Core Insights on Design Education and Careers by VC Dr. Sanjay Gupta

The Indian design industry is in a process of dynamic transformation, now extending well beyond areas related to fashion or interior design to such aspects as digital, industrial, and experiential domains. As the Vice Chancellor of the World University of Design, Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains, the current wave of design education is all about translating creativity into problem-solving, user-centricity, and innovation.

The design industry in the present times is an all-encompassing industry, from graphic and web design to UX/UI design, animation, industrial product design, and digital media. This diversity is fueled by new-age demands in which visual identity and user experience have become intrinsic to how businesses communicate with consumers. As Dr. Gupta also points out, design today is embedded in fields like technology, healthcare, education, retail, and brand strategy-things that were hitherto thought to be outside the realm of a designer's work.

Dr. Gupta asks students to begin the design journey on a very introspective note by deeply understanding their personal interests and natural aptitudes. According to him, the laying of the foundation rooted in understanding one's own inclinations-be it a love for drawing, digital art, or visual composition; or maybe fascination with emerging technology or an instinct at solving complex problems-is what will steer one to a satisfying career in design. As far as young professionals are concerned, it helps them to identify their right specialization early on, provides them with long-term vision, and aids in gaining a competitive edge.

He further emphasizes that design as a career in India is at an exponential growth stage. With companies increasingly realizing how design tells the story of brands, makes products more usable, and creates customer engagement, skilled designers are increasingly sought after. Be it as a freelancer, startup, or global corporation, designers today are not mere creators; they're strategists influencing the way people interact with the world through thoughtfully designed interventions. According to Dr. Gupta, it is the embracing of both creativity and technology that will define the next generation of designers. The future belongs to those who blend artistic sensitivity with analytic reasoning by merging aesthetic appeal with functionality and purpose.