Why Aren’t Design Skills Taught in Secondary Education, and How to Address This Gap

Honestly, it's a shame that design skills are not more widely included in secondary education. However, it is never too late for individuals to start nourishing their design talents, and there are excellent educational institutions out there that can help. One such institution is the World University of Design (WUD), which has emerged as one of the best educational institutions in India.

Over the years, WUD has been dedicated to creating, unifying, and transforming the realm of creative education through trans-disciplinary courses at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. They were recognized as the 2nd highest-ranked university in the India Higher Education Rankings 2019 and won the "Most Upcoming University" award in the Education Excellence Award 2019. This recognition underscores their commitment to providing high-quality education and preparing students for a future where design skills are in high demand.

Ambitious Offerings from WUD

We understand the need for students to acquire essential skills early in their educational journey. WUD offers a 2-year MBA program with a specialization in Service Design. This program is not only beneficial for those directly aspiring for a career in design but can also serve as a stepping stone for students looking to diversify their skill set.

The key takeaways from the WUD program include:

With 30 academic programs to choose from, 75 quality educators to learn from, and access to scholarships worth approximately 12 crore (?120 million), WUD is undoubtedly the best way to kickstart a career or further education in design.

The Importance of Encouraging Design Skills in K-12 Education

Our education policies have traditionally focused on more traditional subjects like mathematics, sciences, and languages, largely neglecting design and creative thinking. This imbalance can lead to a mismatch of skills needed by the workforce and what students are being prepared to offer.

For instance, in the last decade, engineering and coding saw a surge in demand, which led to a temporary fulfillment for those skilled in these areas but also created gaps where creative problem-solving and design skills were less prepared. It became clear that students needed to refine their skills and explore other areas that were complementary to their existing expertise.

There is an urgent need to introduce specific design courses in secondary education, especially given the rapid changes in industry needs. Academic institutions, in collaboration with NGOs or private educational organizations, can play a crucial role in identifying and implementing these programs. Alternative resources, such as online courses and workshops, can also be leveraged to ensure that these skills are accessible to as many students as possible.

To address this gap, educational policies should be reviewed and updated to include design and creative skills as core components of the curriculum. This will help equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market and to foster innovation and creativity.

Conclusion

While it can be disheartening that design is not a standard part of secondary education, initiatives like WUD and the growing awareness of the importance of these skills provide promising avenues for students to gain these essential abilities. By collaborating with educational institutions, NGOs, and private organizations, we can create a more inclusive and innovative learning environment.

To learn more about the services and programs offered by WUD, please visit their website or reach out to them directly.

Keywords: design education, secondary education, secondary schools, service design, World University of Design

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