Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) reached a major achievement when the University School of Design and Innovation (USDI) held its inaugural Design Degree Show in 2025. One of the university’s youngest and most dynamic schools reached its pinnacle at the momentous occasion, which represented the culmination of a remarkable academic and artistic adventure. The gathering, which took place on the East Delhi campus, brought together students, professors, design experts, and academic administrators to celebrate creativity, innovation, and design-led solutions to real-world problems. 

Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma, the honorable vice chancellor of GGSIPU, officially opened the Design Degree Show. Prof. Verma emphasized the significance of the event in an impassioned speech, describing it as “deeply emotional” rather than simply ceremonial. He considered how USDI has changed from a visionary idea to a vibrant, successful organization committed to creative excellence. Prof. Verma discussed the university’s collaborative effort in creating a design school that combines academic rigor with creative ideas, with Prof. A.K. Saini, Director of the East Delhi Campus, and Prof. Arvinder Kaur, Dean of USDI and USAR, by his side. 

Prof. Verma highlighted the importance of creativity in the digital era in his keynote presentation. “Today’s event is not just a display of creative achievements; it is a celebration of vision, perseverance, and the transformative journey our students have experienced at USDI,” he said. In a world where artificial intelligence and automation are becoming more and more prevalent, Prof. Verma remarked on the significance of human creativity, saying, “Machines can predict, but they cannot perceive. Although they can draw, they are unable to fantasize. Creativity is a superpower, not just a skill.” His words struck a chord with the audience, emphasizing the lasting importance of human creativity in creating a more inclusive and creative world. 

Students majoring in Interior Design, Industrial Design, and Interaction Design displayed their senior year work during the design event. Beyond showcasing artistic talent, the exhibitions reflected a dedication to problem-solving, empathy, and thorough investigation. The student works tackled some of the most pressing global and local issues of our day, such as climate change, urban disorder, environmental responsibility, and the increasing cost of digital burnout, all while being rooted in USDI’s basic values of sustainability and inclusivity. 

With subjects ranging from smart mobility systems and sustainable architecture to emotionally intelligent interfaces and immersive storytelling experiences, each project stood out for its relevance and originality. The displays were characterized by reviewers as “a universe of imagination” and “a dialogue with the future,” as the young designers presented creative, well-considered ideas that blurred the distinction between form and function. 

The event attracted a remarkable group of academics and design professionals from all fields of study and industry. Mr. Ajay Agarwal, President, and Mr. Vipin Nijhavan, Vice President of the Toy Association of India, were among the visitors who highlighted the increasing importance of design thinking in product creation and innovation. Prominent academics like Dr. Anupam Jain, Director of NIFT Delhi, Dr. Ritu Sibbal from NSUT’s Design Department, and Prof. Rangnath from DTU brought insightful academic viewpoints to the exhibition, while Prof. Ranjan and Associate Professor Mr. Rahul from the Indian Institute of Packaging contributed crucial perspectives on sustainable materials and packaging innovation. 

The event was made more prestigious by the presence of Mr. Rajesh Jagetia from the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, who funded a project called “Legacy e Kashi.” Through modern design methods, the project, which was guided by Prof. Bindoo Ranjan, Coordinator of USDI, demonstrated how tradition and innovation may coexist to protect and promote regional craftsmanship. 

Attendees were observed throughout the day interacting with the student designers, engrossed in the presentations, and learning the stories behind each piece. The overwhelming participation of students, faculty, and industry stakeholders demonstrated that the Design Degree Show was more than just an academic display—it was a forum for conversation, education, and the exchange of revolutionary concepts. 

The University School of Design and Innovation at GGSIPU made a strong declaration about the future of design education in India at the conclusion of the first edition of the Design Degree Show. USDI has established a new bar for how design schools may prepare the change agents of the future by combining creativity with critical thinking and sustainability with innovation. The event’s success has sparked interest in turning it into an annual festival celebrating innovation, creativity, and the boundless potential of design.