We have been cultivating a global atmosphere through our strategic network of universities around the world, says Dean

Dr Adity Saxena, Dean, School of Arts and Design, Woxsen University, discusses the institute's unique approach to interdisciplinary, real-world learning, which pervades the specialisations, in an interview with Shiksha.com. She goes into great detail on the industry-endorsed curriculum design, which allows students to build practical skills through project-based or studio-based learning.

Dr Saxena holds a PhD in Mass Communication, is a certified design thinker, and is an elected member of the Board of Directors of College Art Association, USA. In addition, she has been part of several global projects as a researcher and advisor, including European Union projects like Corporate Storytelling and Design Thinking for Social Change. Recently she has been featured in The Academic Woman Magazine, the UK, in Jan-March, 2022 issue.

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

A: Our unique approach to interdisciplinary, real-world learning pervades our specialisations, which range from BDes (Hons) to PhD in Arts and Design. Since its inception, the School of Arts and Design has been inspired by the transformative power of design, training a group of creative students who will be the next generation of innovative design leaders and thinkers to address today's concerns.

We recognise that each student is unique in their own way, so our academic programme is tailored to each student's academic needs. As a result, personalized learning can benefit every student, regardless of their educational background. Furthermore, we believe in creating an expressive learning environment where students can foster and develop their creative confidence while receiving adequate professional assistance.

We have been cultivating a global atmosphere through our strategic network of universities around the world. Each semester, we invite international faculty members from the world's top design schools to teach at least one entire course in online/offline mode. Students also participate in international projects with international partners/corporations.

Universities' internationalisation policies include student exchange programmes and faculty exchange programmes that promote international learning and exposure to broaden students' perspectives on design applicability and skills.

By connecting industry leaders and fostering innovation, the school provides practice-based learning that transforms design learning into problem-solving ability. Faculty members are skilled at addressing society's most pressing needs through design-led problem-solving.

The Centre for Learning Design for Creative Education is one of our initiatives in collaboration with our international partner from the United Kingdom (UK). The centre's mission is to create a student-centred learning environment and to develop learning technologies that will meet the needs of future creative learning spaces.

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

A: Firstly, the programme curriculum is industry-endorsed, allowing students to develop practical skills through project-based or studio-based learning.  The programme is designed to instil the habit of invention whilst also understanding various concepts like intellectual property rights to help protect their innovations as designers.

The BDes students are exposed to real-world production and working environments through regular industry field trips organized by the school. Woxsen’s Design students frequently work on projects of rural innovators and start-ups as part of a classroom project. Product design, interior design, fashion design, and communication design faculty members use real-life project briefs in class assignments to keep students abreast with the world of works.

Woxsen’s BDes programme facilitates an industry-like learning environment to provide exposure to concepts like collaboration, research, and critical thinking.  To facilitate the importance of research, design students are required to publish a research paper under the supervision of their mentors.

Furthermore, students undergo Summer Internships in their field of Specialisations, which is critical for readying them for the industry. They undergo various training sessions to improve their interview skills, resume building skills, soft skills and Communication, before their internships or final placements

Woxsen University emphasizes on ERS (Ethics, Responsibility, and Sustainability) through various touchpoints in the delivery of the BDes Program.

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

A: We are looking for students who are creatively inclined, open-minded, eager to learn and adaptable to a new learning environment at Woxsen University. An ideal candidate is focused on turning their creative passion into a design profession.

High aptitude for design, whilst demonstrating ability to create, innovate, think critically, and solve problems are all regarded as advantages. Students must have the mindset to work diligently to acquire necessary skills and competencies for the fast-paced design domain at a global level.

We also value design applicants who want to be mentored to develop their creative confidence.

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

A: Regular curriculum revision is an important component of BDes Program delivery at Woxsen University, in order to stay aligned with the latest industry requirements from budding designers.  As a result, Woxsen University has put in place the Board of Studies (BOS) comprising international partners, design educators, industry experts and design practitioners to develop future-ready curriculum of global standards. For a more inclusive approach, inputs from alumni are taken into account.

To address the evolving paradigm of design education, the recent curriculum revisions have relied on the latest National Education Policy of India.

We incorporate ERS (ethics, responsibility, and sustainability) components such as social internships into the curriculum. System design courses allow students to identify the core social problem, conduct research, and provide a solution.

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

A: The four core pillars of Woxsen University - Academic Excellence, Applied Learning, Global Outlook, Diversity and Inclusivity, extensively embrace latest technology, multidisciplinary learning, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Innovation is led through various pedagogical tools in the delivery of the BDes Program like industry-endorsed curriculum, advance design labs, industry projects, portfolio development, to name a few. Design students tread the path of innovation to accomplish various academic goals, by developing novel products, integration of technology, multidisciplinary collaborations, sustainability and so much more. Design and Technology students, for example, recently created a robot named DISHA – Discrete, Interactive, Smart Heterogeneous Agent.  Students from all walks participate in Hackathons organized by leading companies at Woxsen University campus.

Woxsen's Trade Tower is an incubation centre that has assisted students in developing their startup ideas. Under the supervision of internal and external mentors, students work from the initial idea to the pitch to investors.