Global recognition for JKLU’s B.Des & M.Des programs

The Institute of Design at JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU) has been honoured with the international Don Norman Design Award (DNDA) 2025 for its exceptional Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programmes. Recognised for “transforming learning and cultivating the next generation of humanity-centred designers,” the award underscores JKLU’s commitment to shaping design education that creates a positive global impact.

This year, JKLU stands out as the only design institute from India selected for the DNDA, alongside prestigious institutions from the USA, Mexico, Hungary, Israel, UK, New Zealand, and Brazil. The award celebrates educational programmes that exemplify excellence in humanity-centred design education, nurturing leaders ready to address complex societal challenges through innovative and empathetic solutions.

The DNDA lauded JKLU’s Systems Design programme for its innovative pedagogical approach, which blends systems thinking with community engagement. The programme was praised for offering students hands-on opportunities through faculty guidance, partnership projects, and community immersion, ensuring that design learning remains relevant and impactful. “The award jury applauded the programme in preparing students for the real world through an empathic, participatory, and co-creative lens germane to humanity-centred design principles,” the DNDA statement noted.

Professor Vijaysekhar Chellaboina, Vice Chancellor of JKLU, highlighted the significance of the recognition, stating, “The Don Norman Design Award 2025 is a recognition of the importance of the innovative pedagogical approach that the Institute of Design has integrated in its B.Des and M.Des programmes for preparing the next generation of design leaders who can work collaboratively with communities to find solutions to systemic issues.”

Professor A Balasubramaniam, Director of the Institute of Design, added, “This is a moment of reckoning. This award validates our systems thinking approach and pedagogy. That we are preparing our students for the real world and keeping them ahead of the curve proves that we are truly future-ready.”

The Don Norman Design Award, established by Professor Don Norman-a luminary in the design world and former executive at Apple and HP-recognises programmes that prepare learners, communities, and future leaders to reimagine tomorrow. DNDA 2025 laureates will be honoured at a ceremony during the DNDA Summit, scheduled for November 19-21, 2025, at the Singapore Polytechnic Convention Centre, marking a global celebration of design education excellence.

JKLU’s achievement reaffirms India’s growing footprint in the field of humanity-centred design and highlights the university’s commitment to fostering innovation, empathy, and real-world problem-solving among the next generation of designers.