28 January 2024/
THE POWER OF THINKING
5-DAY INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON DESIGN THINKING AT THE SCHOOL OF DESIGN & VISUAL ARTS, APEEJAY STYA UNIVERSITY
The School of Design & Visual Arts of Apeejay Stya University hosted a 5-day International Workshop on Design Thinking — ‘The Power of Thinking’ from 16 January 2024 to 20 January 2024 at New Delhi.
The esteemed Resource Person for this International Workshop was Mr. Budi Loonen, a highly accomplished designer from Breda, Netherlands, currently serving as the Senior Art Director at NO TOMATO in Breda.
Mr. Loonen’s extensive global experience, which includes roles as a Guest Lecturer in China and India, Workshop Tutor in Budapest and Lecturer in Chongqing, China and Willem de Kooning Academy, Rotterdam, highlighted his dynamic career as a Creative Globetrotter. His influence has spanned across numerous countries, such as America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Argentina.
The Workshop facilitated the exchange of design ideas, processes and thinking methodologies between two distinct cultures and provided students with a rich learning experience, emphasizing the collaborative power of teamwork.
The eminent designer and art director Mr. Budi Loonen delved into the intricacies of Design Thinking, elucidating each of the five stages: Empathy, Defining, Ideation, Prototype and Testing.
Projects presented ranged from smart goggles and specially designed wardrobes to shopping trolleys tailored for the blind and solutions for individuals using wheelchairs. The event marked as a significant learning opportunity for both faculty and students. The workshop was arranged in both online and offline modes.
Approximately 50 students participated in the workshop and showcased their innovative design solutions and prototypes aimed at enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities on the concluding day.
Distinguished attendees included Prof. Sanjay Ahirwal from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, along with Dr. Anandha Pradhan and Dr. Vijay Kumar representing the School of Education. Senior officials from the University also graced the occasion. Dr. Tikendra Kumar Sahu, the workshop coordinator and Associate Professor from the School of Design & Visual Arts, conveyed sincere appreciation to Mr. Budi Loonen for his enlightening presentations and effective leadership throughout the workshop.
Dr. Sahu expressed gratitude to the University’s management for providing the invaluable opportunity to host this International Workshop, acknowledging the pivotal role of Dr. Sucharita Sharma, Pro Vice Chancellor, for conceiving the idea. Dr. Sahu highlighted their collective efforts, which significantly contributed to the success of the workshop.
Special thanks were extended to Ms. Rajni Kumar and Ms. Harshita Arora, faculty members from Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar and other faculty and students from the university.