The event brought together creative minds, diverse perspectives and a shared belief in designing with purpose, giving students an opportunity to engage with professionals from different fields and explore design beyond conventional boundaries.
The sessions featured Alysha Naples, Designer Artist Coach Somatic Practitioner; Shiva Vishwanathan, Curator Director, DesignUp; Niteesh Yadav, AVP Design and Research, Pocket FM; and Meru Vashisht, Human-Centered Design Lead, International Rescue Committee.
Through interactive sessions and discussions, the speakers shared insights drawn from design, technology, storytelling, human-centred practice and social impact. Students explored how observation, empathy, experimentation and interdisciplinary thinking can shape the way designers understand people, identify problems and develop relevant solutions.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Madhu Chitkara, President and Co-founder, Chitkara University, said, “Design is not simply about creating what looks good; it is about understanding what matters. When students learn to observe closely, question thoughtfully and design with empathy, they begin to see possibilities where others may see limitations. Platforms such as DesignUp give our students the opportunity to engage with practitioners who bring different experiences and perspectives, helping them understand the responsibility and possibilities that come with being a designer.”
The discussions also encouraged students to examine how the role of designers is changing in a world shaped by technology, social complexity and evolving human needs. By bringing together perspectives from creative practice, emerging technologies and social impact, DesignUp Day highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary thinking in developing thoughtful and relevant design responses.
For students of Chitkara Design School, the event provided an opportunity to learn directly from accomplished practitioners, gain insights into contemporary design practice and connect academic learning with real-world challenges.
DesignUp Day at Chitkara University reinforced the importance of understanding people, contexts and the problems that shape everyday life as the starting point for meaningful design. The discussions highlighted how curiosity, experimentation and purpose can help designers develop responses that address real-world needs.
Chitkara University is a UGC-recognised and NAAC-accredited private university in North India, with campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. It offers career-oriented undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Pharmacy, Design, Architecture, Hospitality and emerging technology fields. For Class 11 and 12 students planning higher education, the university provides industry-aligned programmes designed to combine academic excellence with practical exposure.
The university's curriculum emphasises experiential learning through internships, industry projects, research opportunities and global collaborations. Students have access to modern infrastructure, advanced laboratories, industry mentorship and skill-based training aimed at strengthening employability.
Supported by 2,000+ campus recruiters and 300+ international academic and industry collaborations, students receive placement support, international exposure, academic exchange and collaborative research opportunities.
Consistently ranked among leading institutions by national and global frameworks such as NIRF, QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education, Chitkara University maintains a focus on academic rigour and industry relevance. Through corporate partnerships and an emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary learning, the university prepares students for emerging career opportunities in India and abroad.
For more information, visit www.chitkara.edu.in.
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