A 5-day International Workshop on Design Thinking, titled “The Power of Thinking,” was recently hosted by The School of Design & Visual Arts of Apeejay Stya University from January 16th to 20th, 2024. The primary goal of this workshop was to facilitate the exchange of design ideas, processes, and thinking methodologies between two distinct cultures.
The esteemed Resource Person for this event was Budi Loonen, a highly accomplished designer from Breda, Netherlands, currently serving as the Sr. Art Director at NO TOMATO in Breda. 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. Budi Loonen delved into the intricacies of Design Thinking, elucidating each of the five stages: Empathy, Defining, Ideation, Prototype, and Testing. The workshop provided students with a rich learning experience, emphasizing the collaborative power of teamwork. Approximately 50 students participated in the workshop, utilizing both online and offline modes. On the concluding day, students showcased their innovative design solutions and prototypes aimed at enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities. Projects ranged from smart goggles and specially designed wardrobes to shopping trolleys tailored for the blind and solutions for individuals using wheelchairs. The event proved to be a significant learning opportunity for both faculty and students.