrepreneurship studies and Business Management have been traditionally instructed in aspects of business that revolved around productivity, finance, marketing, and human resources. However, there is a growing realisation of the value of Design Strategy, which takes the Design Thinking attitude, and applies it towards business strategy. Any strategic execution in business requires a good understanding of the innovation and design of the initiatives being implemented

The same evolutionary upheaval is being witnessed in the field of Engineering and Law, too.

Design Strategists are systems thinkers, combining creative and analytical skills to deliver strategies that make a positive impact. They approach a problem from different angles, look beyond obvious reasons and surface symptoms, to gain a deep understanding of the issue, and find new ways of solving it. They are also master storytellers, able to create compelling narratives and engage with customers, clients, and other stakeholders

In this rapidly changing world, design has become the fundamental building block for planning, strategy, execution, and maintenance, whether you are designing a solution for business and commerce, or jurisprudence, or a great user experience, or ground-breaking new technology.

While many companies today dream of coming up with game-changing innovations like Apple or Facebook does, many are disappointed with the results they get. This is mostly because their current analytical processes are only geared towards refining current knowledge and producing small improvements.

Design Strategists bridge this gap, having the ability to design specific, goal-oriented, intuitive strategies, tools, and processes. Their systems design skills also allow them to chart the path that can utilise small improvements that can help support and realise the breakthrough innovations that are desired to sail into the future.

Design strategy’ will be a key skill for new-age roles in new-age companies. Professionals with an understanding of design thinking will become thought leaders of tomorrow working with strong teams who can help organisations achieve their strategic goals and maximise their growth potential.

To sum it up, design education is not just for Graphic Designers, Filmmakers, Animators, VFX Artists, Art Directors, Product Designers, Photographers, Cinematographers, Film-Editors, Illustrators, Fashion Designers, UI/UX/VR/AR Designers, design education also makes you a successful and continuously employable Designer-Engineers, Designer-Lawyers, Designer-Entrepreneurs etc.