Our curricula and coursework are in tune with the industry requirements of today, and tomorrow, says Programme Head

In an interview with Shiksha.com, Pramod Riswadkar, Program Head at RV University's School of Design, discusses the curriculum and teaching methodology for their Design programs. He discusses the school's multidisciplinary collaboration and project-based experiential learning in great detail. Students at RV University's School of Design have the choice of choosing major objects from the Design discipline and minor subjects from any other school.

Pramod is a designer by profession, with a wide range of professional experience across the industry as well as academia in varied capacities. He specializes in User Experience Design and Communication Design, with prior experience in advertising, publication design, graphic design, and e-learning. He has juggled many hats as a designer, consultant, and educator.

Read the complete interview below

Q: What are the salient features of the teaching methodology adopted by your college? How does this differ from others?

A: We put emphasis on multi-disciplinary collaborations and project-based experiential learning. Students will seek major in one of the design disciplines (Product Design, Information and Graphic Design, User Experience Design, Spatial Design), and have the opportunity to ensure minor in any other discipline from other schools at RV University (School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Economics and Finance).

Q: How are you preparing your students to be industry-ready?

A: Our curricula and coursework are in tune with the industry requirements of today, and tomorrow. It will reflect in the design portfolios of our students. We strive for strong connections between industry and academia. We invite professional experts to interact with students in various form viz. master classes, workshops and jury. Our students will get hands-on industry exposure through summer internships and industry-sponsored capstone projects. In addition, we encourage students to acquire a deeper understanding of social and professional settings through initiatives such as Discover India, industry visits, participation in seminars and conferences, etc.

Q: What are the qualities you are looking for in student applicants? What qualities do they need to do well in your course?

A: Inquisitiveness is the essential quality we expect from the twenty-first-century learners that will empower them to acquire desired knowledge and skills. They should embrace exploratory aptitude in order to come up with diverse and innovative solutions that will address the challenge and appeal to the intended audience. They need to have a sense of functional aesthetics that can be nurtured further during the programme. Aspiring designers need to engage with emerging trends and technologies as well as a craving to master the relevant skills, including digital design tools and techniques. It is essential to have a 360-degree view of various social, economical, environmental issues that impact our lives and of those around us, including non-humans.

Q: How do you ensure that your course curriculum is up to date and meets industry requirements?

A: Our curriculum is based on the vast experience of our faculty, coupled with inputs from experts, both academicians and industry professionals. It is keeping in mind the industry expectations that they will have to fulfill as fresh design graduates, coupled with the ability to envision the needs of the future and create innovative solutions towards the same.

Q: Is your college receptive to innovation, technology, science & entrepreneurship? How? Could you cite some examples of these?

A: Innovation, technology, science & entrepreneurship are an integral part of our academic programme. There are a range of courses offered in these areas as part of major, minor as well as electives. Students will not only acquire relevant knowledge and skills in these areas but are also encouraged to apply them during project-based experiential learning. Our incubation center at RV University provides opportunities and essential infrastructure and support to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit among our students.