Revolutionizing Design-Centric Business Education

The design industry in India is experiencing robust annual growth of 23–25% (Startup Talky n.d.). In 2022, the sector was valued at USD 143 Billion, and is anticipated to sustain an 8.3% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) to reach USD 215 Billion globally (The Business Research Company n.d.). This remarkable expansion underscores the growing importance of design professionals in tackling intricate and impactful challenges. Despite this dynamic industry landscape, existing design education often fails to adequately prepare students for the multifaceted demands of the design business like visual merchandising, supply chain, digital marketing, and business development. Many design programs still uphold a closed-off viewpoint, limited to the nuances of designing only. Designing for the future requires a shift in perspective to bring in management allied courses with more hands-on learning opportunities to gain design business acumen. This realignment resonates with the evolving needs of the design industry and the broader professional landscape. This research paper primarily investigates the implementation of project-based learning (PBL) within the Fashion Business Management Department at the Indian Institute of Art and Design, Delhi. This pedagogical approach significantly deviates from the traditional methods used in most Business Management programs in India. A case study approach offers qualitative insights into PBL’s adoption within the three-year undergraduate curriculum, exploring various aspects of student projects, group collaboration, educator challenges, assessment methods, final outcomes, feedback from external examiners, and industry experts. This research highlights that PBL is a promising and innovative teaching and learning approach, promoting increased student engagement, and enthusiasm which is critical in preparing the next generation of design professionals for the evolving landscape of the Indian industry.