Hyderabad witnessed a ground breaking event in the realm of design as Woxsen University’s School of Arts and Design orchestrated the city's inaugural design show, ‘Design Vanguard 2024,’ at T-Works. This event marked a significant stride in celebrating design excellence and providing a platform for budding talents to showcase their creativity. The theme, "Design for Everyone," underscored the event's commitment to inclusivity and diversity in design.
The event unveiled twenty innovative projects revolving around pressing societal issues such as Climate Change, MedTech, Disaster Management, Craft Innovation, Inclusive Design, Mental Wellness, and Heritage Conservation. Notably, sustainability took centre stage, with a focus on selecting materials that addressed contemporary challenges, reflecting the university's dedication to shaping a better future through design innovation.
Distinguished personalities graced the occasion, including Adivi Sesh, renowned Actor & Director, who served as the Chief Guest, along with industry leaders like Dr. S. Arun Kumar Pandu from the Ministry of Textiles, Parag Trivedi from Salesforce, Tasleem Arif from Oppo India, and Mr. Srinivas Kollipara from Xelpmoc Design & Tech Limited, among others.
Adivi Sesh expressed his admiration for the showcased projects, highlighting the impact of initiatives like Design Vanguard on young talents. He remarked, "The Design Vanguard is beautiful, and Woxsen University is doing a wonderful job with the students here." He particularly commended a student project involving the creation of a film using Kondapalli toys.
Beyond industry professionals, the event attracted young fashion enthusiasts accompanied by their parents, igniting their interest in fashion design and offering insights into industry developments.
A notable addition to the event was the debut of J.Qork, a sustainable lifestyle brand driven entirely by design students as part of the university's Design Capstone project. The brand showcased five innovative products, reflecting the students' creativity and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Adity Saxena, Dean School of Arts & Design at Woxsen University, emphasized the importance of providing platforms for talented design students to showcase their work and contribute to positive social change. He stated, “Design Vanguard represents our earnest effort in this direction—it not only highlights the unique design endeavours at Woxsen University but also serves as a bridge connecting talent with the diverse demands of various industries.”
Design Vanguard 2024 offered engaging workshops, providing hands-on experience in various artistic mediums, and participants were treated to immersive guided tours of the projects, gaining insight into innovative design concepts. Additionally, stimulating design talks by esteemed dignitaries enriched the experience further.
Parag Trivedi, Senior Director of User Experience at Salesforce, lauded the event's focus on sustainability and social impact, stating, "The innovative design concepts at Design Vanguard 2024 not only address industry needs but also foster social impact, empowering students to showcase their visionary ideas.”
This pioneering initiative by Woxsen University sets a precedent for inclusive and innovative design solutions, fostering collaboration across sectors and paving the way for a brighter future.
