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WeaveDesign thinking meets circular economy
02
November
2020 Edition
DESIGN
Every great design begins with
an even better story.
BUSINESS
There’s no shortage of remarkable
ideas, what’s missing is the will to
execute them.
CIRCULAR
In nature nothing is
created and nothing is
destroyed but everything
is tranformed.
SUSTAINABLE
Nature holds the key to our aesthetic,
intellectual, cognitive and even
spiritual satisfaction.
ECONOMY
Globalization, arguably, is the
best thing to have happened to
modern-day.
CREATIVE CORPORATIONS
AND CONSCIOUS DESIGN
AVANTIKA UNIVERSITY
From the Editor
In a world of metamorphic success story of QuickHeal, and
challenges, from depleting Tal Catran bringing in a fresh
resources to new age consumer perspective, from Tel Aviv, on
problems, it takes a designeer to Designeering.
awaken and formulate conscious
solutions to power enterprises Parallelly this publication also
that dare to be creative. encompasses awe-inspiring
leaders expressing their thoughts
Design thinking companies today on design, culture, innovation
have consistently outperformed. and its impact on the Indian
Focusing on collaboration, continent.
co-creation, empathy, design
thinking, and conscious WEAVE also spotlights new talents
approach are a natural fit. At and challenges the latest trends.
Ishan Nakate the same time, companies are Pranay Patwardhan’s personal
approaching the challenges of account takes us into the mind
@nustaesthetics the world with a new creative of a young creative director at
direction. Animal, while the Co-founders of
Since the beginning of this universe, life Xeno Co-lab, Swar Raisinghani,
systems have caused materials to flow The students of Avantika and Nikhita Ghugari, introduce
infinitely in a circle, the coverpage draws University bring you the second us to Circular Design and how to
inspiration from the same. Circular design is issue of WEAVE showcasing the implement it.
designing of a cycle in which resources are best design, technology, business
continuously cycled in various forms, following and most importantly a blended I invite you to delve into
a reuse and recycle loop. These resources approach of the three. We have our second issue, Creative
therefore do not go to waste. Waste indeed is
an illustrious line-up of brilliant Corporations and Conscious.
waste if you call it that – because one man’s
minds, including Kailash Katkar Design.
trash is another man’s treasure.
talking about the incredible
Reach out to us on theweavemagazine@gmail.com
Miral Zafar
27 How To : Tal Catran
Table Of (Accelerators Guru, International Keynote Speaker, Professional Moderator
and Startup Ecosystems Builder)
Go Hybrid Go Designeer
Contents 31 Thought Leadership : Disha Kaushal
(Design Thinking Consultant and Educator)
Designer Mom Under House Arrest
05 Thought Leadership : Ankur Sardana 35 Inspiration : Anjan Biswas
(Head of Design, OLX Group)
(India Innovation lead, Amdocs)
The Curious Case of Business v/s User Goals
A Culture of Innovation
09 Feature Article : Kailash Katkar 39 Thought Leadership : Siddharth Ganguly
(Founder and CEO Quickheal)
(Co-founder and Principal Creative at Uriel Design)
Customer-oriented Innovation and Quickheal
Nurturing the Profession of Design in India
13 How To : Swar Raisinghani and 43 Infographic : Bridging the Gap
Nikhita Ghugari Bridging the Gap between Industry and Academia
(Co-founders of Xeno Co-Lab)
The Future is Circular 45 Young Achiever : Soham Mohanty
(4th Year Industrial Design Student at Avantika University)
17 Comic Strip : Tanvi Dev
Things to do while Photoshop grills your laptop 47 Thought Leadership : Julian Thadathil
(Chief Operating Officer, JTBrandlabs)
19 Case Study : Vishal Kapoor Democratizing Designeering
(Chief Design Officer (Group), Future Group India)
Design and Culture 51 Campus Talent
Celebrating budding designers
23 Infocus: Pranay Patwardhan
(Creative Director, Animal) 53 Team Weave & Special Thanks
Frames per Second, Changing Every Second The people who brought this issue to life
Avantika University | November 2020
@theweavemagazine
Thought Leadership
The Curious Case of
Business v/s User Goals
If a company identifies 1. Lead and Evangelize, 2. Support and Wait, where
that the gap between where user goals are business goals are primary
their business goals and primary fuel for survival
their users’ expectations is “User-centered thinking “We are a startup; we need
always widening, it needs is not just for the design to show growth.”
to rethink their business team”
strategy. Ideally, if the Agreed, especially if the
company provides an This is the best place a company is bootstrapped.
experience that its users designer can be. This Investors are salivating
need and appreciate, they is an organization that over proven models
will pay for it, and that is believes in forming long and growth metrics like
the best way to achieve term relationships with DAUs (Daily Active Users)
business growth. Netflix is their users rather than and MAUs (Monthly Active
an excellent example of short term gains. Designers Users). This does restrain
this. No one would have should look at making the the startups from focusing
thought people would new product deployment only on user goals.
pay for content, but Netflix design by being inclusive. Designers at this stage
stuck to its commitment need to be nimble and
towards content. They Looking at co-creation with still keep refocusing the
never tried cutting corners business, product and tech founders. Hopefully, when
by introducing advertising teams, designers should the money finally comes
or low-quality streaming. show how (User-centred in everyone is ready to
And we are happy to pay Design) UCD could be change the focus more
Ankur Sardana them. No wonder their part of the new product towards users.
Head of Design, OLX Group yearly revenue is $6.44 development process.
billion. Not all companies
have the DNA and deep
He is a design leader, startup mentor and improv coach. pockets to sustain user “If a company identifies
He has had an opportunity to work with some of the best centric thinking at all that the gap between
companies across the globe, including Honeywell, Philips,
Samsung, Zomato and Amazon.
times Here, are a few their business goals and
different approaches we their users’ expectations
could take as designers
LinkedIn: Ankur Sardana
in different situations (in
is always widening, it
software product/services needs to rethink their
organizations) business strategy.”
Avantika University | November 2020 06
3. Negotiate and Push, 4. Pushback and Correct,
where Business and User where Business is blind
Goals conflict sighted with growth focus
“We cannot always look at “Sometimes it is fine to hide
user’s convenience.” what’s not needed; users
won’t get to know.”
This is where most
designers might find There is a fine line between
themselves. Data and an experience which
user testing are the best nudges the users to try
ways to move forward in new options provided
this scenario. Designers by the business, and when
must use data through A/B the patterns become dark.
testing to prove their point
or push for user testing We have seen UX where “Ideally, if the company
through prototyping where CTAs (Call to Actions) are
testing is not possible
and then speak about
provided to confuse and
get more clicks or when
provides an experience
how users have voted for/
against something till your
extra money is added to
the bill at checkout. Here is
that its users need and
voice is heard. when we need to put our
foot on the ground and appreciate, they will pay
Furthermore, when you keep up to the ethics of
cannot stop something
irritating for the user, try
UCD. At Amazon, whenever
there is a conflict between
for it, and that is the best
softening the blow. Fake
Door testing is something
UX and PM / Business
folks / Tech, the tenet of
way to achieve business
like that. It is done usually ‘Customer Obsession’ is
to see if the users want this invoked. It is not surprising growth.”
feature (without building that the evaluation of
that feature). Say, the user Amazon recently hit
clicks on a link - ‘Press here $1.6 trillion.
to download the PDF of this
form’, and nothing really
happens, maybe a pop-up
‘We don’t have it available, “Design can definitely
will let you know soon’. Why play an important role
not change the text to - to maintain balance, but
‘Download a PDF when it’s when it comes to
available’? Always better a face-off, we are with the
to be transparent.
users and so should be
you.”
07 Avantika University | November 2020
@theweavemagazine
Feature Article 1. Starting from scratch 2. What has been an of shareholders in the
in a competitive industry inspiration for you to grow business was a whole
segment, the challenges the company having it new experience with
you faced must have still transforming with more accountability and
been paramount. How did the industry’s times and convincing.
you find the strength to demands?
persist on the journey of 3. Where does design
Quickheal? My main objective is to thinking principles
keep my customers happy, (problem-solution based
QuickHeal truly sprouted this way I draw inspiration approach) come in?
from a pure passion from them, and the
for solving consumer technical problems they Problems are imperative,
problems. Unaware of the face, itself. Always finding they bring challenges and
Kailash Katkar
terminologies or the details ways to help society with ultimately give you life.
Founder and CEO Quickheal of running a business at my skills and if it demands, Let me tell you how
the beginning, my brother learn some new ones too. scaling up has worked
and I collaborated in an QuickHeal, we think from 10
attempt to fill this gap in Parallelly, there is a consumers how to enable
the established software/ constant analysis into 100 then 1000 and more to
virus protection softwares. where the market and the now tending to consumer
In 1994-95 my brother digital world is moving, demands from around the
Customer-oriented Sanjay developed the first
antivirus tool which was
to anticipate future
challenges concerning
world.
received very well by our cybercrime with trial and Customer satisfaction is
Innovation and QuickHeal consumers. Still, we never
intended on achieving
error. where the focus should be,
success and ROI comes
any major monetary gains Everyone is unique and automatically.
Humble beginnings, with simply a thirst for knowledge from it.I have experienced there is always something
and a drive to solve consumer problems, is the genesis failure too, and the trick is to learn from everyone. It Nevertheless, this has
of the QuickHeal empire. In conversation with the making the right decision is key to do so because become particularly
founder, Mr. Kailash Katkar, he starts by admitting, “I am at the right time. One people from their difficult because, now
not from a business background.” must not get stuck and experience can educate there is a new generation
Kailash Katkar started by repairing calculators, and as be bogged down by an you on dealing with new of consumers sprouting
the consumer demands changed with the emergence unsuccessful venture. challenges as the business every 3 years itself,
of computers, he identified that is where the need would Being able to let go and grows. challenging previous
be and taught himself to repair computers. His focus move on is essential to generations’ beliefs and
has always been, even now, entirely customer-oriented. enable innovation. We wanted to make sure systems.
QuickHeal was not driven
“Problems are imperative, they bring challenges and by family, and instead, be It is essential to keep
ultimately give you life.” an institutional business. changing, moving, and
sensing areas that may
LinkedIn: Kailash Katkar Therefore it was public need QuickHeal solutions,
Website: QuickHeal listed so that it could to keep ourselves on top of
run somewhat on things.
autopilot. The inclusion
Avantika University | November 2020 10
We encourage investing in promptly.
relationships and genuine
“We aim to provide emotional connection We also have a
zero-day attack, with with our partners and behavioral-based
customers. Moreover, protection approach.
the incorporation of we always think Win-Win Here if QuickHeal finds
machine learning and AI where both parties, the suspicious activity in your
the process is super fast partner and us should be device, it immediately
now.” able to generate revenue. quarantines and sends a
message to our security
5. How do you keep the research labs to decipher.
innovation culture going, This lab comes under
especially creating our R&D department
4. Could you share the solutions to the ever-
evolving cybersecurity
that also houses our
solution function, product
“Machines especially those
‘QuickHeal Culture’ and
how you implement it in
your workforce?
threat? development, cloud, and
networking teams all not functioning always get
me inquisitive, and I find
Innovation runs the collaborating to keep the
business, we cannot innovation alive.
Culture comes from
expect yesterday’s
values and integrity, with
products to solve today’s - Written by Miral Zafar
a large workforce, this can
be set by putting proper
problems. It takes
continuous creativity and
unlearning as a process of
processes and policies in
place. We have two key
aspects of our culture here.
problem solving to combat
new viruses with solutions
re-learning, so naturally,
to new systems and data
Firstly we, as an
privacy. Our work does not
stop at just the solution,
I have a tendency to keep
organization, believe that
quality speaks for itself and
customer satisfaction.
we have teams that are
responsible for digging upskilling.”
deeper into the source and
Thereby there is no need
cause of the attack such
to mislead or initiate
that it can be eradicated
comparison with the
at detection itself.
competition to attract
consumers, always best to
We aim to provide zero
be transparent and frank
day attack, with the
for true consumer loyalty.
incorporation of machine
learning and AI the process
The second aspect is that
is super fast now. Once
we stay grounded to our
a solution is formulated,
roots and true selves. My
it can efficiently be
team will always reflect
tested over a multitude
an aura of simplicity and
of operating systems
humility.
and reach consumers
11 Avantika University | November 2020
@theweavemagazine
How To
The Future is Circular
There is a growing unlocks profitable business share some actionable
urgency to combat the channels. Predictions steps to help companies
highly flawed current show that economic build a regenerative model
economic linear model opportunities related to through design —
of take
Design for Extended Human-Centered Circular Leveraging Technology for
Lifecycle Design Circular Practices
Principle of modularity Design circular design
to reuse, replace and solutions that are relevant Advancement in
refurbish to increase the to the user’s needs technology has
product/service lifecycle led to paramount
Consumers today do opportunities, it should
Modularity can be pay more for sustainable be used intentionally and
reflected through products, but if the purposefully. Instead of
hardware and software. solution does not fit digital transformation
Extending product into their lifestyle and being the end-goal, think
lifecycles needs to be is not as convenient as of why and how you
systematically designed its alternative, then that may use it in the process
& implemented. It is the switch to circular choices to serve real needs, to “Designers need to work with
companies that need is very difficult. Tom Szaky, accelerate the transition to
to build the necessary
infrastructure and means
the CEO and founder of
TerraCycle, tackles the
a circular economy. the early adopters of circular
to facilitate desirable
actions from users and
challenges of consumer
behavior change by
As it will take time
for all companies to
design solutions to help them
implement them across addressing the question truly understand and
value chains. Ultimately ‘Why did disposability begin to operate in a shift, reducing the negative
the responsibility and win?’ — why do consumers circular model, it is the
ownership of the product
lifecycle lie with the
choose it over other
environmental-friendly
designers who need
to lead this transition.
outcomes of a linear model, and
companies and not the
user.
alternatives? How can we
create a model that is as
Service designers do
have the power and the
demonstrate the impact for the
convenient and cheap? tools to design circular
Conscious Choices solutions and create an followers. ”
Making mindful and We need to design a ecosystem for a company
intentional choices of model that is aligned with by solving organizational
materials and resources consumers’ lifestyles and challenges and facilitating
across the supply chain motivations. By building collaboration across silos
an understanding of this to design truly innovative
It is important to reflect on through research, we solutions that have
the choice of material or create an experience a positive impact on
resources required during that adds value over their humanity, the environment,
the design process itself, current experience and is and the economy.
not any later. Smarter and easier for users to adopt.
creative decisions need To dive deeper here is a
to be made across the link to the full article:
supply chain to ensure ‘The Future is Circular’
that it is more efficient
and reduces negative
impact compared to the
conventional value chain.
15 Avantika University | November 2020
COMIC STRIP
“Things to do while Photoshop grills your laptop”
While Photoshop is a God-blessed tool, we all have
experienced it 'overheating' our devices, here's an
exaggertion of things we can all do while it turns the device
into a heated pan. May all devices rest in peace.
- Tanvi Dev
Website: Tanvi Dev
Avantika University | November 2020@theweavemagazine
Case Study
Design and Culture
Culture — a derivation word culture, both in the
of the Latin word organizations’ performing
‘colere’ signifies growth markets and within internal
and change. It is an systems, would need to be
amalgamation of wisdom, aligned seamlessly. This
knowledge, art, and beliefs. alignment of context is my
These rituals eventually notion of Culture Design.
become our way of life, Ultimately design designs
making us a part of a culture.
larger group we call
communities. Each of Design coming full circle
these rituals has a certain
way of thought, planning, Design generates a
and execution with a repetitive reaction that
purpose. can be coded as behavior.
These behaviors then
Likewise, an organization shape our collective
is a social unit of people experiences through
designed and managed culture. We all agree that
to meet a need or pursue design is omnipresent: in
collective goals. This the products we consume,
group of people coming the space we live in,
together for a common our mobility. Everything
goal from different is designed such that
backgrounds would need outcomes influence
to be integrated towards our habits, which in turn
Vishal Kapoor a common notion. This influence our behavior, our
Chief Design Officer (Group), harmonious gravitation behavior becomes our
Future Group India “ The design attitude is towards growth is what way of life and becomes
more attuned to striking I would call Designed our cultural showcase.
Systems. Thus design comes a full
an emotional chord
He has been associated with retail design space for over two circle.
decades of experience with Future Group & Shoppers Stop, with its outcome while Organizations can differ
leading retail business companies, India. He is a firm believer being collaborative and in terms of some being
in the role of integrating creative and analytical thinking for visual in the process of chaotic, while most striving
sustainable organizational growth. transformation.” for military-like precision.
Each of them is better
LinkedIn: Vishal Kapoor suited to its context. In
this context is where the
Avantika University | November 2020 20Design in everyday life & a specific problem or
cultural outcome viz; exploring possible future
“ Everything is designed problems. A designer’s
As an example of design such that outcomes capability to think with
coming a full circle, influence our habits, hands brings in a sense of
the advent of push- action while thinking, and
button mobile phones
which in turn influence
thereby a lot of honesty
to today’s smartphones our behavior, our and transparency in the
has tethered us to a new behavior becomes our process. Design thinking
kind of obsession; literally way of life and ultimately is a value-add while
stimulating our physical our cultural showcase. approaching with a with
and psychological Thus design comes a full a solution-driven mindset,
sensibilities, creating a new by envisioning new ‘what if’
circle.”
way of our reaction to the scenarios.
environment around us.
This is the power of design Finally, the ‘design mind’
created culture, which naturally works towards
will mutate into a new What is with Design resolution with empathy,
design need! Separate Attitude? rather than increased
lanes for mobile users on
pathways in China or an The role of designers
environmental tension.
I believe the design
“Ultimately design
integrated traffic signal on lies majorly in the skill attitude is more holistically
the footpath on a street periphery of organizational receptive to ‘pro-sumers,’ designs culture.”
crossing in Netherlands needs that evolve into in our ever growing
to avoid accidents of the thinking and strategic collaborative economy
immersed mobile users platforms. Here design where consumers
are extended design can become very potent, now directly influence
examples. naturally getting fluidity producers.
and comfort with chaos,
In today’s markets, the not compromising on With the economy
speed of this cyclic user-centricity. changing from industrial,
movement of creation, to the service-driven
operation, and destruction The design attitude is experience economy,
has been most rapid. With more attuned to striking where a product is
the advent of technology an emotional chord hygiene, design attitude
and empowered with its outcome while would be looked upon as a
consumers, the power being collaborative and key trait. This will be in the
equation has shifted visual in the process form of creative leadership
towards the consumer. of transformation. This that balances the left and
The traditional models works psychologically, right brain as necessary
of organization design, in a fragmented yet for growth.
processes, and behavior interconnected formation,
are all getting refreshed and links various dots
to stay contextual to the of diverse constituent
changing consumer. disciplines while solving
21 Avantika University | November 2020@theweavemagazine
Infocus Article
Frames per Second,
Changing Every Second
The music swells up as two worldview, and with all the
Shikara boats drift apart, things we watch and how
slowly floating away from we perceive them. SWAT
the camera towards the Kats episodes over
sunset. An ornate THE END childhood summers.
slate appears, much to my The ridiculously catchy
“What we create as confusion. I am at the
ripe old age of seven,
opening melody of Take
on Me. Political debates at
peeking in to see the dinner tables. Sore thumbs
artists is a perpetual end sequence of a 1960s
classic my parents are
from an all-time Tetris high
score. Witnessing a Sachin
watching on our bulky TV. cover drive for the first
evolution, shifting I gaze in complete denial
that the movie has ended.
time.
with our changing What was all this
Everything that we see and
interact with, consciously
despair? The longing, the or subconsciously, shapes
worldview.” heartbreak? Where was
the perfect ending with
our curiosity, broadens
our horizons, and makes
the two protagonists us truly unique observers.
embracing and dancing to That’s the whole reason
peppy music? A long time nostalgia exists. We emote
By Pranay Patwardhan before I had heard of film differently to the same
Creative Director, Animal noir or the hero’s journey, things at different times
or felt melancholy; my in our lives. The more we
“Everything that perception of the see and feel, the more we
He is an acclaimed Illustrator and Animation Filmmaker. He
is also the Director on the Alumni Advisory Board for NFFTY. In
we see and interact film—and the world by fall in love with the poetry
the past, he has worked with Tata Elxsi, Green forest animation with, consciously or extension—was absolute. around us.
Black and white. The
& founded his startup in direction and animation for music subconsciously, shapes
nuance, the intricacies, the I’d like to take you through
videos & visualization. our curiosity, broadens faults, the appreciation, it some of my most beloved
our horizons, and all came eventually. animation memories.
LinkedIn: Pranay Patwardhan
Website: PataPanda
makes us truly unique Long-form, short films,
Instagram: OinkOink observers.” What we create as artists commercials, indie
is a perpetual evolution, projects, and everything in
shifting with our changing between. Be warned, we
Avantika University | November 2020 24On a lighter note, who can Yet another ode to the influences into one fluid
forget the quirky Simpu painstaking tenacity and form of storytelling. Not
on Channel V, or even the dedication of the craft is just reserved for children’s
catchy ‘Amaron Lasts Long, stop-motion animation. A cartoons, this medium
Really Long’ jingle with the subgenre in itself with its captivates, inspires, and
retelling of the rabbit and countless iterations, from surprises even the most
tortoise fable? the DIY ‘Lego shorts’ all jaded of us. From discrete
over YouTube, all the way phone notifications to
Moving into the bizarre to long-form epics like flashy sci-fi visual effects, it
realm, these next few Wes Anderson’s Isle of surrounds us all.
aren’t for the faint-hearted. Dogs (2018) and Laika’s
The shock of first coming ParaNorman (2012).
across Don Hertzfeldt’s
crude yet influential gory Finally, a special shoutout
“To get briefly profound
stick figures. The suspense to a modern-day classic for a moment, animation
of Bambi Meets Godzilla in Spider-Man: Into the is your brain making
(1969). The trippy wizardry Spider-Verse (2018). up an imaginary visual
of Cyraik and his ever- Dazzling in its beauty, between two consequent
looping worlds (that even stirring in its soul. static images to complete
McDonald’s plagiarized
the story, and that must
in a commercial). These Animation and film-making
were all rebellious game is a way for me to merge have a larger meaning.”
changers. my myriad passions and
are only scratching the Inevitably, Hayao Miyazaki Closer to home, India’s
surface here, but I do hope is next. The master animation boom began
that it is the beginning of storyteller brings alive in the early 2000s, and
your personal journey into enchanting worlds mythological sagas
this mesmerizing rabbit almost too beautiful to proved a popular theme
hole. imagine. Even in these with the industry. But one
mystic realms, his stories of the most strikingly
Let’s begin with the obvious never shy away from well-made renditions of
ones. Chances are these intense themes like a mythological story had
are the ones you’re already environmentalism and come and gone more than
thinking of—the dazzling, war examined through a decade prior. This was
free-flowing, hand-drawn the very real lens of the Japanese-produced
Disney classics. The magic human emotion. Coupled Ramayana: The Legend
of the carpet ride in with unique pacing and of Prince Rama (1992), a
Aladdin (1992); the horror of dynamic characters, sublime blend of anime
the stampede in The Lion this is a radically unique and the Indian aesthetic.
King (1994); the musically approach to the medium. Years later, Nina Paley’s Sita
genius adventures of The Recommended watching: Sings the Blues (2008) was
Jungle Book (1967). These Spirited Away (2001), My a more contemporary and
spectacles transcend Neighbor Totoro (1988), comedic approach.
generations. Howl’s Moving Castle
(2004).
25 26@theweavemagazine
How To
Go Hybrid Go Designeer
COVID-19 The greatest Galilei, Leonardo da Vinci,
equalizer mankind has and Thomas Edison.
encountered! The rules of Demonstrating that a
the game have changed, confluence of engineering
rich or poor, central or and design skills, with a
remote, it is clear that the touch of genius, a strong
‘New Normal’ is here. drive for success, and
some crazy can make us
All inperson services, fit and be disruptive,
including medical, to create an impact.
educational, financial, food, Remember that, like
and shopping, have gone today’s startups, they all
digital almost overnight had to first identify a need,
by computerized, and develop a creative solution
automated technologies. (engineering design), and
The need to evolve, be finally figure out funding.
versatile, responsive,
flexible, and adaptable is A startup is a high risk
the key to sustaining our commercial enterprise,
jobs and as a result our especially for the first
families. timers. Understand that a
startup is first people, and
It is easy to sink into then technology. You are
despair and laziness. Wake not born an entrepreneur,
up at noon, overweight, nor do you have to be
because we cannot one. Those who try, fail to
“It is the era of ‘Hybrid’
By Tal Catran leave home, and blame deliver the technology or
Accelerators Guru, International Keynote Speaker, with physical and digital, everyone else for our product for which they
Professional Moderator and Startup Ecosystems Builder on-premises and remote, miserable state. Yet, there signed up on this journey.
combining professions; are plenty who take, Rather enjoy the ride, while
Designeers.” almost invent, a different working hard. 96 percent
He is a prominent figure in the global innovation ecosystem approach, they refuse to of entrepreneurs do not
& has founded 14 startups accelerators since 2012. He is a succumb to ‘it is what it is.’ survive their first year of
business partner with Haier Israel Innovation Center, Hubspot They are the Hybrids. operation, for various
for startups, Microsoft for startups & more. reasons, but in most
Unsurprisingly, they share cases, the reason is
Website: Tal Catran the same gene as our liquidity or “running out of
brilliant entrepreneurs fuel.” Inability to raise the
and inventors, Galileo required capital. The initial
Avantika University | November 2020 28investment will, in most the availability of scientists
cases, come from the and engineers, the number
founders themselves, but a of start-ups per capita,
major chunk is raised from and per capita investment
private investors called in venture capital.
angels. Ask yourself, when
did you last see an angel?
Most likely would be from It is clear that education
venture capital funds, or stands at the foundation
companies interested in of Israel’s success, as
a product. Angels are a well as the realization
capable yet lean team since establishment in
of founders, versatile, 1948, we can rely mainly
technological, and ready on ourselves and have
to do what it takes, in a to meet our needs
world of Supermen! independently. Israeli
startups generate billions
Israel is considered a world of dollars annually through
leader in the field of start existence while improving
ups. Overall, there are over the lives of millions of
“Do not wait for fortune to
8,000 start ups in Israel,
and about 1,000 new start
people around the world.
All in all, do not wait for fall on your lap, go out and
ups are launched each fortune to fall into your
year. The number of Israeli lap, go out and grab it! It is
companies trading on better to be well equipped
grab it. ”
NASDAQ is larger than with sufficient education,
the total number of professional hunger, and
companies from Europe loads of motivation to
combined. OECD published succeed lucratively too.
a list of the most educated The more versatile, agile,
countries in the world, and sharp you are, the
based on the number of greater are your chances
adults between the ages of reach your targets, and
of 25 and 64 who received potentially standout.
tertiary education: A two- Don’t Hesitate, Accelerate!
year or four-year degree,
or education through
a vocational program.
Based on this information,
Israel ranks 3rd with 50.92
“ The digital world has
percent of adults meeting
leaped forward light- OECD criteria, Japan
years.” (2nd) at 51.44 percent,
and Canada (1st) at 56.71
percent. Israel ranks 1st in
29 Avantika University | November 2020@theweavemagazine
Thought Leadership
Designer Mom Under
House-Arrest
The pandemic has done Most successful teachers
enough damage to our do not only love to speak
lives. But what we don’t and educate, but also
realize is the goodness it understand that teaching
has brought out in us. Most is not “one-size-fits-
of us have taken it upon all domain”. Thereby,
ourselves to do at least depending upon the
one small act of kindness aptitude of their student,
during these tough times, one has to keep in mind
for reasons as varied as, that he/she is more
making us feel good about responsive towards the
ourselves to making sure one need to change their
those who help us can approach and outlook.
continue to be in our lives, From personal experience
once the worst is behind let me share that I was
us. For me, it was a year of trying to teach my
many realizations. daughter, one who has
not been to any regular
I have a newfound respect school, how to hold a
for nursery teachers; this piece of chalk. She felt
year a learned what a too much pressure on the
major leap it is for a child fingers and moved away.
to hold a crayon to write So a couple of days later
Disha Kaushal something that makes as I was painting an old
Design Thinking Consultant and Educator “Design is the ability sense. With the schools container, my daughter
shut, my 3 years old joins in and asks if she
to get to the crux of a decided she would not could paint too. Turns
Disha is a postgraduate in Strategic Design problem and bring about study on a device. Kids out she enjoys using the
Management from NID, with special interest in visual a solution that solves are too smart these days brush. Now she loves using
narratives, human behavior and cultural studies. She it, and simultaneously, to be told what to do with the brush a lot and writes
has worked as a design strategist for IOS apps, graphic creates an experience a device, so I took it upon letters, draws using pens,
designer and as a copywriter for Grazia India & more that’s beyond the myself to teach her at crayons, and paints in just
projects.
fundamental brief. Design home. It has been a much a matter of a few weeks.
bigger struggle on my part,
LinkedIn: Disha Kaushal is the art of storytelling!” that any homeschooling
parent will tell you.
32
Avantika University | November 2020Another incident that Thus, I got myself into and needs of people,
I often mention, in my curriculum redesign for the so when my daughter
design thinking classes, pre-K segment. Focusing started asking questions
is when my daughter more on practical skills, like, “Mumma why do we
figured out that I would not which would stay with the need to bury the batteries
hand over our precious child lifelong, I wish I had in mud and not throw
glass bangles to her. She been told this when I was them in the trash?” It got
then got a rubber band that age. me thinking that for far too
and cello tape rolls to long we as a community
use as a bangle instead. I wanted to make it have focused on ‘Human
Understand, the biggest accessible to children from Centered Design”, maybe
challenges in teacher all backgrounds, thereby now is a time to go beyond
readiness are to gauge making it technology- that and ask ourselves
when to step in, and when dependent and more some tough questions.
to back off and let the teacher-focused. Consider What am I making? How
student solve the problem
herself. It can be almost
the knowledge that your and where will it end up at
grandparents would share the end of its life cycle? Will “I think now is the time
impossible to curb this with you, in the form of it make the world a better
urge as a parent, but over
these months I see that I
stories or small chores
around the house. Since I
place? Yes. For that, I think
the pandemic has made
for ‘Humanity Centered
have more to learn from
her than vice versa.
come from a background
in design, I tend to be more
us ready.
Design’, one where we
receptive to the behavior
I feel that our education
system focuses only on
think beyond just our
literacy and numeracy in
the early years when there
is so much else to learn. As
users”
a member of the Global
Shapers Community, I took
it upon myself to help my
child pick up on a more
sustainable lifestyle right
from this age. We have
together been sorting and
segregating our waste
for the past 2 years. Every
evening I would take her
with me to feed the wet
waste to the cows in a
neighboring park, serving
the purpose and also
teaching her to care for
the species.
33 Avantika University | November 2020@theweavemagazine
Inspiration
A Culture of Innovation
The Need for a dedicated Need for Focus As I like to call it, being
team to create a Culture unstructured within a
of Innovation? Prioritizing and working structured framework,
on important and urgent to create that optimal
In the current times, which tasks, will take you closer to experience. Mihaly
we usually refer to as achieving your vision. Csikszentmihalyi talks
VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Ensure to say a ‘NO’ to about this in his book FLOW.
Complex, Ambiguous), short-term attractive
I keep reflecting on a opportunities (Business/ Beyond Obvious
statement by Steve jobs Personal) in favor of the
“…focus wasn’t about one thing needed for My observations made
willpower. It was about achieving the VISION or me realize the power of
the courage to abandon the DREAM. ‘imperfections.’ For Robots
1,000 great ideas to meet When it was on me to to have relations, they
one big goal — even if that choose between adhering need to be programmed
made people mad in the to the best practices of with certain imperfections
process.” innovation to achieve and allowed to learn from
supreme perfection, each other. Similarly, the
What Steve Jobs had versus, putting in the time vulnerability of an expert
brought to this world is to understand each allows us to reach the
now a repository of true element deeper, to tweak actual needs of the user.
inspiration. Beyond great or replace it; the choice
products, he showed us had always been to focus For the success of the
how to believe, evolve, and on experimentation. Trying Design Thinking Process,
constantly innovate! out the unconventional; we must really connect
taking those small back to our humanness
By Anjan Biswas calculated risks and as imperfections and
India Innovation lead, Amdocs learning from them. vulnerabilities enable us to
approach solutions closer
With over 15 years of experience, Anjan is Responsible “ Imperfections are Exposing the teams to to real user needs.
actually more beautiful parts of a concept or
for building and nurturing a Culture of Innovation at
methodology (like the For this to happen, a
Amdocs India. than perfect. It allows us
Design Thinking dedicated and focused
to be humane, opening Process) and allowing team is needed. It has to
LinkedIn: Anjan Biswas possibilities to appreciate them to experiment, be a team that not only
and value connections.” becomes more important understands the imperfect
compared to following a ways of humanity but also
structured process to do appreciates the joy in
what is conventional. those imperfections.
Avantika University | November 2020 36“Remember that this value
curve has periodic crests,
Simply leaving the task to and creating essential
mother nature to handle, is
not enough. Teams can
value. Remember that this
value curve has periodic
troughs, and sections of
easily return to old habits,
back to a structured mode
crests, troughs, and
sections of plateaus. We plateaus. We need to tide
of thinking, if there is no need to tide over them
mechanism to maintain with patience to witness over them with patience to
focus on the ‘beyond the bloom.
obvious’ installed.
Culture also needs periodic
witness the bloom.”
Constraints Help maintenance and top up.
As leaders, sensing the
At the start of a journey, opportune time to identify
we fear constraints and constraints and leverage
find help to combat them. them, helps to enthuse the
It is when we look beyond team, keep them focused,
these constraints and and trigger innovation.
“A form of curiosity embrace them with open Thereby building
to know more, active arms, and realize that the antifragility in the larger
participation in everyday solution is simple. Here the ecosystem.
moments of life, innovation happens.
observing nature with
Every iteration in the
a solid focus, must be innovation journey, built on
encouraged.” the strengths of a diverse
and focused team, helps
in embracing constraints
37 Avantika University | November 2020@theweavemagazine
Thought Leadership
Nurturing the Profession of
Design in India
A decade ago an ex- media, apparel, or approach we use to solve
colleague in advertising entertainment, people fail a problem, but about
asked me, “What is in to realize that “Design” is a creating an experience
design, that you plan to broader picture and is at that is ownable and has a
quit advertising? All just the core of everything. tale to carry.
pretty brochures and
invites!” I just smiled. Now, So what is Design? In my Design thinking is not only
ten years later, as I write opinion, it is the ability applicable to design but
this article, it gives me a to get to the crux of a to any field, because it
sense of achievement problem and bring about a isn’t a just methodology,
being a designer. It didn’t solution that solves it, and but a tool. A tool to look
take me long to discover simultaneously, creates at things differently,
the power of design. an experience that’s systematically, and bring
beyond the fundamental about innovation.
I would not say that the brief. Design is the art of
concept of design in India storytelling!
is at a nascent stage. The
difference is that design Design for me is looking
takes the lead in the west at a problem as if it were
and unlocks its strength a human. It requires
in every aspect and empathy to look deeply
considered as an integral into the backstory and
part of every business gain insight. Thereafter
By Siddharth Ganguly plan. They acknowledge have meaningful
Co-founder and Principal creative at Uriel Design mavericks like Milton conversations to come “Design is the ability
Glaser, Saul Bass, Paul up with a solution and
Rand, and Paula Scher; all finally, bring that idea to
to get to the crux of a
With over 17 years experience in the design field, Siddharth of who have changed the life through meticulous problem and bring about
is an independent design consultant, industry mentor and way design is perceived in execution. a solution that solves
design coach. the contemporary world. it, and simultaneously,
In contrast, try looking for Over the years, many creates an experience
LinkedIn: Siddharth Ganguly such names in the Indian methodologies have that’s beyond the
design industry. Since been referred to provide
fundamental brief. Design
design has always been solutions to problems,
overshadowed in India today it is ‘Design Thinking.’ is the art of storytelling!”
by terms like advertising, I feel it is not about the
Avantika University | November 2020 40Super-companies that complex and beautiful
truly respect design, like world?
“Dimensional Thinking Apple, have stood the
is rapidly gaining test of time. They have We need to prove that
importance, but it is understood the customer we are not mere service
psyche and built an providers and make
imperative to know how experience around it. people realize that our
to apply it.” That is the power of lives are intertwined, in
design thinking and that’s innumerable myriad ways
precisely why I coined with design. We need to
a fitting term for it- embrace design in order to
Dimensional ThinkingTM. emulate and consecutively
compete with the world.
So I ask myself, how can As designers we need to
I bring about a change reinforce the significance
in the way design is
perceived in India? How
of design, through
path-breaking work,
“We need to embrace
do I bring awareness clutter-crushing innovative
amongst students, about
how significant a role they
ideas, and one very
important thing; treating
design in order
would be playing once
they graduate? How
a problem or idea as if it
were human, by nurturing to emulate, and
do I educate educators, it.
that design is a far more consecutively compete
with the world.”
41 Avantika University | November 2020@theweavemagazine
Young Achiever Young Designers Circle.
I have always loved
working on user-centered
problems to address
design dilemmas. However,
competing and winning
the awards brought me
immense exposure to the
exciting world of design.
I simultaneously gained
confidence in my abilities,
sure that I am heading in
Soham Mohanty the positive direction as
4th year Industrial Design student a learner. I understand
that design is indeed a
at Avantika University I hold a patent on my sold every year in India, huge industry, and that
product Accufill. With India, giving Accufill a massive being creative needs a
one of the world’s largest market potential. My great deal of research
two-wheeler markets, innovation won the award and experience, in order to
Accufill is as relevant as it in the Student category develop a sense of design
gets. and will be one of the two philosophy.
designs, presented at
It is a sensor-based the Lexus Design Event at
Having had a sculpting hand award the finest works of innovation, capable of Milan Design Week, 2021.
since my childhood, I love indigenous industrial design. detecting adulteration The design award brought
engendering things. It helped The award seeks to identify along with the quantity me a wealth of exposure
“Design cannot really
me discover my passion and honor members in the of fuel being loaded at and I was extended a change the world, but
and pursue an education in Indian design community petrol stations. The device mentorship by Lexus a change of attitude
it. I am Soham Mohanty, a who anticipate potential is installed in the fuel at Desmania designs, towards solving worldly
22-year-old undergraduate challenges and innovate
design student at Avantika to tackle those obstacles.
filling cap of the fuel tank. (awarded as India’s finest problems while thinking
University, born and raised in Thereby captivating the
It comprises ultrasonic Product Design Studio) for a sustainable world
sensors, designed to under Anuj Prasad to
Bhubaneswar, Odisha. hearts and minds of Indian can have a large impact.“
consumers. inform the consumer advance my project.
2019 - 2020 has been a about fuel purity, ensuring
remarkable year for me, greater clarity between In addition, I completed
winning both, the YUJ the vehicle owner and the my summer internship
UXplorer 2019 award and service station. This device at Big Basket. Here I
Lexus design award, India is vastly pertinent in the was responsible for
2020. Lexus Design Award Indian industry, considering developing the design
India, aims to recognize and its long time struggle system, and design library,
with adulterated fuel. for the company’s daily
LinkedIn: Soham Mohanty According to the Society application. Currently,
of Indian Automobile I am nominated as an
Manufacturers, about 20 ambassador for World
million two-wheelers are Design Organization™,
Avantika University | November 2020 46@theweavemagazine
Thought Leadership
Democratizing Designeering
On a rainy evening on circle. Our first opportunity
June 2020, I received a in design came in the form
message, “Sir can I have of redesigning the brand
your number? I am manual for the newly
Neelesh from Sydney, formed Birla AT&T
Australia. Need to get in Communications Ltd
touch with you.” I hesitantly in 1996. Though not a
shared my number. He complete corporate
called almost immediately identity programme, we
“Sir, I was a trainee at gained valuable
Artistree-Pune in 1997 experience in the process.
(Ogilvy’s design vertical in
the ’90s), I still remember Today, design is a vital
the indoor cricket we component of everything
played. I am writing a book around us, in products and
about my life experiences. services that we utilize.
One thing you said then, An interesting fact; one
had a profound impact; I of our best designers did
was not good in English, not cut his teeth in art
and you said it was more school, but by making
important to get the job Ganpati idols and self-
done right than to be learning technology. So
fluent in English.” Neelesh in a way, technology also
heads a leading telecom democratizes design. I
group in Australia. If it were have even heard of this
not for design, engineering, musician who uses AI to
By Julian Thadathil technology, creativity, and perfect his songs so he
Chief Operating Officer, JTBrandlabs a community spirit that has better chances of
Facebook provides, I delivering hits!
would not have stood a Communication too is now
He is known as a brand doctor, business growth chance at connecting with Designeered. Moving from
consultant, digital-social strategist and creative Neelesh or many others. one-to-many to one-to- “The challenge today is, in
facilitator. He comes with an extensive work experience one, it has exploded into
in advertising and branding domain with companies like From those days in 1995, new forms and avatars.
a world where attention
Ogilvy, DDB and running his startups. where clients turned us Social media has a design spans are hardly seconds,
down saying we do not component, a technology how do we inspire and
LinkedIn: Julian Thadathil need Corporate Identity, factor, and a reach engage with people?”
the importance of design dispensation. One needs to
and identity has come full perfect all these elements
Avantika University | November 2020 48to stay on top. We when the pandemic struck.
often forget about Extremely low profile, we
prospect fatigue and let our work speak for itself.
brand aversion in our We have no employees,
social euphoria. only off-site affiliates who
are domain experts.
At JTBrandlabs, we
have had success with There is only one cardinal
companies, large and rule we have for our
small. Technology plays a affiliates; do not work on
vital role in levelling the our projects when fatigued.
competitive landscape This comes from my
for us. Some of our clients personal practice of being
have come to us after an early riser who prefers
failing to get the right to sleep off very early, even
results in international
hotspots of Designeering.
if I have deadlines looming.
Your best work comes “In the
At JTBrandlabs, we have when your mind is rested,
been doing what the world
is doing now, for the past 3
calm, clear, and when work
is not really ‘work.’ A bit
end, all your prospects
years- interacting digitally.
That is why we were ready
unconventional, but that is
me and us! are human first whose
and running from day one
without any disruption
brains can only take on
so much.”
49 Avantika University | November 2020@theweavemagazine
Campus Talent
Shivam Singh Rathore
Aman Soni
Avantika HSM
Jrogues are traditional
(Housekeeping and
brogue shoes, made from
Security Management
upcycled leather and
System) is a mobile
naturally obtained jute, with
application developed to
a twist of prevalent Indian
provide a consolidated
craftsmanship known as
digital connectivity solution
Tarkashi. Jrogues are made
for all the housekeeping
and strung entirely by hand
departments, security
and are rather eco-friendly.
teams, and campus hostel
residents, at Avantika
LinkedIn: Aman Soni
University.
Website: Shivam Singh
Anaghaa Chakrapani Hetvi, Vibhuty, Mrunal, Avantika
This project aims to help Almost all cuss words
Taco Bell expand its we use, offend a gender.
operations in India by Fuss About Cuss is an
driving sales through the art movement which
digital application created addresses the issue of the
specifically for an Indian underlying sexism in the
audience.Through design, cuss words used today.
psychology, and business For people to realise the
strategies, the launch of a same, abstract visuals of
digital app can help boost the literal meanings of the
their revenue, and acquire cuss words were depicted.
repeat customers through Cussing cannot stop.
exclusive discounts. Hence, we also introduced
a new set of gender
Behance: Anaghaa C neutral cuss words.
Behance: Fuss about Cuss
Avantika University | November 2020 52Team Weave
Editor
Miral Zafar
Marketing Team Design Team Special Thanks
Sriram Ajith Aayush Bidkar Dipanshu Singhall
Anush Nadkarni Yashi Pareek Niharika Gupta
Shubhankar Nandapurkar Devashish Boralkar Rutal Deshmukh
Ananya Dey Ishan Nakate Rishabh Kiran
Saumya Kharkar Esha Mehta
Sarthak Shambhatnavar
Simmran Khanna
Writer Research Team Content Team Madhumitha Balasubramanian
Surabhi Bajaj Zeel Modi
Riya Katariya Priyanshi Katiyar
Guided By
Saurabh Dhankhar
Avantika University | November 202002 Weave November 2020 Edition
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