Pehel | Thesis Venture

About: In the past one year, I conceptualized and executed this thesis project as a part of my MFA in Design Entrepreneurship program at the School of Visual Arts.

Problem: Design education is still growing in India. There are a limited number of design schools and they don’t offer the same level of specialization and resources as schools abroad. Moreover, there is a shortage of resources when applying to design schools abroad. Most study abroad and counseling websites tend to focus on science and business fields, leaving aspiring graphic designers to do tedious research on their own.

Solution: A platform that connects Indian students with alums who were once in the same shoes, thereby increasing awareness of global education opportunities and simplifying the application process. The goal is to help students pursue their design passion and take their first step toward the international design community.

Special Thanks: I had the privilege of collaborating closely with my thesis advisor, Marc Rabinowitz. His invaluable expertise, feedback, and guidance played a pivotal role in shaping the project's success.

PEHEL

*Pehel empowers Indian students to pursue design educational opportunities abroad through mentorship and resources, which will help expose them to new perspectives and showcase their talents globally.

*Pehel means first step or new beginning in Hindi.

Website

Social Media

For Mentors

Thesis Book

Research

I conducted a total of 6 interviews ranging from 3 study abroad students, parents, a high school counselor and the International Regional Coordinator at the School of Visual Arts

Insights

Audience

Aspiring Indian students who are interested in pursuing design education abroad. These students may feel uncertain as they navigate the process of researching and applying to design schools in a foreign country. Additionally, they may require assistance in preparing their portfolio according to international standards, as well as reassurance that they are on the right track. They rely on various sources of information to research design schools, including word of mouth and social media platforms.

Mentors who studied design abroad, whether as recent graduates or current students, can leverage their knowledge and experience to help students achieve their career goals.

Parents play a critical role in supporting their children’s education in design, and it is important to provide them with reassurance that design is a viable and rewarding career option.