"Intent Matters More Than Marks”: A Conversation on Design Education at Edinbox Jaipur Summit 2026

 At the Edinbox Regional Higher Education Summit 2026 Jaipur Edition in Rajasthan, Ritika Aggarwal spoke with a counsellor from The Design Village (TDV) about the evolving philosophy of design education and what truly shapes successful designers.

Q: What is the most important quality a student needs to pursue in design?
A: The most important thing is intent. Design is not just about skills or software—it’s about purpose. If a student has genuine intent and curiosity, they can grow into a strong designer. Without intent, even the most talented students struggle to find direction.

Q: Many students focus heavily on marks. How do you see that?
A: We try to move away from a marks-driven mindset. Marks can’t define creativity or problem-solving ability. In design, what matters is how a student thinks, observes, and responds to real-world challenges. That’s why we focus more on intent and interest rather than just academic scores.

Q: What role do counsellors play in shaping students’ careers?
A: Counsellors play a crucial role. It is our responsibility to guide students, understand their strengths, and help them channel their interests in the right direction. When a student shows intent, we can nurture that and help them grow into professionals who can make a mark in the industry.

Q: What opportunities does design offer today?
A: The future of design is vast. From product design and communication to user experience and sustainability, students can create their own paths. Design is no longer limited—it’s expanding into every sector. With the right mindset, students can build careers that didn’t even exist a decade ago.

Q: How does TDV approach design education?
A: At TDV, we aim to create versatile designers. Our approach is interdisciplinary—we encourage students to explore different domains, experiment, and adapt. The goal is to prepare them not just for jobs, but for solving real-world problems creatively.

The conversation highlighted a clear message: in today’s evolving education landscape, intent and curiosity matter more than marks, and with the right guidance, students can shape their own future in design.

By Ritika Aggarwal