When ‘Jugaad’ Meets Design, it can be a Disaster: The Murshidabad Bed-Car Design

An old video shot in Murshidabad, West Bengal, had captured the imagination of the internet in which a man is seen riding a bed-car. This 27-year-old man named Nawab Sheikh sold his wife jewellery and built a bed-car but was caught by traffic police for ‘creating nuisance.’ 

 

This design is literally a bed on wheels with steering, brakes, and mirrors which has become an Internet celebrity as soon as it appeared online. Netizens were longing to have such a design, so when it finally became a reality, the internet broke into laughter and amazement making the photos and video viral in the month of April, 2025. However, due to traffic concerns and traffic rules  the bed vehicle was confiscated by the police and Nawab lost his invention as well as the ornaments of his wife. This sarcastic case is like a textbook example of how design is more than just a viral possibility and creativity.

 

Difference between Good Design or Bad Design

Design is not all about being different or standing out. It involves problem solving, safety and legal and ethical standards.

 

A design is a good design when it: 

1. Meets a real need: Good design will not only make your timeline better, but you will also tend to lead a better life.
2. Functions and is safe: A product should be effective in fulfilling its intended objective without any danger to users and others.
3. Adhere to rules: Public spaces do not allow breaking the law.
4. Weighs innovation and accountability: Creativity can never be used at the expense of those in society.

 

A design is a Bad Design when it:

1. Doesn't consider context and consequences. Sometimes just because one has the power to turn something on, it does not mean one should. Considering the content and the consequences of a design is highly important. 
2. Ignore safety and legality: In the event that the police impound your creation, then it is time to relook your strategy.
3. Focus on gimmicks rather than substance: Substance is what has the enduring effect as opposed to momentary internet popularity.

 

The story of Nawab is a lesson to all future designers. His creativity is top-notch, but the absence of any formal training meant that he did not pay much attention to such crucial factors as safety, legality, and social responsibility. That is exactly why it is necessary to become a student of a distinguished design college. Such institutions do not only teach creativity, but also the principles and structures on which successful, responsible design is based.

 

What can design aspirants learn? 

Design aspirants who have the creativity, skills, and potential to design something good, and something demanding, still can’t be great designers. Here is what they must consider: 

1. Study from the right institute: A systematised education will allow you to make your creativity aim at the realisation of practical and sustainable solutions.
2. learn the rules before breaking them: Know the basic principles of design and safety regulations on the road and only then go to break the rules.
3. Act to have a significant difference: Do not aim at pursuing temporary attention on the Internet, but for designs to last and be useful to society.

 

This bed car viral video case is an example of how a design can be a solution or a disaster since in the world of design the line between innovation and irresponsibility may be as slim as the mattress on the infamous bed-car that Nawab used. So, learn about the difference between a good and a bad design, get the right qualification from a top design institute and build something efficient, functional, and appreciated.