Tag: Design Thinking

Events in Goa

Design Thinking Takes Center Stage at First Fridays’ 17th Edition in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Panjim, October 2025 – The 17th edition of First Fridays, Goa’s monthly creative gathering, brought together design professionals, startups, and innovation enthusiasts to explore the transformative power of Design Thinking. The session, hosted by the Creative Community of Goa in collaboration with the Association of Designers of India (ADI) Goa Chapter and supported by the Startup and IT Promotion Cell (SITPC), was held at Biz Nest, Co-Working Space, Patto, Panjim on Friday, October 3, 2025.

The evening featured a thought-provoking session led by Dr Sneha Bhat, Assistant Professor, Strategy & Consulting at Goa Institute of Management (GIM). With an emphasis on empathy, user experience, and iterative problem-solving, Dr Sneha unpacked the five key phases of the design thinking process: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. She highlighted that design thinking is not just a method but a mindset—one that puts the user at the center of every decision.

Dr Sneha illustrated the difference between traditional tools such as surveys and the human-centered insights gained through design thinking. She pointed to Apple’s revolutionary design of the iPhone, where features like “pinch to zoom” were born from observing real user behavior. “Apple didn’t just create a product; they designed an experience,” she noted.

The audience, comprising designers, developers, entrepreneurs, and students, engaged deeply with the conversation, gaining actionable insights on applying design thinking across disciplines—from product development to service innovation and organizational change.

The event also featured remarks from Shri DS Prashant, CEO of the Startup & IT Promotion Cell, who emphasized Goa’s vision to become a destination for design-led innovation. He highlighted ongoing efforts to nurture a startup ecosystem that prioritizes creativity, local talent, and product-building. “A draft design policy is now in circulation for feedback, and initiatives like First Fridays play a key role in strengthening Goa’s creative infrastructure,” he said.

First Fridays has grown into a platform where Goa’s creative and tech community converge to exchange ideas, build networks, and foster innovation. This edition further contributed to the broader vision of positioning Goa as the Creative Capital of India—where art, design, and technology intersect to build a future rooted in creativity and purpose.

EduConnect

PM SHRI Government High School, Morpirla Attends Innovation Council Workshop at Don Bosco College of Engineering

allycaralgoa

Quepem, Goa | 26th June 2025 – In a forward-thinking move to empower students with the tools of modern innovation, the students of PM SHRI Government High School, Morpirla participated in an immersive Innovation Council Workshop held at Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda. The workshop, conducted on 26th June 2025, brought together young minds and experts for a dynamic day of exploration, learning, and hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies.

Igniting Minds with Innovation

The workshop began with an inspiring keynote session by Siddhanth Panjikar, who set the tone for the day with an engaging discussion on Innovation and Creativity. Emphasizing the importance of design thinking, collaboration, and a culture of experimentation, his session motivated students to think outside the box and approach problems with fresh perspectives.

Through interactive discussions, students were encouraged to share ideas and understand how innovation plays a vital role in solving real-world challenges. They learned that innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about mindset, curiosity, and the willingness to question, explore, and experiment.

Think, Design, Prototype: A Hands-On Journey

The heart of the workshop was the Think, Design, and Prototyping session, which introduced students to the fundamentals of design thinking—from identifying problems to brainstorming, prototyping, and testing. Students were guided through structured innovation processes and real-life case studies that demonstrated the power of empathy, ideation, and creativity.

This session emphasized the role of collaboration and iterative design in creating effective solutions. Students were given a platform to brainstorm ideas, discuss challenges, and visualize how they could bring their ideas to life.

Exploring Future Technologies: 3D Printing and Laser Cutting

One of the most exciting segments of the day was the technology demonstration on 3D printing and laser cutting. Students witnessed the precision of laser cutting, observing how the technology could effortlessly carve intricate patterns and designs. They gained a deeper appreciation for how laser cutting is used in industries such as manufacturing, architecture, and product design.

The 3D printing demonstration opened a window into the fascinating world of additive manufacturing. Students learned about the step-by-step process of creating physical objects layer by layer from digital models. From prototyping to final production, the applications of 3D printing in various fields such as healthcare, engineering, and education were explored.

Adding to the excitement, students had the unique opportunity to use 3D pens, which allowed them to create physical designs in real-time using handheld tools. This engaging activity boosted their confidence and creativity, showing them that innovation can be both fun and accessible.

Inspiration for the Future

The workshop concluded with a reflection session, where students shared their takeaways and expressed enthusiasm about applying their new skills and knowledge in their school environment. The experience not only broadened their understanding of emerging technologies but also instilled a deeper interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Towards a Culture of Innovation

The Innovation Council Workshop was more than just a one-day event—it was a step forward in building a mindset of innovation among the students of PM SHRI Government High School, Morpirla. With the skills and inspiration gained, students are now better equipped to take on creative challenges and contribute meaningfully to the school’s journey toward becoming an innovation-driven learning environment.