Students across India participates in NEWAVE'23 design conference

Bengaluru: RV University's School of Design and Innovation (SDI) has concluded its inaugural NEWAVE’23, a two-day student-led design conference and festival that left an indelible mark at the intersection of design, technology, and sustainability. This groundbreaking event, entirely organized by students, has established itself as a cornerstone for emerging design talents to showcase their research capabilities, invigorate academic exploration, and cultivate invaluable industry connections.

The event commenced with an inspiring keynote delivered by Sameer Shisodia, CEO of Rainmatter Foundation, and culminated with a captivating closing address by Ms. Meenakshi Thaploo, Director of Product Design and User Experience Design at Cisco.

NEWAVE’23, the brainchild of School of Design and Innovation, has ignited a transformative force in the field of design research, serving as an inspirational beacon for both students and the academic community. Over the course of this enriching event, attendees were immersed in diverse activities, including compelling paper presentations, posters, product exhibitions, creative workshops, industry networking opportunities, thought-provoking roundtable discussions.

Talking to the students on this occasion Shisodia advised, "Sustainability is not a mere choice; it's an imperative for our planet's survival. The harsh reality of our times is undeniable: biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and the resulting climate change are global crises. A staggering 78% of ocean microplastics originate from tyres, the pollution leading to water shortages, flooding, and food scarcity worldwide. Sustainability is not about feel-good measures like using cloth bags or solar panels; it's about reimagining our very existence. As design students, we must shift our perspectives and view sustainability through a negative lens. What if vital resources become scarce? What if they run out entirely? We have a limited window to make substantial changes. Embracing thinking of complex systems is our path forward. It's our responsibility as designers to make informed choices, balance trade-offs, and confront the planetary crisis head-on. To new design students, I offer this advice: Master complex systems thinking, for it is the key to understanding and addressing the challenges our world faces."

At the closing ceremony, Meenakshi presented her case to the students on designing for the future by integrating technology in their designs "Viewing design through a corporate lens requires a deep understanding of the user's perspective. Every design decision should center around the consumer and address their concerns. To succeed in the design business, it's essential to reflect deeply on the issues your design will solve and who will benefit most from it. Innovation is the heart of design, but feasibility is its lifeline. The product's desirability is where its true value lies. To design students, I offer this advice, strive to create designs that not only meet user needs but also resonate with their desires and can stand the test of practicality and demand."