DeSH Lab

Design Studies/History Lab 

Department of Design, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi

Projects at IIT Delhi

Design-nama
Design in Independent India

Project Investigator IIT Delhi: Prof Saurabh Tewari
Funded by IIT Delhi New Faculty Grant

The project seeks to explore the holistic landscape of Indian design from production to consumption. By addressing the gap in design history education and challenging Euro-centric narratives, this 18-month project will create a comprehensive web resource. Deliverables include audio/video interviews, interactive meta-timelines, and perspectives on design, forming the foundation for research papers, MOOCs, textbooks, exhibitions, and a symposium on Indian design


Sustainability in Design Education
A Comparative Design Studies at IIT Delhi & TU Delft

Project Investigator IIT Delhi: Prof Saurabh Tewari
Project Investigator TU Delft: Prof Sam Wilkins
Funded by IIT Delhi - TU Delft Collaboration Programme

The project explores these institutions' historical evolution and approaches to sustainable design education. It examines the tenets, commonalities, and differences in their pedagogies, identifying key connections and recommending enhancements for sustainability in design and technology education. This cross-cultural research aims to foster collaboration and provide valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and practitioners globally.

Transliteration of Indian Scripts Design methodology for visual transliteration

Rana Shinde & Saurabh Tewari
Self-funded Project


This project, titled aims to develop a framework for converting logotypes from non-Indic scripts into Indic scripts or from one Indic script to other enhancing multilingual branding in India. The project proposes a step-by-step design methodology to preserve and promote linguistic diversity. It seeks to provide designers with a structured approach to creating localized visual identities for multinational brands, making them more accessible and culturally relevant in the Indian context. The methodology will be tested with design students at IIT Delhi to refine its efficacy and adaptability.


Designing Children's Climate Advocacy Network

Himani Kanojia & Saurabh Tewari
Self-funded Project

The project aims to create an organized platform that empowers children to become active advocates for climate action. By providing education, resources, and opportunities, the network will foster the development of young climate leaders capable of influencing policy and driving community-based sustainability initiatives. This project will involve interdisciplinary collaboration among educators, environmental experts, and policymakers to ensure the voices of young people are heard and valued in the fight against climate change.