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Canva, the widely used design tool, has introduced a collection of India-themed design templates, elements, and fonts that make it simple for users to produce content with great visuals. The new design elements and templates have been developed keeping Indian aesthetics and culture in mind, facilitating it for users to design pieces of content that resonate well with domestic audiences. In addition to that, Canva has added a collection of Indian fonts to its collection so users can provide local flavor to their designs.

With these new features, Canva seeks to enable Indian designers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners to design professional-quality designs without having to possess extensive experience in designing. The simplicity of the platform and the drag-and-drop capabilities ensure that anyone can make beautiful designs, from social media visuals and presentations to marketing materials and websites.

Canva's Indian-specific design elements are now accessible to users, giving them the resources and tools required to develop designs that distinctly represent Indian culture and creativity.

It pictures happy colors, vintage styles, sharp color schemes, and font representing the essence of India—all in a click away! Be it designing Diwali promotion products, wedding cards, startup logotypes, to even crafting a chai cafe handout, Canva's new update ensures that your designs grab local crowds like never before.

For Indian designers, creators, and entrepreneurs, this new update is a complete game-changer. No more fighting with fonts that resemble regional languages or adjusting templates to appear culturally appropriate—Canva has done the heavy lifting for you! Now, your designs can finally reflect the heart and soul of India.

The advent of infrastructural development, green design, and urban planning in the Architecture domain has considerably diversified career options. An architecture graduate has several options to utilize their learning in the most erasable yet dynamic and interdisciplinary professions available, unlike the profession of an architect. 

The oldest but fulfilling career for architecture graduates is becoming an architect. Architects develop plan buildings, spaces, and environments that require a good balance between creativity and technical knowledge to be communicable. In India, the average pay of an architect ranges between ₹4 to 12 lakhs per annum, depending on years of experience and specialization.

Another of the emerging career prospects is that of an urban planner, which detailed forms the shaping and overall organization of the urban realities in regard to networks of transportation, public amenities, and a more sustainable present environment. Urban planners also play a vital role in the picture that future cities will portray by infusing analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and communication. In India, the average pay for urban planners is about between ₹ 5 and 15 Lakhs per annum, which makes it an attractive option for anyone considering specializing in urban contexts.

Aside from architecture and urban planning, they may also branch out into careers in areas such as interior design and landscape architecture. Interior designers design indoor spaces to be functional and attractive, working closely with their clients to realize their vision, whereas a landscape architect will design parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces that will then be considered part of the urban and residential structure. 

Writing architecture involves something most people would enjoy, as it carries a bit of research with it. Architectural writers report on trends in design, innovation in sustainability, and heritage. This career path also imaginable by individuals can combine their passion for architecture with Journalism Education against the Media.

Every update of technology and sustainability will also unveil specializations such as green building design, heritage conservation, and digital architecture using AI and VR technologies. Therefore, professionals will benefit from adjusting to roles and innovations if they come from different skill sets. 

Design Architecture has no more definition of singularity; it has become more diversified. Whether designing, planning, doing research, or working in a media house, graduates will have numerous opportunities to create successful careers in this ever-advancing progressive industry.

Marcantonio is a pioneer in the field of interior design because he dares to challenge the status quo and mixes extravagance and simplicity. A designer and an architect based in London, he has built a brand around his self-defined style of ‘maximalist minimalism’ – a design philosophy characterized by a paradoxical approach to bold expression with understated elegance.

Maximalist minimalism is, at its core, about balance. Marcantonio mixes rich textures, patterns, and colors with the geometric shapes and functional restraint of the feminine aesthetic. What is the result? Spaces that feel dramatic without being overly personal, lavish yet livable. His designs evoke a feeling of coolness, where opulence does not overpower the space but enhances the experience of the space.

Blending bold and aesthetic details with a refined sense of simplicity is something every interior designer aims to achieve. Marcantonio’s vision single-handedly solves this problem by giving birth to innovation. His distinct approach is what makes him the global audience’s favorite, and this approach he fondly terms as maximalist minimalism. Doesn’t this term sound exciting? It is a philosophy that fuses the grandeur of maximalism with the clean and functional appeal of minimalism.

A carefully selected mix of patterns, colors, and textures is what makes 'maximalist minimalism' achieve its essence. At the heart of the mantra is balance. By crafting complimentary architectural lines along with brave shades and robust materials, bold hues and clean furniture, Marc Antonio presents us with layouts that are uncluttered yet luxurious and effortlessly livable. His work is appreciated on both ends of the timeline due to the drama, modernity, and lack of ostentation of his space manifolds.

He takes inspiration from handcrafted furniture and textured walls like nature and Picasso-Matisse organic sculptures, skipping the pretentious and cliched modern day contemporary architecture. This blend results in inviting interiors that are sculptural with detailed additions that add depth and dimension.

The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) has announced a design-driven upgrade for four major dams supplying water to the city. The modernization project will introduce automated gates with an advanced monitoring system, integrating cutting-edge engineering and design innovation to regulate water flow efficiently.

Flooding has been a persistent issue in Chennai, with past incidents highlighting the urgent need for better dam infrastructure and control mechanisms. Traditional manual systems have often delayed response times, resulting in excess water release and severe urban flooding. The latest upgrade focuses on aesthetic, functional, and structural design to improve efficiency while ensuring seamless water management.

The four key reservoirs undergoing this transformation are Poondi Reservoir, Chembarambakkam Lake, Sholavaram Lake, and Red Hills Lake. The new automated gates are being designed with a sensor-based control system, allowing for real-time flood mitigation. These structures will be engineered to adapt dynamically to fluctuating water levels using automated hydraulic systems. Unlike traditional gates, which require manual intervention, the design incorporates precision mechanisms that ensure controlled water discharge, preventing both overflow and shortages.

The gates will also feature a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, allowing authorities to remotely track, analyze, and regulate water flow. The user-friendly interface will provide data visualization tools that enhance decision-making, ensuring that water release is optimized in response to weather patterns and rainfall predictions.

Beyond technical efficiency, the design philosophy of this project emphasizes sustainability and resilience. The new structures are being developed with materials that are corrosion-resistant and environmentally sustainable, reducing maintenance costs while ensuring long-term durability.

The ergonomic design of the control systems will improve operational ease, making water management intuitive and error-free. Additionally, aesthetic considerations are being integrated to ensure that the upgraded dam structures complement Chennai’s natural landscape, reinforcing the idea that infrastructure can be both functional and visually harmonious.

With this initiative, Chennai is setting a precedent for design-driven flood control in India. By blending technology, engineering, and sustainable design principles, the project aims to redefine how urban water infrastructure is conceptualized. Experts believe that this approach can serve as a model for future projects across flood-prone cities, promoting the use of smart, responsive, and aesthetically conscious design in urban planning and water management.

Design education is evolving rapidly to meet the demands of an increasingly innovation-driven economy. With industries across sectors recognizing the value of design thinking, user experience (UX), and strategic innovation, universities worldwide are reshaping their curricula to produce professionals capable of bridging design, business, and technology. De Montfort University’s (DMU) new postgraduate degree in Design Innovation and Management is a testament to this shift, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach to equip students with the expertise needed in the modern workforce.

The Growing Demand for Design Innovation Education

As businesses prioritize creative problem-solving and customer-centered design, the demand for professionals who can integrate design principles with business strategy has surged. Traditional design programs have often focused on aesthetics and functionality, while management degrees emphasize organizational leadership. However, the future of business lies in design-led innovation, requiring a blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and technological acumen.

Leading institutions such as Stanford, MIT, and now DMU are pioneering programs that focus on design-driven business solutions. The integration of real-world projects and industry collaborations in these programs ensures that graduates do not just conceptualize ideas but bring them to market successfully.

Why Universities Are Investing in Design and Management Programs

Higher education institutions are recognizing that the traditional silos of design, business, and technology are no longer sufficient. Instead, they are crafting programs that emphasize interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to understand how design can drive business growth and enhance customer experiences.

The curriculum at DMU, for example, integrates design thinking, user research, and service design with project management and innovation strategy. This enables graduates to take on roles in design consultancy, UX strategy, innovation leadership, and entrepreneurship, addressing the skill gap in today’s rapidly changing industries.

The Future of Design-Driven Leadership

With companies such as Apple, Google, and Dyson leading the way in design innovation, the need for skilled professionals who understand both creative and business aspects has never been greater. Universities are responding by offering programs that not only teach design principles but also help students develop leadership skills and a deep understanding of market trends.

As more universities invest in design innovation and management programs, the next generation of leaders will be those who can think like designers while operating like business strategists. These programs are shaping the future of business innovation, ensuring that graduates remain relevant, adaptable, and ahead of the curve in an ever-changing global economy.

Anant National University has released the official details for the Anant Design Entrance and Proficiency Test (ADEPT) 2025, the crucial qualifying examination for admission into its prestigious design programs.

Dr. Anunaya Chaubey, Provost of Anant National University, shared insights on the structure and objective of ADEPT, which is a 100-mark online examination. The test aims to evaluate candidates' general awareness, logical reasoning, and design aptitude. Dr. Chaubey emphasized that the exam is designed to assess a student’s creativity, problem-solving abilities, and passion for design, making it an essential step in the selection process.

The ADEPT 2025 exam was conducted successfully on January 26, 2025, and has drawn considerable interest from design aspirants across the country. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in the subsequent rounds, which include a situation round followed by a personal interview. These rounds are scheduled to take place in February 2025, marking the final stages of the admission process.

Anant National University offers a total of 600 seats for its Bachelor of Design (BDes) programs and 20 seats for the Master of Design (MDes) programs. This presents a highly competitive environment, with the university providing top-tier design education and resources for students aspiring to make a mark in the design industry.

Prospective candidates wishing to apply can do so through the university's official website. The application process requires candidates to fill out an online form, submit the necessary documents, and pay the application fee. The university’s online portal ensures a streamlined and user-friendly application experience for all interested applicants.