Marking 10 Years of Inspiring Creativity and Transforming Ideas

Table of contents

• A New Benchmark in Design Learning
• Empowering Communication Design: Real-World Engagement and Social Impact
• Innovation in Design Education

The Indian Institute of Art & Design (IIAD) was founded with a bold vision—to transform how design is taught, learned and practised in India. Starting with a small cohort of 90 students in 2015, it has evolved into a dynamic institution with a thriving community of over 1,000 students today. Over the past decade, IIAD has remained committed to its mission, growing not only in numbers but also in impact. Along the way, IIAD has earned several awards, underscoring its excellence and innovation in design education. These recognitions highlight IIAD's unique pedagogy, which bridges the gap between academic learning and industry requirements.

A New Benchmark in Design Learning

At the core of IIAD's ideology is its distinctive "learning-by-doing" approach, which has played a crucial role in the institute being awarded the 'Excellence in Design Education' accolade by the Economic Times in 2021 and as a Leading Design College in 2024. This recognition reflects upon the institution’s commitment to bridging the gap between the industry and academia. Unlike traditional education models, where students passively absorb knowledge, IIAD’s approach actively engages students as creators and problem solvers from day one. Through its ‘Live Projects’ initiative, students engage directly with real clients, manage actual budgets and transform creative ideas into industry-ready solutions. Notable collaborations, such as the National Museum Project, the Pink Toilet initiative and Projection Mapping for the Martyr's Memorial Museum, showcase how this hands-on pedagogy prepares students for the demands of the design world.

Empowering Communication Design: Real-World Engagement and Social Impact

Recognised as the 'Best Communication Design College in India' by Asia Today in 2021, the curriculum at IIAD reflects its strong focus on real-world engagement in communication design education. Students tackle live client briefs and collaborate with industry partners, providing both creative and practical solutions. Key projects include the Serendipity Arts Festival 2023, where students celebrated Goan culture with The Locavore and Goa Livelihoods Forum. In 2024, they returned with Touched!, an exhibition promoting inclusivity for the visually impaired. Collaborations with organisations like the Ishara Puppet Theatre Trust, Select City Walk mall and Katha Publications demonstrate IIAD's commitment to socially relevant, impactful design.

Innovation in Design Education

It is this innovative approach which has redefined design education in India, earning recognition such as 'Design College of the Year' (2020) and 'Best College of the Year' (2022) by Silicon India. These awards reflect the institution’s commitment to fostering creativity, experimentation and collaboration. Moving away from traditional rote learning, IIAD’s experiential, project-based curriculum encourages students to become creators, tackling real-world challenges from day one.

This decade-long journey highlights IIAD’s dedication to shaping a new generation of designers. As the institute evolves, it continues to address future design challenges. With a new campus featuring cutting-edge design labs, workshops, and innovative studio spaces, IIAD is poised to further its impact on the design industry.