WUD has led from front, driving innovation & setting new standards in design education: VC Prof. Sanjay Gupta

In an exclusive and in-depth interview with Shiksha.com, Prof. Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor of World University of Design (WUD), provides a comprehensive overview of the transformative landscape of design education in India, particularly in the post-COVID era.

In an exclusive and in-depth interview with Shiksha.com, Prof. Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor of World University of Design (WUD), provides a comprehensive overview of the transformative landscape of design education in India, particularly in the post-COVID era. Prof. Gupta elaborates on WUD’s various initiatives, industry-aligned programs, and commitment to fostering multidisciplinary talent. He also sheds light on the university’s placement record, innovative course offerings, and alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) to prepare students for a dynamic global market.

Q: How has design education evolved in the post-COVID era, and what role has WUD played in this transformation?

Prof. Sanjay Gupta: Design education has seen a remarkable evolution, especially in the last few years. If you look back to 2016, when WUD was announced, design was barely present in the university space. There were a few institutions offering design courses, but these were silos—isolated pockets of excellence. Design wasn’t part of mainstream education, and its value wasn’t widely recognized. When we established WUD, it sparked a shift, prompting people to take design seriously as a university-level discipline.

Before COVID, the growth was gradual—maybe 10 new design programs were announced annually. But post-COVID, the landscape changed dramatically. The pandemic, coupled with the rise of AI and discussions about the top skills for the coming decades, put creative skills in the spotlight. Everyone started talking about creativity as a critical competency. As a result, design education exploded. By my recent estimate, over 350 universities and more than 3,000 colleges affiliated with universities now offer design or design-related courses. This is a massive leap, and WUD has been at the forefront, driving innovation and setting standards for what design education can achieve.

Q: What are the primary reasons behind this surge in design education? Is it driven by industry demand or other factors?

Prof. Sanjay Gupta: There are two key drivers. First, the advent of AI has fundamentally altered the skill landscape. Routine, standardized tasks—those traditionally associated with high-paying jobs—are increasingly being automated by AI. This has elevated the importance of creative skills, which remain uniquely human and difficult to replicate. Design, as a field, thrives on creativity, making it indispensable for the future.

The second factor is India’s economic maturation. Twenty or thirty years ago, India was primarily a vendor-exporter. If someone needed 5,000 shirts, they’d compare prices from India, China, Vietnam, or Sri Lanka, and choose the cheapest option. India was competing for razor-thin margins, maybe 5 cents per unit. We were vendors, not creators, and our financial returns were limited. But take the garment industry as an example: once India started designing its own products and brands, the game changed. We began setting trends, selling our own labels, and commanding better prices. This shift highlighted the power of design to enhance value and returns on investment. Industries now recognize that to stay competitive and innovative, they need skilled designers, and that’s fueling the demand for design education.

Q: You mentioned AI’s role in reshaping industries. How do you see AI enhancing the skills of design professionals?

Prof. Sanjay Gupta: Let me explain with a historical analogy to make it clear. Think back to when photography emerged. Artists used to spend months creating detailed portraits, but then someone invented the camera and said, “I can capture the same image in a day.” Did that end artistry? Not at all. Instead, artists adapted, and photography itself became an art form. Cameras evolved from bulky equipment to handheld devices, and now everyone carries a high-quality camera in their pocket. Yet, the work of true artists—those who bring vision and creativity—remains distinct.

AI is playing a similar role in design. It’s a tool, not a replacement. Tasks that once took hours, like sketching or building a basic website, can now be done in minutes with AI. We’ve trained AI with our knowledge, so it can replicate what we do—but at a much faster pace. However, the quality of the output depends on how well you use the tool. This is where prompt engineering comes in. If you can craft precise, thoughtful prompts, you can extract exceptional results from AI. But it’s still just a canvas, a starting point.

Designers shouldn’t fear AI; they should embrace it as a way to push their creativity further. For example, creating a website used to cost ₹10,000 and take days. Now, AI can do it in a day, but that just means designers need to focus on higher-value, innovative work. AI is a catalyst for human evolution, encouraging us to dig deeper and come up with ideas that go beyond what machines can produce.

Q: Looking ahead, what kind of job roles do you foresee for design professionals in the next decade, especially with AI’s influence?

Prof. Sanjay Gupta: The job market is transforming rapidly. A decade ago, computer science was the ultimate “cash cow.” It was said there were only two types of students: those in computer science and those trying to get into computer science. A computer science degree guaranteed a secure future, with roles in coding, debugging, and software development. But now, AI is automating much of that work—writing code, testing software, and more. The traditional roles of computer science graduates are diminishing in value.

At the same time, the human-computer interface is becoming critical. Areas like user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design, human factors, and interaction design are in high demand. These roles focus on how people interact with technology, making it intuitive, engaging, and meaningful. Design professionals who understand user needs and can create seamless experiences are the ones who will thrive. Knowing how to code is less important than understanding what coding can achieve and how design can enhance it.

To address this shift, WUD introduced a B.Tech in Computer Science and Design, a four-year program that combines technical knowledge with creative expertise. We’re also seeing growth in fields like animation and game design, where human creativity is paramount. Our Animation and Game Design program, launched in 2018, has become one of the best in the country. Other areas, like visual arts and performing arts, are also gaining prominence as industries seek unique, human-driven content.

Q: Can you tell us more about the programs WUD offers and any new courses you’re planning?

Prof. Sanjay Gupta: WUD is committed to offering programs that are both innovative and industry-relevant. One of our flagship programs is the B.Tech in Computer Science and Design, which we planned two years ago and launched this year. It’s a four-year degree focused on blending technology and creativity to prepare students for roles in UI/UX, interaction design, and beyond. Another standout is our Animation and Game Design program, started in 2018. In just eight years, it has become a national leader, outpacing even established institutions. Many have tried to replicate it, but they haven’t matched our specialized approach. The Prime Minister has twice emphasized the potential of gaming and game design, noting how toys and games are dominated by imports from China. We foresaw this trend eight years ago, and now we’re expanding with a Master’s program in Game Development.

We’re also professionalizing visual and performing arts, which are often overlooked in India. During COVID, while most industries adapted, visual and performing arts struggled because their education wasn’t professionalized. Artists were skilled but lacked the ability to communicate their work, engage with media, or adapt to digital platforms. To address this, we’re launching a four-year professional Theatre program this year, alongside music and dance. These programs aim to produce artists who are not only talented but also equipped to navigate the modern industry.

Q: WUD seems aligned with the NEP’s vision of a multidisciplinary approach. How are you incorporating this, and what’s the admission process for these programs?

Prof. Sanjay Gupta: WUD was founded with a multidisciplinary vision, well before the NEP formalized it. Our programs integrate design, technology, and arts to create well-rounded professionals. For admissions, we accept JEE scores for those who have them, but we also conduct our own entrance test to identify creative talent. Each undergraduate program has 40 seats, and we maintain similar capacity at the Master’s level. To ensure accessibility, we offer merit-based scholarships for deserving students, supporting their journey at WUD.

Q: How does WUD ensure its programs are industry-relevant, and what about placements?

Prof. Sanjay Gupta: Industry engagement is at the core of our approach. Over the course of a four-year design program, students interact with industry three times. First, they work at the craft level, connecting with artisans in remote areas to document and learn traditional crafts, aligning with the NEP’s focus on Indian Knowledge Systems. Second, after their third year, they undertake a two-month internship to gain practical experience. Third, in their final semester, they complete an industry-sponsored project. For example, if 250 students graduate, we connect with 250 industry partners to sponsor their projects.

About 70% of students receive university assistance to secure internships, though many are proactive and find opportunities themselves. We’ve also signed 10 MOUs with Indian and international institutions, including a bi-annual conference with IIT Delhi that we’ve run for eight years. As for placements, I’m incredibly proud to say we achieve 100% placement across all programs. Our students, who come from 22 states, secure roles in Delhi NCR and across India, with average salaries ranging from ₹6.5 to ₹8.5 lakh per annum—a strong testament to the quality of our education.

Q: What is WUD’s vision for the future of design education, and how will you continue to lead in this space?

Prof. Sanjay Gupta: At WUD, our goal is to shape not just designers but innovators who will redefine industries and contribute to India’s growth as a global creative hub. By integrating AI, fostering deep industry partnerships, and professionalizing emerging fields like performing arts, we’re preparing students to excel in a rapidly changing world. Our multidisciplinary approach, rooted in creativity and practical experience, ensures that our graduates are ready to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation. We’re committed to staying ahead of the curve, anticipating industry trends, and empowering the next generation of creative leaders.

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