OECD Future of Education and Skills 2030/2040  facilitates countries' sharing and development of new knowledge on the future of curriculum design, implementation and evaluation.

The purpose of the project is to assist countries in making their education system more responsive by examining the kinds of 21st century competences (knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values) that students and teachers require to be competitive in the future. Towards this end, the Project identifies two strands of work:

Strand 1: Learning and Teaching for 2030

With this concept and vision-making stream of activity, the work involves a broad range of stakeholders (governments, school principals, teachers, students, researchers, social partners, etc.) in an international discussion with a view to building a mutual language/vision articulating shared aspirations for a better education future. In turn, the OECD Learning Compass has thus been co-designed to articulate the kinds of competencies that are regarded as being key for learners to thrive in the future. Likewise, the OECD Teaching Compass has also been co-designed to provide the kinds of competencies teacher will require in order to empower their learners towards creating a more prosperous future.

Strand 2: International Curriculum Analysis

In this strand of work, the project encourages an integrated strategy of planning, implementation, and assessment of future curricula. It makes comparative studies on curriculum matters that are highly relevant and ought to be prioritized in translating the vision of education (OECD Learning Compass). Its studies include trends in reconstructing curriculum, innovations in curriculum implementation and assessment, and learning from other countries in terms of curriculum reformation.

OECD Future of Education and Skills 2030 seeks to establish a common vision of key underlying concepts that are worthwhile to enable students to thrive and have a better future. Key concepts are, for example, student agency, student well-being and competences (knowledge, skills, attitudes, values). Policy frameworks for teaching and learning are developed in common by policymakers, researchers, school leaders, teachers and students worldwide.

The future, by its very nature, is uncertain; but by remaining sensitive to some of the trends that are presently sweeping across the globe we can learn – and teach our children to learn – how to adapt to, flourish in and even shape whatever the future holds. The students must be led to develop not just skill and knowledge, but also attitude and values that can lead them towards ethical and responsible behavior. They must simultaneously be provided with the scope to develop their creative ingenuity to assist in leading mankind to a brighter tomorrow.

Sai University in Chennai provides a progressive liberal education programme including arts, science, technology, law, and interdisciplinary studies, although as of 2025 it does not have a specialised undergraduate or postgraduate degree in design, e.g. B.Des or M.Des. However, design-centric courses are sometimes embedded within their arts, computing, and interdisciplinary majors, providing foundational knowledge in areas like Design Thinking, Creativity, Innovation, and Human-Centered Problem Solving.

Design Learning in Sai University: Realities.

  • No Degree in Design Itself: The course lists of Sai University 2025 make no mention of a Bachelor of Design (B.Des), Master of Design (M.Des), or any similar degree in their listings.​
  • Integrated Design Courses: The university has introductory and elective modules of design thinking, creativity, and product innovation as part of other degrees, notably the B.A. and B.Sc. interdisciplinary programmes.​
  • Relevant Majors: Students who are interested in design can choose the following programmes, which might include design-related courses: B.A. (Hons.) in Interdisciplinary Studies or B.Sc. (Hons.) in Cognitive science, Computer Science, or Psychology.​

Career Prospects After Sai University’s Design-Adjacent Programs

While graduates do not obtain a "Design" degree, they are qualified for careers or further studies in:

  • User Experience (UX) Research, Graphic Design (entry-level)
  • Product Development Teams in technology companies
  • Content Creation, Brand Strategy, and Communications
  • Higher education (M.Des, MA Design, UX courses at national and international institutes)
  • Creative and consulting roles in digital marketing, startups, NGOs, and policy think tanks

Why Sai University?

  1. Inter discipline Exposure: Sai University promotes cross field learning to ensure students acquire creative and analytical skills of a firm-based approach that is applicable in design and technological sectors.​
  2. Skill Development: Courses such as Introduction to Design, Design Thinking, and Creativity and Innovation are core instruction that teaches ideation, user research, empathy mapping and prototyping.​
  3. Liberal Arts Setting: The flexible curriculum allows students to mix arts, science, policy, and technology, as the industry wants multi-skilled graduates.​

Sai University does not grant a formal degree in design, but it provides meaningful exposure to design principles and creative skills through its liberal and interdisciplinary programs. The interested students ought to extensively go through the curriculum, pick up the electives in design thinking and innovation, and look at adding to the studies with on-job-training or internship in design related careers

Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) and Design Thinking are transforming education by putting the student at the center of learning and ready him to deal with an increasingly globalized world. Both these related methodologies compel the young people to learn, think creatively, and work innovatively as well as collaborate. Students tackle real-world issues, rank issues, and construct relevant solutions—most of them defined through collaboration—so learning is contextual and experiential, not abstract and passive.

Design Thinking embeds its active position through a cyclical, empathetic process. Students start with gaining insight into other people's needs, proceed to ideation, test the solutions, and iterate based on testing and feedback. Students become change-resilient, innovative problem solvers who are proficient at change management.

These pedagogies blended together close the gap between traditional content transmission and the requirement of society—creativity, collaboration, flexibility. Best practices that result from their interaction include interdisciplinary course design, universal learning, external partner co-design, and tech-enabled experience. Evaluation also changes, to competency and actual impact assessment and from rote memorization.

Teachers and scholars across the globe are applying working models, research, and implementation of CBL and Design Thinking at all education levels with the vision of turning learning and teaching on its head in the direction of triggering motivation, interest, and future-readiness. The revolution is positioning schooling systems as adaptive, inclusive, and heterogeneous as the students will encounter.

If creating new-age products or creating unforgettable visual stories is something you are passionate about, choosing a design degree can create a spine-tingling career for yourself. Of the growing number of accredited design colleges, Alliance University, Bangalore, stands apart—and for a good reason. Here's why choosing a design course at Alliance University can give your artistic career dream a proper direction and head start to a lucrative career.

Various Specialisations and Industrial-Prepare Curriculum

Alliance University's school of design provides a stupendous number of U.G courses, a few of which are, B.Des in Product Design, Animation and Film Design, Interior Design, Fashion Design, Interaction and User Experience Design, and Visual Communication Design. They are all structured to meet good practical creativity and sound theory knowledge.

Project-based curriculum includes live projects, workshops by guest industry experts and renowned faculty, and work at the studio based on hands-on projects. Besides, there are Design fairs, true projects, and meetings with renowned designers, which sharpen innovative and solving capacity of problems desired by great employers.

Strong Industrial Links and Facility for Placement

Alliance School of Design also enjoys good industry contacts and is a frequent host of major recruiters like leading design studios, ad agencies, start-ups, and product firms. The university career team also offers career advising, resume development, and mock interviews. Alumni have moved on to careers at houses of fashion, motion graphics, digital media, interior consultancies, even start their own label, vindicating the value of this degree in practice.

New Campus and Innovative Community

Situated at Bangalore—the IT and design capital of India—Alliance University boasts a state-of-the-articles-campus lifestyle aided by state-of-artslabs, mock studios, workshops, and resourceful library. Student cosmopolitan lifestyle fosters ethos of cooperation and lifelong learning by way of exhibitions, shows, and cultural events.

Admissions, Fees and Scholarships

Eligibility for the course of B.Des is usually clearing 10+2 with a minimum of 50% marks. Preference is also given to creative potential as well as personal interviews. Alliance offers scholarships for deserving candidates, also bringing better-designed quality education a notch closer.

Competitive per annum prices for value offered: expect around ₹3.5 lakh per annum for majority of its specialisations, nitty-gritty of which are listed on its official website.

What Makes Alliance in Design Unique?

  • A+ NAAC accreditation and UGC recognition
  • Entered by renowned designers, fashion gurus, and experts
  • Local foundations infused with cosmopolitan work patterns
  • World-class infrastructure and job placements

Hands-on, experiential learning that builds both portfolio and confidence Final Word Future of careers—UI/UX, animation, interior space, visual storytelling, whatever their field of interest—will discover programs at Alliance University edifying, innovative, and rich in potential. With a desirable graphic arts degree from a university renowned for its innovation and mentoring, bachelors are well-equipped to shine in India's growing and changing economies of creativity. To learn course information, eligibility, and deadline, kindly log on to the website of Alliance University and kick start your bright career in design

A career in design today is like walking on a bridge between traditional art and the digital world of high technology. To the Indian students wondering how they can graduate by sketching on paper and creating eye-catching apps and interfaces, the process is exciting and full of possibilities. This is a step-by-step breakdown of the question that anyone who has ever wondered, How can I make it big in design, whether it is classic art or digital UX/UI, wants to know.

Is a Career in Design lucrative? 

Design can be found everywhere: movie posters, packaging, mobile applications, e-commerce websites, etc. The Indian design business is a booming industry with an annual growth rate of close to 25% and digital expertise is becoming as valuable as pencil talent. The need of the creative minds capable of thinking visually and working with digital tools is higher than ever.

Digital Design vs. Traditional Art: What is the Real Difference?

All design careers are based on the traditional design values of creativity, colour, balance, and form. Technology has introduced a new dimension: skills in graphic design, animation, and, above all, UX/UI are now sought after.

  • Traditional Art: drawing and painting, sculpture, craftwork; develops background creativity.
  • Digital Design: Designs graphics, websites and apps using software, such as Photoshop, Figma, and Illustrator.
  • UX/UI Design: Dedicates its efforts to the appearance of a digital product (UI) and its functionality to end users (UX).
  • Many professional designers begin with simple tools and then move to digital-based tools. This is not an abrupt transition, but a continuum.

How to transform Art to UX/UI career?

  • Get the Fundamentals: Learn how to draw, compose, understand color, and tell a story with an image, and you will become any designer you want to become.
  • Get Formal Education: Both B.Des or Graphic Design diplomas and online UX/UI bootcamp can provide the gateway to further study.
  • Master the Tools: Learn to use digital design tools, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, Sketch, and Canva, which are essential today.
  • Create a Portfolio: Accept freelance work, internships or self-projects and post on Behance, Dribbble, or your personal site.
  • Always Curious: Design trends and technology are constantly evolving. Subscribe to blogs about design, tutorials, social media pages, and social networks.
  • Know the User: In UX/UI, you should solve user problems rather than simply make things pretty. 

Top Career Paths 

 

Role

Employers

Salary (Freshers)

Long-Term Potential

Graphic Designer

Ad agencies, Brands, Digital Studios

₹3-4.5 LPA

₹10-18 LPA and above

UI Designer

Tech firms, Startups, Product Companies

₹6-7 LPA

₹18-30 LPA+

UX Researcher

App/Web Companies, Consulting firms

₹6-8 LPA

₹15-25 LPA+

Product Designer

E-commerce, Startups, OEMs

₹7-9 LPA

₹20-30 LPA+

Animation Artist

Media, Gaming, OTT, Advertising

₹3-5 LPA

₹15 LPA+

 

In short, if you feel passionate about creating a rewarding, future-proof career, now is the time to start combining your classical art background with digital UX/UI design competencies. Make use of online classes, participate in design groups, create a portfolio, and go techy. Indian design is not merely expanding, but is also accessible to all those who are interested, inventive, and willing to study. 

FAQS

What should I study after 12th to get into a design career?

Any stream is okay, but Arts or Science with design projects is helpful. Top courses: B.Des, BFA, or a diploma in Graphic Design/UX/UI.

Do I need coding for UX/UI?

Basic HTML/CSS helps, but is not compulsory. What matters most is understanding user needs and having strong visual skills.

How can I build a portfolio with no experience?

Start with college/class assignments, redesign popular apps/websites for fun, intern with local brands, or enter design contests.

Are design careers stable in India?

Yes, major cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, and Hyderabad are booming with jobs. Remote freelance opportunities are also huge, especially for UX/UI.

Will AI take away design jobs?

AI will automate routine visual tasks, but creativity, user insight, and problem-solving can’t be replaced. Instead, designers who use AI tools get hired more quickly.

What are the must-have skills for modern designers?

  • Creativity, adaptability, user empathy
  • Digital tool proficiency
  • Storytelling and presentation
  • Basic understanding of AI-powered design apps

Can I switch to design from another field?

Absolutely, as long as your portfolio shows talent and initiative, recruiters care more about work quality than degree label.

Design innovation is about looking for easy, smarter, and creative ways to solve problems, making things not just productive but also attractive, aesthetic and impactful for everyday life. As an aspiring designer, one of the most important aspects of having a successful career is to understand the real-life need by the industry of developing design innovation and how to build a successful career in the future as the education sector of India transforms in accordance with the world market and with the councils.

 

What Is Design Innovation?

Design innovation does not merely involve the appearance of things but it is a process of applying creativity to problems, enhancing functions, and user experiences. Design innovation, in contrast with routine designing, is a process that requires different ways of thinking, breaking of rules where necessary, and the introduction of new uses of technology - whether that be AI in UI/UX or sustainable materials in daily items. It is based on the knowledge of people and their behavior, culture, and goals, placing the users at the center of the problem-solving.

 

Key Aspects of Design Innovation 

  • User-Centric Approach: It begins with real users, through research, empathy, and feedback at all times, designers build ideas that will actually benefit people.
  • Problem-Solving Process: It is a process that involves identifying the correct problems, brainstorming of solutions, refinement with prototypes and testing, and is designed with design thinking.
  • Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: The most successful innovations today are issued when design teams collaborate with tech, business, or healthcare professionals.
  • Technological Integration: The tech of 2025 will enable designers to design personalised, inclusive, and ethical solutions, thanks to generative AI design and immersive UI, among other low-code tools.
  • Sustainability and Ethics: Councils and institutions are introducing sustainability and ethics into their programs as the modern world is requiring responsible design.

 

Why should Design Aspirants Care about Design Innovation?

Aspirants need to understand that design innovation is not only about beautiful appearance, but also intentional concepts that can improve the lives of real people and communities. India’s creative economy and council initiatives are driving demand. Through partnering with organizations such as the World Design Council, it has broadened learning and career prospects, such as internships, workshops, and global design competitions. That’s not it, innovation, creativity and interdisciplinary learning is being encouraged by National Design Innovation Networks and council supported programs in order to equip students with future employment prospects.

 

Skills of the Future Designer

  • Design Thinking: The essence of innovation is empathy, problem definition, idea generation, prototyping and iteration. 
  • AI-Literacy: Becoming familiar with the new technology touchpoints (e.g. design using generative AI or sustainable systems) will provide an advantage to aspirants. 
  • Teamwork and Communication: It is essential to share ideas, listen to feedback, and work in different teams. 
  • Sustainability Mindset: Top recruiters and councils are all starting to prioritize the development of eco-friendly ethical solutions.

 

Latest Trends 

  • AI-Driven Design: Artificial intelligence is not eliminating designers, but enhancing their artistic abilities, whether in clever design layouts or in movement graphics.
  • Hyper-Personalization: Interfaces are increasingly getting user-oriented such as applications or learning experiences.
  • Inclusivity and Accessibility: Making it accessible to all, even the users with disabilities, has become a part and parcel of council requirements and international design competitions.

 

To design aspirants, it implies that it is a golden age to be an imaginative, empathetic, and creative problem-solver--a blend of imagination and empathy, technology, and a real sense of purpose. The recent curriculum reforms in India alongside council-supported initiatives, have enabled learning, networking, and an employment-resistant career in design innovation like never before. 

Design is no longer merely about appearance in 2025, but it is driven by insights, creativity and, more and more, information. With advanced AI tools, smart analytics, and user-focused research changing the course of literally everything from product sketches to immersive digital experiences, the best designers today don’t just listen to their gut feeling about what customers want, they figure it out accurately. A research on the topic “Data-Enhanced Design: Engaging Designers in the Use of Quantitative Data for Product Development,” by K. Gorkovenko and team, published in International Journal of Design, 2023, reveals exactly that. 

What is this research about? 

The research paper discusses how designers, in particular, those with no data specialist expertise, can apply various types of real-world data, sensor data and video, to get a better picture of how people use products, and how to generate new ideas at the very beginning of the design cycle. 

The authors of the research established a workable test in which designers analyzed cycling data and video recordings to identify patterns, highlight significant moments and pose questions, demonstrating that one can move between technical and creative reasoning with straightforward annotation and visual means. In short, the paper concludes the fact that when the right approaches are used even non-expert designers can use the data to power their creative ideation and problem-solving making the design process more thoughtful and user-oriented at the very stage. 

You might be a student getting started in your design career, or you might be a veteran professional who needs to keep on top of the curve, either way, it is important to learn to understand design and data to develop solutions that really would shine in the creative environment of India.

Why Designers Should Care about Data?

Huge amounts of data like , speed, location, or even rider posture of a GoPro on a bicycle, are produced each day with every smart device and digital product. The research based on “Data-Enhanced Design: Engaging Designers in the Use of Quantitative Data for Product Development,” International Journal of Design, 2023, by K. Gorkovenko and team examines how such data in the form of multimodal information can be used by designers, even if they lack skills in statistics or code writing, to design superior products and more relevant user experiences.

How Was  the Research Done? 

  • It involved 20 designers, engineers, and developers who held sessions where they got to look at actual cycling data (such as speed and GPS) and videos of actual bike rides.
  • Participants were allowed to ask the cyclist questions directly, in a practical, imaginative manner.
  • The goal: to find out whether designers can create helpful and human-focused product brainstorms based on data and simple analysis, with the help of user-friendly tools.

Key findings for the research 

1.To innovate, designers do not have to be data scientists.

Visual data, context, and personal observations (even of new statistics users) could be used by brainstorming, identifying issues, and even developing new bike and accessories designs.

2.Annotation and Marking Techniques Are Potent

Designers liked marking interesting moments in the data/video (“annotation”), which helped them stay creative and focused. This manual tagging of “aha!” moments bridges the gap between technology and the human side of design.

3.Simple Machine Learning Goes a Long Way

Even simple AI, such as data clustering or the identification of anomalies (such as a sudden halt or a bump in the road), was finding real value by the participants. They recommended that with automation they would have time saved and be able to think creatively.  

4.Visual, Flexible Tools are Better than Complex Dashboards.

Things like easy-to-use graphs, overlays with scene recognition, and the skills of questioning (“Show me every sharp turn”) made the data accessible and actionable for all, not just those people who are data experts.

5.Inspiration behind Personalisation and Safety.

The first thought that designers came up with was about bikes that are designed depending on their types of riding, alerts against risky situations, and functions that help in the maintenance and technology to promote fitness, and all this was based on the data on actual individuals.

6.The Future of Digital Twins and A/B Testing.

Best practices identified in the study include digital twins (a virtual representation of a real-world product) and A/B testing (comparing versions to determine which users like them the most), and which are highly data-scalable and are currently having an impact on mainstream design thinking.

What Does This Mean for Indian Design Aspirants and Firms?

  1. Data-enhanced methods are not only for the engineers. Storyboarding, annotation, and barebones statistics can open up options in UX, product, or interaction design to every design student or professional.
  2. Accepting data does not require an act of abandoning creativity, but it provides more potent information to design everything, bicycles included, and digital products. 
  3. As India is quickly becoming digital, these international lessons can provide local designers with a competitive advantage in user centered, evidence-based design; in design schools, startups or established studios. 

To conclude, as an Indian design student or teacher or professional, you do not have to be a hardcore data scientist to utilize data. Begin with basic tools, visualise and annotate key moments, and collaborate across skills and you will find new ways of creatively and effectively solving real-world problems.

To read the full research, refer to this link:: Data-Enhanced Design - K. Gorkovenko et al. (2023).

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