In recent years, we have been harping more and more on the
strategic role of design and its power to transform and impact
Quality of Life and less and less on the key differentiating characteristic
of design which is creation. Our young designers coming
out of NID are provided with the skills and competencies to
not only dream but also to realize them. Designers who can only
preach design but not practise are really not worth their salt. The
design profession as it gets more accepted needs to develop not
only “imagination and speed” but also the ability to carry out deep
“design research” to develop insights to create such products
and services which are emotionally and culturally satisfying.
The profession also needs to move away from just engaging in
“arguments” which is a primitive form of expression as Edward
de Bono has recently observed, to replacing them with “quests”
and “actions.” There is a need to place focus not only on vision
but also on execution and most signifi cantly on team work in the
days ahead. Ethics and values have become critical dimensions
which will defi ne the character and impact of designers. Professional
designers who lack these critical dimensions are likely to
be left far behind.
I asked recently a visiting designer from De Montfort University
what ails the design profession in general and his answer was
the “big egos” designers are burdened with. If this is true, the
design community will be at a great disadvantage, since such
people would be reticent to celebrate others’ successes. Humility
is essential for learning and success in one’s profession. I hope
the GenNext of designers coming out of NID will face the world
with optimism, realism and a willingness to accept change as the
new normal.
This is the 9th Young Designers (a publication for convocating students)
for which I have been writing the Foreword as the Director
of this premier institute since December 2000; it is time for me
also to bid good bye to all as I move on to take up another assignment,
yet another one which will involve institution building.
I know that Indian Design is in the cusp of a growth curve, despite
the fi nancial turmoil around us and my new book “Indian Design
Edge” published recently has summarised my experiences and
insights from the design fi eld having benefi ted from the ringside
view at NID. I would encourage the young designers to become
creative leaders of the future who can inspire others so that
“Designed in India” reverberates around the world!
Good Luck!
So long…
