The event kicked off with insightful conversations and creative connections, including an engaging session by Prof Vijay Kumar from Illinois Tech's Institute of Design in Chicago, who drove the mindset around design thinking. He said, “There is a method and mindset for innovation in technology, business and design.” 

Attendees also enjoyed an interesting "banana chat" with architect Sonali Rastogi from Morphogenesis, focusing on leading design and innovation. Highlighting the power of storytelling in design, Alliance Française de Jaipur, in collaboration with Jaipur Design Week, screened the biopic Coco Before Chanel, a tribute to the queen of fashion, Anne Fontaine.

With 15 diverse activities, including storytelling sessions, design thinking workshops such as furniture design and comic making, forum discussions, signature talk series, experiential workshops, and competitions, participants experienced a wide range of enriching experiences. Notable sessions included a World and Works of Wayfinding and Signage Talk by Baarish Date, From the Frugal to the Ornate book launch and panel discussion with Sarita Sundar, a comic-making workshop by Margie Sastry, ex-editor of Amar Chitra Katha and a film screening of Saints of Sin with a Talk by Oni Sen.

The Open Studios, a four-day workshop on Collaborative Perceptions, guided by Jinal and Joseph, founders of OJI Story, provided valuable insights into the art of innovating and collaborating across various departments. Additionally, a unique workshop on sustainable garment and accessory design, led by Anuj Sharma, the founder of Button Masala, offered attendees a chance to explore eco-friendly design practices.

“Jaipur Design Week 2024 was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse array of creative minds and cultivating a vibrant design ecosystem,” said Prof A Balasubramaniam, director, Institute of Design, JKLU. “We are thrilled to have facilitated insightful discussions, and hands-on learning experiences, and celebrated the achievements of exceptional designers.”

Recognising outstanding talent, JKLU presented the prestigious Emerging Designer of the Year award to Danisha Mehta, a design instructor at ONELAB College, London. Danisha's inspiring contributions to the field of design, particularly her work with young learners from low socioeconomic backgrounds, earned her this well-deserved recognition. 

The festival also featured a thought-provoking talk on spatial AR/VR design by Punit Chawla, a renowned UI/UX educator and entrepreneur, highlighting the potential of emerging technologies in design. A session on AR/ VR and Prompt Engineering helped current students stay in touch with the latest technology.

“I am thrilled to be given this opportunity. I am thankful to JKLU’s Institute of Design for the award,” said Danisha Mehta.