That’s exciting news! The launch of BITSDES in Mumbai marks a significant step for BITS Pilani and the design education landscape in India. Here are some key takeaways from the announcement:
What is BITSDES?
- A new design school established by BITS Pilani in Mumbai.
- Offering a four-year Bachelor of Design (Honours) program, followed by Master’s degrees and faculty development programs in the future.
- Aims to combine technology, business, and entrepreneurship with the creative arts to foster future-ready design professionals.
Key Features:
- Collaborations with international institutions like Aalto University (Finland) and the School of Design, RMIT (Melbourne).
- Investment of Rs 1500 crore over 63 acres in Mumbai for a permanent campus.
- Residential program starting in August 2024 from an interim campus in Powai.
- Specializations offered in the second year, including Physical Product Design, Digital Product Design (UX/UI), Human Centred Design, Experience Design, and Visual Design.
- Experienced faculty and world-renowned design figures like Don Norman and Sandy Speicher involved.
Impact and Importance:
- Fills a gap in the Indian design education system by offering a unique blend of design, technology, and business skills.
- Provides Indian students with international-level design education without having to study abroad.
- Offers graduates greater career opportunities in various sectors due to their diverse skillset.
- Potentially contributes to India’s aspirations to become a developed nation by 2047 by empowering future design leaders.
Additional Points:
- Admissions for the inaugural session commenced on February 26, 2024.
- The news generated positive reactions from various stakeholders, including students, design professionals, and educational institutions.
Overall, BITSDES seems like a promising initiative with the potential to significantly impact design education and the design industry in India.
