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Designing, for many people, is a dream job that barely has a day without fun and colors. These passionate people enjoy shuffling colours, shapes, illustrations, etc., and create designs that the world didn’t know it needed. However, aspiring designers lately have one question: whether they should choose traditional design or digital design. 

Changes in design are happening fast, and now this question matters a lot. We have all seen the outrage and backlashes designers faced when Canva was introduced, when AI for design came into existence, and when designers used digital spaces to create designs. What to do: should you decide to design on paper or prefer to go digital? Since these options can be important for your career, you need to know the key things about them for making the right choice.

What is Traditional Design?

When artists use pencils, brushes, inks, paper, and canvases to design, it is called traditional design. It’s about craftsmanship, texture, and the tactile experience of creating something by hand. These designs are usually unique in their own way because of their little imperfections or qualities.

Traditional design is important in India, especially when making creative designs for luxury products, print media campaigns, designing for packages, and cultural events. Getting up close to a handmade poster or fabric will often create an emotional bond that is far harder to copy with a computer. Hence, at boutique brands, traditional design highlights the brand’s history and special craftsmanship to please customers who want high-quality things made by hands.

What is Digital Design?

Digital design means creating graphics by using computers, tablets, and applications such as Adobe Illustrator, Figma, or Procreate. It is quick, able to change, and can be expanded without difficulty. It is simple for designers to change, copy, and fit their work for websites, apps, social networks, and digital advertising.

Because smartphones and easy internet are available to more people in India, digital design is now in high demand there. It is very important for tech startups, e-commerce, and digital marketing to be able to quickly make and modify their designs. In this case, when a brand launches an Instagram, YouTube, and mobile app campaign, its digital designs should be easy to alter and fit all the mediums involved. 

Key Differences That Matter to You

Which career path to choose? 

Traditional and digital design are similar to two different languages. Being able to do both gives you the skill of a designer who speaks two languages, making it easier to get more opportunities. However, if you have to start with only one, here’s an easy way to decide:

Go with traditional design if:

You like to get involved in creative tasks, appreciate high-quality workmanship, and wish to find jobs in branding, packaging, or luxury professions. Graphic artists who want something special and individual in their work will like this style.

Opt for Digital Design if:

You are interested in having the ability to work fast, respond quickly, and be part of the tech, advertising, or social media sectors. To use India’s internet market, one must master digital skills and handle different platforms.

Digital tools are transforming traditional design

A transformation is taking place in India’s design sector, where old techniques are combined with modern digital methods. Right now, a lot of artists and designers sketch using digital tablets and styluses, which allows them to keep their drawings authentic while also working with modern tools. Besides the ease, a big part of this shift lies in exploring new creative solutions. 

Because of the digital shift, people can work with teams far away from them more easily than previously. Even though digitalisation has raised some concerns among artists, Indian designers say it helps them work on designs of a wider range and quality. They are able to test different ideas, correct any mistakes in seconds, and design for different uses like print and animation.

In the near future, understanding the strengths of both old-style designs and those created on computers will become the main goal. Since digital tools are a necessity today due to market trends, young Indian designers should still not ignore classic skills to make their work better and more real.

All in all, no matter if your interest is in classic pen-and-paper design or modern digital designs, it’s important to know that great design means creativity, sharing a story, and keeping your audience engaged, always.

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi is going to introduce a new four-year undergraduate programme, BTech in Design, from the 2025-26 academic year. It will be administered by the Department of Design and would provide students with technical skills and design thinking as well as training for socio-technical challenges.

To become eligible for pursuing the BTech in Design course at IIT Delhi, the candidates will need to appear and pass the JEE (Advanced) exam as well as the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED). The students would be shortlisted on both the above national-level entrance exams. Passing either of the two exams is not enough for admission into the course.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants prepared to be a part of the program should have passed Class 12 or a similar entry test in 2024 or 2025. The eligibility also involves securing marks in minimum Physics, Chemistry, and Math. UCEED eligibility requires birth after 1st October 2000. Five years age relaxation in the case of Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) candidates is admissible. Eligibility according to regulations of current standards of respective entrance tests. Procedure of application

Application through the official website of IIT Delhi admissions will be made. The candidates should ensure they have present valid scores in JEE Advanced and in UCEED prior to starting the procedure of application.

The moment application dates are made public, the students would register, fill in their information, and report about taking up the course BTech in Design. Submission of applications, counselling dates, and seat allotment dates would be made available on the website of the institute, and the candidates would continue to visit the site at regular intervals so that they are aware of each step of progress.

Programme structure

The program of BTech in Design shall be a four-year program with 155 credit requirement. The program will have an intake of 20 students in the first phase.

The first half of the program shall be from the core discipline of design, and the second half from interdisciplinary programs of other departments, centres, and schools of the institute.

The course offers design paradigms research, design prototyping, solid and fluid mechanics, environmental study, research methods, communication and team working, design entrepreneurship, and exhibition design. The course is centered on building a systematic method and problem-solving technique in design and professional and teamwork skills.

Implementation of this scheme is simultaneous with overall curriculum changes that are going to be introduced at IIT Delhi from the academic session 2025–26 for courses of B.Tech, M.Tech, M.Sc, and Ph.D.

The students under this scheme will enjoy greater freedom to select electives in every stream such as science, engineering, humanities, and management.

There will also be a Honours stream for BTech students, and if they wish to continue on postgraduate level, then there will be a combined BTech and MTech study in the third year, in which they will be awarded both degrees after five years.

In addition, the first-year students will now be experiencing direct contact with their parent departments, and the size of the first-year class will be smaller to facilitate more contact among staff and students. Moral, environmental, and creative aspects of learning and experiential learning will be given more prominence.

Anyone who has ever found themselves with a Rubik’s Cube knows the rush of excitement in the veins followed by frustration and rage. It’s always that one block that keeps the majority of us from completing one side of the cube… Relatable, isn’t it?

But do you know that this famous cube which stands for logic and creative thinking, had its beginnings in a quiet classroom in Budapest? Yes, this cube is an epitome of how a basic teaching tool can become famous worldwide.

Rubik’s Cube Originated in Budapest

The journey started in 1974, when Ernő Rubik was experimenting with cubes as a professor of architecture and design. His invention of Rubik’s cube was not meant to confuse everyone with a hard puzzle. Rather, he wanted to assist his students in learning how objects work in three-dimensional space. For this, he made a cube using many smaller cubes that rotate inside and he named it the “Magic Cube.” At the beginning, the cube was mainly a hands-on way to learn.

The cube’s unusual properties were fully realised when Rubik ran into trouble fixing it in the original state. What began simply as a way to teach people ended up becoming a real challenge. After several attempts of different things to solve the puzzle, Rubik finally solved his own puzzle. Obviously, he would have felt frustrated, happy, as well as satisfied. And that’s exactly how everyone who solves the Rubik’s Cube experiences confusion before approaching the solution.

From being a Normal Learning Tool to a Worldwide Favorite

At first, many in Hungary became interested in the Magic Cube  when it was first released in 1977 after Rubik applied for patent it in 1975. In 1980s, it was released in the international market and was rebranded as the “Rubik’s Cube.” 

The launch was a big success because people from schools and universities became addicted to Rubik’s cube; everyone wanted to own it and solve it. The way the cube combines simplicity and complexity encouraged various competitions, captured the minds of artists, and in today’s era, encouraged the development of AI algorithm to solve it. 

There are over 450 million Rubik’s Cubes sold around the world, making it one of the world’s top puzzle games. It goes beyond being a toy and shows us persistence, creativity and the ability to solve problems.

Even now, people are inspired by the Rubik’s Cube. There are still competitions organised, while the cube has become a unique addition to art and educational environments across the world. This shows that a basic idea formed in class can spread and affect people around the world. So, the next time you take a Rubik’s Cube in your hand, keep in mind that you’re connecting with a piece of history that has taken people on a rollercoaster ride, inspired millions to think differently, and never give up.

Design students in India, focusing on their B.Des project or the All India Design Aptitude Test, are wondering: Should they include AI-generated illustrations in their work, or is this an easy way out? As machine learning graphics and AI technologies take hold online, let’s take a close look at the facts and dispel any myths. 

Why Are AI Illustrations All of a Sudden Everywhere?

AI art and illustrations are everywhere, no matter the field or need. On sites like Midjourney, Stable Diffusion and Canva Magic Studio, people can make eye-catching and creative graphics within seconds, regardless of their design skills. All they need to do is put in a prompt and let the AI generate their vision. Architects and designers around the globe, such as Shail Patel, David Szauder, Joann Ann Zaha Hadid Architects, and Manas Bhatia from India, are using AI in design to help them quickly come up with creative designs. 

New Design Partner: AI-Generated Illustrations

We’re not suggesting you let machines design everything on their own while you drink your cold coffee. You can add creative, AI-generated images to your design work, whether for B.Des, All India Design Aptitude Test or something you’re adding to your portfolio. Machine learning graphics and automated illustrations can improve your design portfolio if you use them to express your unique vision.

If you already know what you want your main image to look like, but you can’t choose the right background, this tip will help. You don’t have to sketch for a long time; you simply enter your prompt in the tool, and an illustration appears, ready to blend into your work. Doesn’t that sound good to you?

Many experts and opinion polls reveal AI in design can be an advantage when used properly.  Here is how:

1. Time Saver: Most of the professionals surveyed agree that AI reduces the time and cost needed in the design process.
2. Inspiration Booster: Experts and students have found that reaching a creative block is when AI helps by sparking new ideas.
3. Accessibility: For those who haven’t learnt a lot yet, AI in design allows them to make complex things happen quickly.

Machine learning graphics can really feel as if you hired the most productive junior designer imaginable and one who isn’t demanding about work or compensation.

The Bad: Repeating, Copyright and the Personal Element

If your question is, “What are the risks of using AI in design portfolios?” The answer is AI does not work perfectly. It is built using a huge amount of existing graphics and trained on designs of top designers who exist and existed in the world, resulting in:

• Similarity Overload: Users are concerned that AI-generate images might all look alike, so your project gets lost instead of noticed.
• Copyright Headaches: Working in design, specialists focus on the importance of originality and ownership of ideas. Sometimes, making AI art that looks like someone else’s can lead to legal problems.
• Machines are replacing human contact in industries: AI isn’t capable of joy, pain or stressing about the last minute. Art may not have the depth and personality that give it staying power.

So instead of Googling “Risks of using AI in design in portfolio”, better find ways of putting your creativity in your portfolio instead of letting AI own it.

Is Your Ability to Be Creative Waning?

This is where everything starts to count. When you depend completely on AI, where does this leave your own drawing and sketching skills? Experts say that relying on AI too much may make us forget basic skills, just as using a calculator for simple math problems can.

• Lowering the Value of Work Skills: If AI makes it so easy to produce a design in just seconds, there’s no need to learn how to draw one yourself. Thinking that way may decrease your desire to practice and develop your abilities.
• Creative Stagnation: When you often use automated illustrations, you don’t practice the drawing skills that challenge you. Eventually, this may cause you to become less innovative in your ideas and allow AI to be your replacement.
• Emotional Disconnect: Art serves to bring people together. Because everything is created by machines, viewers rarely get to know the artists, and art blends together and is soon forgotten.

According to the experts, the key is to balance

Many skilled designers and educators urge students to see AI as something useful, not something we depend on. AI illustrations are easy to make use of when you don’t have much time, but they aren’t meant for the long term. Use them to spark your ideas or close first gaps they suggest, but don’t forget what makes your writing stand out.

See, Batman has Robin as his partner, Sherlock has Watson, you can also have a partner. So, no matter if AI helps you create the graphic, you are still the main leader, and you are the one who should decide what has to be done. Just remember not to let Robin make the call for you!

Psychological Impact of Using AI for Designing

As said earlier as well, it’s easy to get caught up using AI-based images. Initially, it’s almost magical because your searches are answered right away. Still, those in the field worry this convenience might make people less creative. Consistent daily avoidance of creativity may cause your creative talent to decline. Reliance on AI over time could lead to students losing confidence in themselves, having a harder time with creative thinking and feeling less involved in what they do.

If you need a fast design solution, see AI-generated illustrations as a “jugaad.” It allows you to complete tasks without wasting time even when pressure is high. Just as duct tape can’t solve every dilemma, AI shouldn’t be used for all creative work. There’s a good chance that the best ideas will appear once you’ve struggled to solve a problem on your own.

Is it right or wrong to use AI for design projects?

You aren’t hurting anything by using AI illustrations in your work, but if you depend on them too much, it might not go well. You are a designer; if you’ll let AI in design be YOU, what will your identity be? This is not about something ethical or something illegal but about yourself, your identity as a designer. You should allow your skills, creativity and emotions to work together with the strong speed and power of AI. We are not asking you to fully rely on AI or completely neglect it; use both together as required but ensure your creativity and skills stay intact. Practice design, spend time creating things on your own, and keep polishing your skills. 

For the design project in either B.Des or the AIADT portfolio creation, consider AI tools for ideas, but make sure you are the one in command of your design so that it is recognisably and uniquely yours. AI may create plenty of graphic designs, yet only you can truly make art that feels authentic to you. Questions like “How will they know if I’m using AI?” or “Can I use AI illustrations in my design projects?” or “Is using AI-generated art for design exams allowed? or “Can I let AI make my B.Des project?” are some questions to contemplate upon. 

So, the next time you’re ready to let AI do everything, keep in mind: your creative side becomes stronger when you use it regularly. No AI, however advanced, can substitute for your personal creative genius. YOU ARE A DESIGNER, NOT A CLIENT; ACT LIKE ONE! 

Last but not least, if you are someone who is unsure whether designing is your calling, take a free career consultation at Edinbox and understand who you can be. Remember, AI can steal your identity if you are not uniquely you. Think carefully about whether designing is for you because mediocre people have no stand in this AI driven world.

So, what if the answer to our plastic problem isn’t just another recycling bin or another campaign, but a total rethinking of design? That’s where Ooho comes in—a unique, drinkable bubble made from seaweed that’s not only edible but also pretty revolutionary.

Co-founded by Rodrigo García González and Pierre Paslier, Ooho started with a pretty simple idea.

“What if you could drink your water and eat the packaging too?”

That little question blossomed into Notpla, one of the standout companies leading the charge for sustainable design these days. Their goal? To rethink everyday materials in a way that not only benefits nature but also addresses the urgent needs of our warming planet.

Made entirely from seaweed and plants, Ooho swaps out the usual plastic bottles and sachets for a biodegradable, even edible option. And it’s not just a gimmick—it’s about merging function with a vision for the future. This stuff breaks down naturally in a matter of weeks, or even right away if you eat it. No microplastics, no landfill issues, no compromises.

With climate scientists pushing industries to rethink every part of the supply chain, Notpla’s seaweed-based design is a bold prototype for what’s possible. They’ve scaled up production through partnerships like @handtmannltd, and big names like Lucozade, The Glenlivet, and Decathlon are already using Ooho instead of single-use plastics at major events. It’s not just a trend—it’s becoming the norm.

And the stats are impressive:

• They can now produce over 30 million Ooho units
• Made completely from natural, renewable materials
• Designed to disappear, not to pollute

In a world grappling with climate challenges, design has evolved beyond just looking good—it’s about survival now. Ooho shows us that with a dash of creativity and a whole lot of purpose, even something typically seen as disposable can be regenerative, beautiful, and full of hope.

The future is round. And honestly, it tastes like change.

When design comes to mind, many people picture graphic designers or fashion stylists. But there’s much more to design, and some of the best, well-paid jobs are less known. If you’re looking to start a creative and profitable career in design in India, there are a few jobs you might not know about but should definitely consider.

UX Designer

Have you found yourself wondering why certain apps always feel comfortable to use? That’s what a UX (User Experience) Designer does. They want their digital products to be straightforward, give joy to users and be intuitive. Both the look and the feel of a product matter, as well as its functionality.

How much does a UX Designer get paid in India? UX Designers in India can earn up to ₹3–5 lakh a year, while mid-career professionals make about ₹5–10 lakh. Under very favorable conditions or for top talent, annual salaries in the industry are frequently between ₹13 to ₹20 lakh. With an increasing number of companies turning digital, businesses are spending higher on designers who can design easy-to-use websites.

Sustainable Designer

Sustainable fashion and design are increasing in importance, which means there is a greater demand for sustainable designers everywhere. It becomes particularly challenging, especially because sustainability is a top priority for companies today.

Sustainable Designers in India make an average of ₹22.6 lakhs annually and the most common salaries fall between ₹18.6 lakhs and ₹49.2 lakhs. Experts in eco-friendly design in the top 10% can make more than ₹35 lakhs each year because their skills are greatly needed. Recruiters leading the way are from the biggest companies, green architecture firms, eco-friendly startups and businesses prioritizing sustainability across FMCG, real estate and automotive fields.

AI and Machine Learning Designer

People who can make AI experience seamless with their creative process are at the front line of innovation. If you have the right tech skills, these positions can provide one of the top salaries available in the design industry today. These AI experience designers, also known as AI designers, or AI/ML designers create interfaces that allow AI and human interaction to blend smoothly. They are the ones who make sure people can use AI easily and that the system’s design matches the technology.

The work of AI and Machine Learning Designers is well compensated, generally ranging between ₹15 lakhs and ₹30 lakhs each year and sometimes more from big tech companies abroad. Job seekers should be aware of top recruiters Google, Microsoft, Amazon, India’s Infosys and TCS and startups working in the fields of finance technology, health technology and education technology. The jobs described here are necessary as AI innovation becomes part of companies’ products and services.

Motion Graphic Designer

The animation in ads, movies, social media and news is designed by Motion Designers (or motion graphics artists). If you enjoy creativity, animation and storytelling, working as a motion graphic design can be like a dream job for you. High demand exists for these roles in media companies, advertising firms, on YouTube, and in startups.

Indian Motion Graphic Designers usually receive somewhere between ₹5 and ₹15 lakh each year, depending on their skills and what industry they are in. Senior designers and people working for clients abroad may make more than the average income.

Product Designer

Product Designers play several different roles in design, making them similar to Swiss Army knives. They are responsible for finding out people’s needs, making prototypes and designing online user interfaces. Products depend on their design to influence how they look, feel and function.

At the beginning, you can make ₹5.4–7 lakh a year, intermediate employees get between ₹9.8–13 lakh and leading professionals earn up to ₹19.4–23.9 lakh annually. Product designers are in demand by companies in IT, e-commerce, fintech, healthcare and other sectors. Because their work strongly influences a company’s achievements, Product Designers are cherished by companies.

UI Designer

They make certain that websites and apps are both visually attractive and easy to get around. They join forces with UX Designers to make digital products that are organized and attractive. UI Designers are paid ₹6–12 lakh on average, rising to a lot more at large tech companies. Firms require you to use Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator and have a strong sense of colors and arrangements to work there. 

VR or Virtual Reality, Designer

Experienced VR designers are behind the realistic environments used in games, classrooms and training. The use of AR/VR technology is driving the industry forward in India. More people are demanding skilled AR/VR experts, so their salaries are increasing. People are ready to pay a good amount for this job if you have the skills, creativity and uniqueness that will stand out from the crowd. 

Transportation Designer

Transport designers are responsible for giving vehicles, cars and public transport their overall style and appearance, considering both style and usefulness. In India, automotive designers often make somewhere between ₹3 to ₹6 lakh a year, with the highest starting salaries going up to ₹8 lakh based on merit and the company. 

Designers with significant experience usually take home ₹15 to 30 lakh every year, mostly in managerial positions. Among leading recruiters are large automobile firms like Ola Electric, Bajaj Auto, Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, BMW and Tata Motors, who provide enticing salaries as more people want to buy uniquely designed vehicles. Because electric vehicles are being produced in greater numbers and the automotive industry is expanding, transport design offers high job prospects and competitive pay. 

These were some of the high paying jobs  in design industry that any aspiring design can pursue. Save this list and do your research, ask yourself what intrigues you more and which design career path will make you feel satisfied.

Why Now Is the Ideal Moment to Start a Career in Design?

As more people appreciate design, the expansion of India’s design sector has become rapid. Digital design, architecture, fashion and emerging tech all have high-paying jobs ready for you if these are your skills. Also, if you want to use your imagination and earn money, think about upskilling in design, IT or marketing. Indian design is set to grow further, and it’s creating more chances for everyone involved. 

Why Indian Design Careers Are in High Demand?

India’s digital economy is seeing rapid growth, and businesses are putting more effort into design to make themselves unique. This is because the world has so many things to look at and their attention span has decreased significantly; that has made brands face challenge  

Most of these areas put more emphasis on creativity, solving problems, and technology than on what you learnt in school. Focusing on your portfolio and making sure you know about the newest trends and tools can really help you build a career that is more than rewarding in the 21st century.

Pro tip: If you are just starting, take AIDAT, enroll in the top design institute of India and learn design from the best faculty. Connect with us today for a free career consultation at  08035018542 or https://aidatexam.com/.