Musings...
As the Dean of the School of Design at Dehradun Institute of Technology, I find myself reflecting on the evolving landscape of design education in our increasingly interconnected world. The challenges and opportunities presented by the global pandemic have catalyzed profound changes in how we approach teaching and practice design. This period of disruption has been a catalyst for innovation, urging us to rethink and reshape the future of design education.
Today, we stand at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. As we integrate new technologies and methodologies into our curriculum, we are also mindful of the rich heritage of craft and creativity that forms the bedrock of our discipline. The fusion of cutting-edge digital tools with traditional design sensibilities is preparing our students not only to enter the industry but to transform it.
Environmental sustainability has become a non-negotiable aspect of contemporary design. Our students are encouraged to think beyond aesthetics and functionality to consider the environmental impact of their creations. This holistic approach to design is not just about creating objects or experiences that are visually appealing and functionally sound, but also about fostering a sustainable future. Furthermore, the role of design in addressing social issues has never been more critical. We are empowering our students to use their skills to solve complex societal problems, from enhancing public healthcare systems to making technology accessible for all. This vision of design as a tool for social change is at the heart of our educational philosophy.
In looking forward, our commitment is to not only maintain but elevate the standards of design education. We are dedicated to providing a platform where creativity meets purpose, innovation meets sustainability, and young designers are equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and empathy. As we continue on this journey, we invite all aspiring designers to join us in shaping a future where design transcends aesthetics and becomes a fundamental part of solving the human challenges of our time.
Profile
Dr. Ekta Singh, Dean – School of Design
Distinguished academic leader, Prof. Dr. Ekta Singh, boasts an illustrious history of building and advancing institutions dedicated to design and architecture. Her expertise as an academic head and leader spans various design disciplines (at UG, PG, & Ph.D levels) such as Fashion design, Textile design, Product design, Visual communication, Visual arts, UX/UI, Interior design, Architecture. Her commitment to intellectual property awareness is evident through the integration of patents, design registrations, and copyrights into the curriculum, resulting in several successful student design registrations & copyrights. She herself have various design registrations and copyrights to her credit. Further, Dr. Ekta has to her credit several research publications in distinguished scopus-indexed journals. She has been a peer reviewer with significant Emerald Journals.
As an alumna of prestigious institutions like AKTU Lucknow, IIT Roorkee, BITS Pilani, and Jamia Milia New Delhi, Dr. Singh's rich cultural exposure enhances her role as a Multiverse designer, fostering contextual and empathetic design principles. Recognized as a judge for the CII-Design Awards at Goa, where she along with a panel of esteemed jury from across the globe evaluated the various industry & student’s design entries. She is a MASHAV Fellow and had received International Scholarship from the State of Israel and holds distinguished fellowship of Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), and Member of Association of Designers in India (ADI). She has been on the jury boards of different National-Level Architecture, Design & Planning competitions. She had been associated as consultant with UP Government on prestigious ‘Namami Gange’ project of GOI. Having occupied diverse roles across various institutions, she demonstrates a profound grasp of the design education landscape.
