The Discover Design in India (DDI) is a credit-bearing module is integral to our Year 1 Foundation Design curriculum, It offers a unique immersive experiential learning that deepens their understanding
of the cultural and social significance of traditional crafts sector by working closely with artisans and living
experience of Indian craft lusters.
Students engage in critical dialogues about the social, economic, and ecological dimensions of traditional crafts, exploring traditional practices that function in the larger cultural context and influenced by broader social, economic, and local environmental factors.
They gain first-hand experience in the complex interplay between traditional knowledge and modern design practices.
DDI seeks to help students understand the technical and cultural challenges associated with working with India’s diverse & rich crafts embedded as a culture and tradition within each craft cluster and community. This experience enables students to develop a sensitivity toward the use of traditional elements in contemporary design, as well as an appreciation for the diverse Indian crafts, materials, techniques, and designs.
Foundation Design students engage directly as part of field work to gain a deeper understanding of the complex cultural and social contexts in which these crafts were developed and map current practices & technology. This understanding enables students to identify design solutions, understand craft ecosystems, and consider product development and product diversification for the future.
DDI emphasizes the importance of sustainable design practices that preserve the cultural and ecological integrity of conventional craft practices while also enhancing their economic viability and social relevance. It primarily focuses on exploring, the rich diverse culture and heritage which resides in the in the length and breadth and far corners of India.
In Academic Year 2023 – 24 Foundation Design, (year 1), Student groups accompanied by their faculty mentors fanned out pan India to Rajasthan, Kutch ( Gujarat ) , Odisha , North East & Himachal respectively to delve into the rich and varied tapestry of India’s vast , rich and varied cultural heritage.
Foundation Design Freshman students were able to cultivate a nuanced understanding of incorporating traditional elements into contemporary design practices. As budding designers, they experienced the transformative power of study of crafts, materials, techniques, and unique designs
In conclusion, the UID Foundation Design Team deserve commendation on the sense of achievement, that all the DDI Learning Outcomes (LOs) were accomplished . As an institution, we could sense the transformation in our students as they fostered not only a profound appreciation of India’s diverse craft landscapes but also ignited a passion for the fusion of tradition and modernity in design.
