Is Design the Future? A guide for university applicants

Is Design the Future? A guide for university applicants

“The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination”- Albert Einstein.

 

Figure 1; Innovating through design thinking

We often misinterpret the importance and meaning of design in our lives. I recall a conversation between two friends at university arguing about how engineers are not designers and how the title is only relevant for the creative fields and courses. Incorrect! Design is a way of thinking that matches people’s needs with what is technologically feasible and what businesses can convert into customer value and opportunities for themselves. In simpler words design is a mindset that combines creative and analytical thinking and applying it to solving specific problems. It is relevant for everyone irrespective of the course you choose to pursue at university, as innovative design thinking is the way forward. From mathematicians, historians, engineers, writers, interior and jewellery designers, design thinking allows one to exploit existing knowledge and create new knowledge.

 

Figure 2; Design Ideas

For those students who chose to study in the US, it is a great opportunity to take advantage of the flexible education system that allows one to try out various courses alongside their major. Comparatively in the UK as there is limited flexibility in terms of courses, thus one can always learn about design through the various societies and clubs the university has to offer. By enhancing your knowledge in various subjects; photography, architecture, fine art, dance, drama and creative writing one can broaden their knowledge and understanding of design. Design thinking allows individuals to view a problem from multiple perspectives and encourages innovative thinking and creative problem solving which is useful across all fields be it philosophy or physics.

 

Figure 3; Augmented reality designer

In a world that is consistently evolving and growing it is important to have knowledge of design and implement design thinking in your approach to education as it allows one to gain knowledge and apply it to their respective ever-changing industries. It is essential for students to understand that design is as technical as it is creative and allows one to push themselves to new heights of sophistication. 

Daniya Sardar
(BSc. U of Warwick, MSc Imperial College London)

Chief Operating Officer and UK Admissions Head- The Edvisory