Design Innovation Research Tribe
At School of Design Innovation, DIRT is a research group fromed dedicated to advancing the pedagogy of design innovation through three key pillar:
With DIRT, we aim to reshape how design is taught and applied.
Members of The Tribe
Work of Research Scholars
A Framework for Rich Media in Online Education: A Psychological, Cognitive and Emotional Study
Prof. Prakash Narkhede
This research explores how rich media-motion graphics, interactive multimedia, and AI tools-impact cognitive load, emotional engagement, and learning efficacy in design education. Using a practice-based approach, it examines how multimedia environments enhance retention, creativity, and the effectiveness of AI-driven feedback in online design learning.
Developing a Framework for Teaching Stop Motion Animation using AI Tools/Agents
Prof. Bhanu Prakash
This research explores using AI to streamline stop-motion animation while preserving its handmade aesthetics. It develops a practice-based pedagogy for design students and investigates AI’s role in empowering Indian artisans through digital platforms. The project aims to blend tradition and technology, promoting handicrafts via innovative animation and sustainable toy alternatives.
An Investigation into Architecture Motifs in India Textiles: Cultural and Aesthetic Sensibilities
Prof. Sayoni Laha
This research examines how architectural motifs-from Mughal jaalis to temple gopuram details-are reflected in traditional Indian textiles like Banarasi, Pochampally, and Kanchivaram. It explores the historical continuity, artistic evolution, and future relevance of these designs, highlighting the deep connections between Indian architecture and textile aesthetics in contemporary design.
Reframing Sketching: Evolving Design Education for an AI-First Environment
Prof. Mandar Kale
This research explores how AI tools influence the cognitive and creative processes of Gen Z and Gen Alpha design students. Using practice-based methods and hybrid research, it aims to develop a toolkit that enhances originality, value, and satisfaction in design education amid hyperconnectivity, instant access, and AI-driven creative workflows.
Developing Innovation Pedagogy using AI for MOOCs
Prof. Kums Kumaresan
This research explores integrating Artificial Intelligence into MOOCs to develop an innovation pedagogy that enhances learner engagement, personalization, and creativity. It aims to design adaptive, scalable, and outcome-driven learning frameworks that foster critical thinking and innovation, transforming digital education for diverse learners in the 21st-century knowledge economy.
Reframing Sketching: Evolving Design Education for an AI-First Environment
Prof. Mandar Kale
This research explores how AI tools influence the cognitive and creative processes of Gen Z and Gen Alpha design students. Using practice-based methods and hybrid research, it aims to develop a toolkit that enhances originality, value, and satisfaction in design education amid hyperconnectivity, instant access, and AI-driven creative workflows.
Technological Interventions in Rural Housing: A Sustainable Approach through Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Sai Harshita Abburi
This research examines sustainable rural housing through technological interventions grounded in Indigenous Knowledge Systems. It aims to integrate traditional building practices with modern innovations to create eco-friendly, cost-effective, and culturally appropriate housing solutions, promoting resilience, and environmental sustainability in rural development.
Architecting Public Policy Frameworks through Indian Knowledge Systems
Arpit Awasthi
This research applies Civilizational Design Thinking to develop adaptive public policy rooted in Indian Knowledge Systems. Integrating texts like Arthashastra with Nudge and Game Theory, it aims to align governance with India’s ethos, fostering culturally resonant, strategic, and equitable solutions for achieving the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
Research Work
Evaluating AI-Assisted Skill Development in Design Education:
A Pre-Post Analysis with Expert and AI-Based Assessment
Blending AI and Expert Insight in Design Education
As AI transforms education, this study explores its role in helping first-year design students learn the “Elements and Principles of Design.” Conducted with 31 students at School of Design Innovation in Hyderabad, India, the research aimed to understand how AI, combined with traditional teaching, can shape skill development.
Key words
Personalized learning, Scalable teaching-learning, AI-assisted Learning,
AI-human evaluation
Authors
Bhanu Prakash Bussagari Chaitanya Solanki
B.K. Chakravarthy Sai Harshita Abburi
Methodology
As AI transforms education, this study explores its role in helping first-year design students learn the “Elements and Principles of Design.” Conducted with 31 students at School of Design Innovation in Hyderabad, India, the research aimed to understand how AI, combined with traditional teaching, can shape skill development.
Pebble Exercise & Evaluation
Design students created dot-based artwork on palm-sized pebbles using various paints and tools, exploring color, medium, and composition in a half-day activity. Each student completed two versions-before and after receiving AI feedback. These artworks were anonymized and evaluated by three independent experts and an AI system on six parameters: theme expression, color interplay, precision, creativity, composition, and overall design.
This dual evaluation aimed to assess the impact of AI guidance on student performance, blending human insight with AI’s objective analysis.
