What makes each of us unique compared to everyone else around us? It’s our creativity. As Sir Ken Robinson famously said, “Creativity is more important than literacy.” This profound statement underscores the immense value of creativity in shaping our future. Our unique creative impulses set us apart in a world of conformity, enabling us to see differently, solve uniquely, and express ourselves deeply. Ms. Archana Surana, Founder, Director, and mentor, perfectly highlighted this in her inspiring session on ‘creative competencies in design learning.’
This blog explores how creative learning at ARCH nurtures each student’s natural potential, building the skills needed to view the world from new perspectives, devise innovative solutions, and ultimately influence the future of design.
Design Begins in the Mind
Creativity thrives in a tranquil mind. At ARCH, we cultivate this ideal environment for innovation through daily 10-minute morning meditation sessions, referred to as Anapana. These moments of collective mindfulness refresh and declutter our thoughts and spark inspiration. Our body’s energy centers, known as Chakras, play a crucial role in shaping our thoughts and guiding our life choices.
“These subtle yet powerful forces influence our decision-making process, often steering us towards certain paths without conscious awareness,” explained Ms. Archana Surana as she drew intriguing parallels between chakras and design specializations. She illuminated how different chakras naturally align with various design disciplines, suggesting that our energetic composition may guide our creative inclinations.
How Does Working Together Enhance Creativity?
When creative minds collaborate, they bring together diverse perspectives, skills, and ideas. Our director recently highlighted the example of Steve Jobs to illustrate how creative competencies drive solutions and innovations. While Jobs was renowned for his visionary ideas, it was the collaboration with his team, each contributing their unique creative skills, that led to revolutionary products like the Apple Watch and AirPods. This synergy of ideas and skills is the true engine of innovation.
At our design college, you can thrive by developing your individual creative strengths while learning to work effectively with peers. Through group projects and interdisciplinary workshops, including programs like the Cumulus Student Talent Camp where students from different countries and ethnicities participate, you’ll experience the processes that drive real-world innovations.
Why is Unlocking Your Unique Creativity Important?
Imagine becoming a self-learner who innovates beyond traditional systems, without relying on textbooks. We champion originality and unique creativity over copy-paste methods. Here, you’ll develop the creative confidence to push boundaries and constantly improve yourself rather than mimic others.
Flexibility in learning is key, and we emphasize following a structured yet adaptable design process. This engaging approach equips you to excel and make a significant impact in the dynamic world of design.
Balancing Micro and Macro Thinking in Design
Great design zooms in on details while never losing sight of the big picture. Micro-thinking focuses on intricate details, like the typography in a logo, ensuring every element is precise and functional. Macro thinking involves seeing the bigger picture, such as how the logo fits into the overall brand identity. Beyond this, designers must consider long-term systems and sustainability, creating solutions that are both innovative and enduring. By mastering these perspectives, you can craft impactful, cohesive work that remains relevant over time.
Diving into Design’s Dimensions
Our design program covers a spectrum of dimensions essential for comprehensive learning. From mastering 2D illustration techniques using traditional tools like sketching with pen and paper to exploring digital visualization tools, students delve into visual storytelling and graphic communication. Moving into 3D, our curriculum extends to form development, model creation, and fabrication techniques, including digital printing and fabrication technologies. Additionally, we emphasize 4D dimensions, focusing on user interaction, UX/UI design principles, and service design strategies that integrate time and user experience.
Designing Solutions for Contemporary Challenges
Design addresses contemporary challenges by creating practical, user-friendly, and sustainable solutions. For example, user-centered design ensures products and services meet real needs, like ergonomic office furniture that reduces strain. Sustainable design minimizes environmental impact through practices like using natural dyes for fabric. Interdisciplinary collaboration in design brings together different expertise to solve complex issues, like smart city projects that improve urban living through technology.
At our college, we prioritize these diverse design aspects, providing students with the knowledge and tools to innovate responsibly and meaningfully contribute to the world through their designs.
Industry Visits: Exploring Real-World Applications
We strongly believe in integrating real-time industrial learning alongside academics. As part of the Cumulus Student Camp 2023 program, students visited Jaipur’s traditional designs and craftsmanship, including Jaipur Rugs, Neeraja Blue Pottery, Jaipur Watch Company, and many other renowned establishments. These experiences will inspire you to innovate with cultural authenticity and global relevance, shaping your journey as a designer.
Through design education, ARCH aims to empower students with the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes necessary to tackle the interconnected global challenges. We offer study abroad opportunities, allowing students to spend three years studying in India and one year at our partner institutions abroad. This program provides a global perspective, enriching their educational experience and broadening their cultural horizons. Looking to deepen your expertise? Our master’s programs provide advanced studies and research opportunities, empowering you to lead and innovate in design and business domains.
Whatever your passion, we offer comprehensive education pathways to nurture your talents and propel your career forward.
Ready to transform your creativity into groundbreaking innovations? Join us and let’s shape the future of design together! Learn more about our courses here.