LATEST ISSUE: AUG 2026(Special Issue DRCI-Conference-2025)

Deshpande, Rahul 1; Gawai, Nitin 2; Desai, Manohar 3; Deore, Sandip 4

1,2,3 Symbiosis Institute of Design, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, India.

4 MIT Institute of Design, MIT Art, Design and Technology University, Pune, India. 

Abstract: This study aims to examine the influence of folk art and crafts on modern design practices. It will focus on how designers can find innovative ways to apply folk art aesthetic, design languages to evolve and integrate new design languages. The second aspect is how designers can take advantage of technology to achieve desired effects without disturbing the traditional values of the folk arts and crafts. Folk art is deeply rooted in the cultural essence of a region, profoundly influenced by its soil, nature, and geographical characteristics. The close connection between people and their environment is evident in their artistic expressions, where bold and straightforward forms reflect their intrinsic bond with nature. This connection is further exemplified in their vibrant use of colors, linear depictions, and decorative motifs that breathe life into their homes, attire, and everyday objects. The graphic qualities of folk art—its simplicity, charm, and directness—remain fascinating and captivating. India boasts a rich and diverse tradition of folk art and craft. Each region’s artistic expressions mirror the country’s cultural diversity, shaped by the distinct geographical features of its provinces. Folk art and craft are inseparable from the daily lives of the people, intricately linked to their festivals, rituals, and seasonal changes, which are often tied to agricultural and religious practices. These art forms embody the rhythm of life, weaving together nature and human activity.... Cntd.

Practical Implications: Practical exercises based on these findings can be integrated into contemporary design education, fostering a deeper appreciation of folk traditions while equipping students with innovative tools for creative expression. The approach of this study encourages the continuation of folk art’s legacy, ensuring its relevance in modern artistic and design practices. The study not only highlights the cultural significance of these traditions but also offers a roadmap for their integration into the evolving landscape of art and design.

Keywords: Art & Culture; Communication Design; Design Innovation; Design & Illustration; Folk Art.

Deshpande, R., Gawai, N., Desai, M.& Deore, S. (2026). The Influence of Folk Art on Contemporary Artistic and Design Practices. International Journal of Design and Allied Sciences (IJDAS), 05(01), 1–8. 

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21738085 

Verma, Jyoti 1; WADHAWAN, TANISHA 2

1 & 2 Fine Arts Department, CSJM University, Kanpur, India.

 Abstract: Rajasthani block printing is one of the finest traditional crafts of the textile world in India; it’s kind of famous for its very elaborate designs, organic shades, and that steady, careful craftsmanship. Over time, this art form has not only stayed local; it has also become an international design tradition, seen in fashion, home decor, everyday items, and sustainable textiles, and yeah, it has spread across many regions over centuries. Nowadays, Rajasthani block prints feel even more attractive to the international market because demand keeps rising for handcrafted, earth-friendly products. But there’s a flip side too: changing buyer preferences, globalization, and technological changes have created hurdles for artisans. So, some fresh innovative approaches are needed to keep traditional artisan skills alive while still meeting what the modern market expects. This research is trying to look into the universal appeal of Rajasthani block prints, but by combining that idea with human and ergonomic design interventions. Human-centred design is basically a design approach that wants to understand the needs, preferences, and lived experiences of the user, so the results can be visually pleasing, practical, and culturally respectful. Meanwhile, ergonomic interventions focus on improving comfort, usability, accessibility and also productivity, both for artisans themselves and for the end users.
Practical Implications: The study examines how these strategies can help product innovation, especially in maintaining the authenticity of traditional block-printing techniques. It also goes further into why sustainable materials matter, how inclusive design practices can work in real life, and how digital marketing along with global branding can expand market potential for Rajasthani block-printed products. Finally, the research points out possible opportunities for strengthening artisans’ livelihoods and increasing the competitiveness of Indian handicrafts internationally. 

Keywords: Artisans; Cultural Heritage; human-centered design; Rajasthani block printing; Sustainability.

Verma, . Jyoti .& Wadhawan, T. (2026). The Universal Appeal of Rajasthani Block Prints: Design, Human-Centered Strategy and Ergonomic Design Interventions for Contemporary Applications. International Journal of Design and Allied Sciences (IJDAS), 05(01), 9–16 

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21738234 

Kumar, Amarjeet 1; Kaushik, Hemant 2

1&2Avantika University, Ujjain, M.P., India.

 Abstract: This research investigates how human-centered design strategies can enhance sustainability and livelihood within the traditional art practices of the Gond tribe in Madhya Pradesh. The study aims to answer how design-oriented approaches can support Gond artists in preserving cultural identity while achieving economic resilience within a changing socio-economic landscape. Using a qualitative methodology, the study integrates literature review, field observations, case studies, and interviews with artists, scholars, and institutional representatives. It also analyzes policy frameworks and NGO initiatives that influence the socio-economic conditions of tribal artisans. The findings focus on how Gond art operates as a cultural and economic system, where traditional motifs and visual narratives are adapted through new materials, technologies, and market strategies without losing their symbolic depth. Human-centered design thinking helps reinterpret indigenous knowledge into sustainable livelihood models that balance creativity and income generation.

Practical Implications: This study contributes to the discourse on sustainable tribal livelihoods by position-ing Gond art as a model for culturally grounded design innovation. It demonstrates how design strategies connected to community participation and empathy can foster resilience, self-reliance, and cultural continuity in indigenous creative economies. 

Keywords: Ergonomic Design Intervention; Gond Community; Gond Art Economy; Gond Art Preservation; Human-Centered Design; Sustainable Livelihood.

Kumar, A.& kaushik, P. D. H. (2026). Human-Centered Design Strategies for Sustainability and Livelihood in Gond Tribal Art of Madhya Pradesh. International Journal of Design and Allied Sciences 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21738355 

Ramadas, Rithvik 1; Crimew, Maia Arson 2; Chowdhury, Anirban 3

1 Optum Global Advantage, Ground Floor (Part) & 10th Floor Campus 5B, Bengaluru-560035,

Karnataka, India.

2 Project PM 2.0, London, UK

3 Sad Girls Club (sadgirlsclub.org)

4 Alliance School of Design, Alliance University, Bangalore-562107, India.

Abstract: Israel and Palestine is a forever war zone, because the conflict here is going on for a very long time with no end in sight. The most recent conflict was triggered after the events of October 7th where Hamas launched an attack on Israel as a response to their transgressions on the Al Aqsa Mosque. The Israeli defense forces had launched a ground offensive after the Israeli Air Forces launches multiple airstrikes on different parts of Gaza strip. Little did they know they were walking into a trap created by themselves. Several civilians were trapped un- der the buildings had died and their corpses released bacteria, viruses, fungi and other pathogens into the environment. This was exacerbated by the IDF bull- dozers which dug up sewage systems and airstrikes had destroyed the sewage treatment plants exposing the IDF to these harmful pathogens. Due to corruption in the Israeli political brass, they had to rely on food donations from fast food giants like KFC, McDonalds and supermarket giant Carrefour, as per multiple reports these places where the cause of food poisonings and superbug infestations. Unsurprisingly, the same infections were reported in the IDF soldiers who were stationed in Gaza. Hamas weren’t exposed the pathogens as they were in well-sealed of tunnels eplaining their sudden success in the battlefield as workplace safety ergonomics and the environmental biome has played crucial unexpected role in the outcome of this war. 

Practical Implications: The purpose of this study is to conduct a meta-analysis of various reports available online about the events, workplace safety practices of the said entities involved in the conflict to give evidence for why the environmental biome and the lack of workplace safety ergonomics played a big role in Hamas’s victory. We additionally conduct a basic image processing study on footage of IDF soldiers to showcase how they had not taken safety precautions which contributed to their psychological breakdowns.

Ramadas, R., Crimew, M. A.& Chowdhury, A. (2026). Invisible Killers: How the Environmental Biome and Lack of Workplace Safety Ergonomics Has Played an Outcome in the Recent Israel Hamas War. International Journal of Design and Allied Sciences (IJDAS), 05(01), 23–34. 

DOI:   https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21738517 

Verma, Nishchay 1; Nath, Aishwarya 2; Devi J., Aneetha 3; John, Roli Jojy 4 ; Ansari, Nagma Sahi 5

1,2,3,4,5 National Institute of Fashion Technology, Mumbai – 410210, India

Abstract: The study explores the social and psychological implications of introducing skin tones into emoji usage. Initially, emojis were simple ideograms (pasted images) created in Japan in 1999 to represent feelings and actions. They have evolved into significant symbols of the times, identity and culture, especially after Apple allowed the insertion of various skin tones in 2015. The question that this research sought to answer was: "What are the social and psychological effects of racially diverse emojis among Gen Z WhatsApp users?". The essay seeks to find a better understanding into how racially diverse emojis are used and interpreted in various situations-adding its contribution from social sciences-as well as real-life examples. In terms of research methodology, this study uses survey (convenience sample, N = 71). The research was conducted amongst Gen Z WhatsApp users aging between 13 and 28 for the purposes of looking into the cognitive, emotive and social implications behind the selection of a specific emoji, the potential consequences on identity representation and inclusion through the online platform, and whether these images serve as an inclusive element for an increasingly diverse society or actually trigger race consciousness. Consent and the protection of user data had been implemented and no personal chats were opened.

Practical Implications: This study uses a descriptive analysis, aiming its analysis predominantly at Gen Z users who have been exposed to the increasing diversity within the emojis lexicon-particularly on social media-- in the course of their lives, exploring the delicate line between good representation and unintentional reconfirmation of race differences in new digital spaces.

Keywords: Cognitive and Emotional Response, Design, Digital Communication, Diverse, Inclusivity,  Racial Consciousness, Self-representation, Skin-tone, Social. 

Verma, N., Nath, A., Devi J., A., John, R. J.& Ansari, N. S. (2026). The Social and Psychological Impact of Racially Diverse Emoji Design on WhatsApp. International Journal of Design and Allied Sciences (IJDAS), 05(01), 35–53. 

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21739078