The purpose of design education, I believe must go beyond learning rules, good design practices, making effective work. Design is heavily influenced by but not limited to culture, literature, architecture, history and sociology. The scope of design education that I went through was modeled after the Swiss/International style. As a student, I was presented with text and visual references created based on Swiss style to understand and appreciate the style and design principles. I was also prescribed books that looked at Design History to learn about design movements and styles originated and practiced in the European countries at different time periods. It does bring a question as to why design movements or styles from different geographic locations beyond Europe was not considered for research or documentation? Did design of any form not exist in any form during those time periods?
As a design student, the knowledge gained and skills mastered merely helped in creating a portfolio of work and one which would help solicit more similar work. I was left with a knowledge of design history with respect to European history and varied art movements or political changes that influenced design. The ability to observe and research what was very intrinsic to India was solely my responsibility. Design institutions in India also relied upon design movements & styles European culture & history to a greater extent however it would be of much importance to look at what design in India or Indian design was and what it can be. The knowledge of design research and processes can benefit anyone and not just students for professional careers. To look beyond academic courses and what the institution thought, the student ought to learn and master, the design education I went through didn’t seem to widen the perspective of what design can be and who all it can benefit and what changes it can bring and how much it is relevant to the contexts.