Design education: key trends and career paths

By Prof Manika Walia

In recent years, the field of design has undergone a remarkable transformation, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer behaviours, and evolving industry demands. This shift has not only reshaped the way designers approach their work but has also led to a revolution in design education. A cultivated design backed ecosystem is required to fill in the societal gaps and the disruptions Pandemic has created. Creativity is the fuel for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Design Community has to create innovative solutions which can reflect design prowess in the times to come.

Let us explore the key trends influencing the changing dynamics of design and design education, as well as the emerging career paths in this dynamic field.

Key Trends in Design:

Integration of technology: Design is no longer confined to traditional mediums; technology has become an integral part of the design process. Augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) are now seamlessly integrated into design workflows, offering designers new tools to enhance creativity and problem-solving.

User-centred design: The focus on user-centred design has grown exponentially. Designers now prioritise understanding user needs and preferences, leading to more empathetic and effective design solutions. Human-centric design thinking has become a cornerstone, ensuring that products and experiences resonate with end-users.

Sustainability and ethical design: As global awareness of environmental issues increases, designers are incorporating sustainable practices and ethical considerations into their work. This trend reflects a growing demand for responsible design that minimises environmental impact and promotes social responsibility.

Cross-disciplinary collaboration: Design is by nature collaborative, with professionals from various disciplines working together. Cross-disciplinary collaboration fosters innovation, as designers collaborate with experts in fields such as engineering, psychology, and business to create holistic solutions.

Emerging career paths in design:

Industrial Design: Industrial design encompasses a broad range of products, from consumer goods to electronics and beyond. Designers in this field are tasked with not only creating visually appealing products but also ensuring they are ergonomic, user-friendly, and meet market needs. The scope for industrial designers is continually expanding due to:

a. Innovation in Materials and Manufacturing: Advances in materials science and manufacturing technologies open new possibilities for designers to create products with unique forms, functionalities, and sustainability features.

b. Integration of Smart Technologies: The integration of smart technologies, such as IoT devices and connectivity features, challenges industrial designers to think beyond aesthetics and consider how products interact within larger technological ecosystems.

c. Circular Design and Sustainability: Designers are increasingly adopting circular design principles, focusing on creating products that are durable, repairable, and recyclable. Sustainability is becoming a key driver in industrial design, influencing material choices and production methods.

2. Automobile Design: Automobile design is a specialised field within industrial design, where designers create vehicles that not only meet performance and safety standards but also captivate consumers with their aesthetic appeal. The future scope for automobile designers is evolving due to:

a. Electric and Autonomous Vehicles: The shift towards electric and autonomous vehicles challenges designers to reimagine the interior and exterior aesthetics, as well as the user experience within the vehicle.

b. Incorporation of Advanced Safety Features: Designers play a crucial role in integrating advanced safety technologies into vehicles, ensuring a balance between safety, aesthetics, and user experience.

c.Sustainable Mobility Solutions: The growing emphasis on sustainable transportation solutions prompts automobile designers to explore alternative materials, lightweight structures, and eco-friendly manufacturing processes.

3. Assistive Technology in Design: The field of assistive technology focuses on creating products and solutions that enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities. Designers in this area work towards making technology

more accessible, inclusive, and user-centric. The scope for designers in assistive technology is expanding due to:

a. Inclusive Design Practices: Designers are incorporating inclusive design practices, ensuring that products are accessible to users of all abilities. This involves considering diverse needs and perspectives during the design process.

b. Wearable and Adaptive Devices: The integration of assistive technology into wearable and adaptive devices offers new avenues for designers to create solutions that seamlessly blend with users’ lifestyles.

c. Human-Robot Interaction: As robotics and artificial intelligence advance, designers in assistive technology are exploring ways to enhance human-robot interaction, creating assistive devices that are intuitive and responsive.

Career paths for designers:

1. Industrial Designer: Professionals focusing on designing products that prioritise user experience, ergonomic considerations, and sustainability.

2. Assistive Technology Product Designer: Designers dedicated to creating inclusive and accessible products, ranging from adaptive devices to assistive technologies that empower individuals with disabilities.

3. Smart Mobility Designer: Designers contributing to the evolution of transportation by working on the aesthetics, functionality, and user experience of electric and autonomous vehicles, as well as sustainable mobility solutions.

4. UX/UI Designers: With the proliferation of digital products, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) designers are in high demand. These professionals focus on creating seamless and enjoyable interactions between users and digital interfaces.

5. Immersive Media Designers: As AR and VR technologies continue to advance, designers specializing in creating immersive experiences are in demand. This includes designing virtual spaces, interactive simulations and augmented reality applications.

6. Game and Animation Design: Game design and animation have evolved from niche industries into dynamic and interrelated fields, each influencing the other in profound ways. As technology advances and audience expectations grow, the convergence of game and animation design has become a hotbed of innovation.

7. Environmental Designers: As sustainability gains prominence, environmental designers focus on creating spaces and products that minimise ecological impact. This includes sustainable architecture, eco-friendly product design, and urban planning with a focus on green spaces.

8. System Designers: System Design takes a broader perspective, focusing on the interconnectedness of various elements within complex systems. It goes beyond the design of individual products or services, aiming to address systemic issues and create sustainable, resilient solutions.

9. Smart Textile and Fashion Designers: Smart textiles and smart fashion design are reshaping the future of the fashion industry, turning clothing into dynamic, interactive interfaces. As designers and technologists collaborate to overcome challenges and explore new possibilities, the intersection of fashion and technology is destined to create a new era of wearables that are not only fashionable but also intelligent, responsive, and deeply connected to the evolving needs and desires of the modern consumer.

10. Interior Designers: Interior Design and Biophilic design, will incorporate elements of nature into the built environment, will continue to gain prominence in interior architecture. The use of natural materials, green walls, and ample natural light not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of spaces but also contributes to occupant well-being, productivity, and a connection to the natural world.