Why Should You Care About DESIGN?

The sixth edition of BW Businessworld's Future of Design event, held in Mumbai on 18 August 2025, focused on designing a better tomorrow. The conference highlighted the role of design in changing human behaviour, problem-solving, and driving sustainability in a resource-constrained world

- By Jyotsna Sharma

From Ego To Eco: Redesigning The Future For Humanity's Survival

Pradyumna Vyas delivered a compelling message: design must pivot beyond consumerism and mere convenience to put humanity, sustainability, and coexistence at centre stage. Tracing the global journey of design, Vyas described its evolution from the first industrial revolution—powered by steam in 1760—to the electricity-driven second wave, India's technological emergence in the third revolution, and the current digital transformation where physical, digital, and biological boundaries blend.

Innovation Must Serve Users

“The future of fashion design lies not in flashy technology or fleeting trends, but in deeply understanding and serving the real needs of the wearer,” - this was the central message from Arpana Walters, who emphasised that true innovation must balance comfort, functionality, and planetary responsibility. Walters detailed how the pandemic irrevocably shifted consumer expectations and design priorities.

ADAM KALLISH, Professor, BITS Design School

India Should Embed Design Thinking In Its Growth DNA

For India to realise its ambition of becoming a $30 trillion economy by 2047, it must place design thinking at the very heart of its research, innovation, and business strategy, said Adam Kallish, professor at BITS Design School, who emphasised that design is not merely about creativity or aesthetics, but a vital tool for systemic change, sustainable growth, and global competitiveness.

MOHAN KRISHNARAJ, Global Head Design, Products & Studios, Cognizant Moment

AI, Compassion & Ethics

Krishnaraj spoke about the next generation of interfaces as well as about how AI (Artificial Intelligence) is going to change the world. Speaking about compassion and ethics, he highlighted the importance of designers knowing their role in the world.