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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.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad has introduced a 6-month online Visual Design and UX Programme in collaboration with TalentSprint. This initiative aims to empower professionals with the skills required to excel in visual design, user experience (UX), and related fields, enabling them to create impactful digital products.

The programme has been tailored for professionals looking to enhance their career prospects in design and UX. Its comprehensive curriculum covers foundational principles of design, advanced UX concepts, visual design techniques, and practical tools widely used in the industry.

Open to graduates from any discipline, the programme does not require prior design experience, making it accessible to a broad audience. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a prestigious certificate from IIT Hyderabad, alongside career advancement support provided by TalentSprint’s dedicated team.

Applications for the programme are now open, and interested candidates can apply online via the official portal. The application deadline and other details are available on the programme’s website.

According to officials, the programme has been designed to address the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the domains of UX and visual design. “Our goal is to bridge the gap between industry needs and the skills professionals bring to the table. The programme equips participants to design impactful products and stay competitive in the evolving job market,” said a programme representative.

With digital transformation accelerating across industries, there is a growing demand for skilled UX and visual design experts who can enhance user satisfaction and drive product success. This programme is expected to attract professionals keen on upskilling or reskilling in these high-growth areas.

In addition to the academic rigor and practical skills offered, participants will benefit from exposure to real-world design challenges and industry insights. This unique blend of theory and practice makes the Visual Design and UX Programme a valuable investment for professionals aiming to advance their careers in the dynamic field of design.

The initiative from IIT Hyderabad is a significant step toward addressing the skills gap in design and UX, fostering innovation, and nurturing talent for the future.

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) 2025 application correction window, which opened on January 10, officially closed on January 12, 2025. This short window provided applicants with the opportunity to rectify any errors in their application forms before the final submission process.

During the correction window, candidates were allowed to modify several crucial aspects of their application forms, including:

• Personal Information: Name, mother’s name, father’s name, date of birth, gender, nationality, state domicile, and category.
• Educational Details: Academic qualifications, uploaded photograph, and signature.

However, it is important to note that candidates were not permitted to change their exam center city, which was a fixed detail in the application process.

Applicants who wished to make changes followed a straightforward online procedure:

• Visited the official NIFT website.
• Clicked on the designated link to access the application correction portal.
• Logged in using their unique application number and password.
• Edited the required fields and submitted the final version of their application.

With the correction window now closed, candidates are advised to carefully review their finalized application details, as no further modifications will be permitted. Ensuring accuracy is crucial to avoid any discrepancies during the examination and admission process. As the exam date approaches, applicants should focus on their preparation strategy, familiarize themselves with the exam pattern, and stay updated with important notifications on the official NIFT website.

The AIDAT Exam is a national-level entrance exam for admission to top design colleges in India. The online exam assesses creative and design skills, with a duration of two hours. Eligible candidates include those who have completed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board. The important dates for AIDAT 2025 have been announced. The exam is scheduled to take place on January 27, 2025. Candidates can expect the results to be declared shortly after, on January 30, 2025. It's essential to mark these dates on your calendar and stay updated with any potential changes by checking the official website regularly. The exam score is accepted by top design colleges, offering aspiring designers a gateway to prestigious institutions and a successful design career. Registration is ongoing.

Tata Motors has inaugurated its newly revamped India Design Studio in Pune, a significant step in its mission to redefine automotive design through innovation and technological excellence.

This upgraded facility forms a crucial part of Tata Motors' global design network, which includes studios in Coventry, UK, and Torino, Italy. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the Pune studio is set to become a hub for developing futuristic and customer-focused automotive designs.

The revamped design studio highlights Tata Motors' unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design. By investing in advanced tools and infrastructure, the company aims to elevate its design capabilities, particularly in the critical stages of product development.

Speaking on the occasion, Tata Motors emphasized that the facility aligns with its vision to create vehicles that resonate with modern consumers while setting new benchmarks in aesthetics and functionality.

Ajay Jain, the Head of Design at the India Design Studio, spearheads the team of 70 designers. With extensive international experience at global design powerhouses like Ford Europe, Daewoo, Saab, and Renault, Jain brings a wealth of expertise to guide the team in crafting innovative and globally appealing designs.

Tata Motors' design philosophy centers on innovation, craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to detail. The studio fosters a collaborative environment where designers work alongside engineers, product developers, and marketing teams to create products that meet and exceed customer expectations.

The revamped Pune studio also signifies Tata Motors' ambition to strengthen its presence in the global automotive market. By integrating the latest design technologies and fostering a culture of innovation, the studio is poised to produce vehicles that reflect global trends while catering to diverse customer preferences.

As Tata Motors continues to redefine its design capabilities, the Pune Design Studio stands as a testament to the company's vision of combining artistry with advanced technology. This facility is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Tata Motors' future vehicles, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the automotive industry's design evolution.