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After eight days of engaging conversations and electrifying activities centered around all things design,

The third edition of Jaipur Design Week (JDW) 2025 concluded with resounding success at JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU), leaving behind a trail of creativity, conversation, and transformative learning.

Held from April 6 to 13, this third edition of JDW saw the campus pulsating with energy as students, educators, and design professionals from across India and beyond came together to celebrate the power and potential of design.

With over 20 speakers and 15+ activities, the week offered a mix of experiences – from storytelling sessions, design thinking workshops, and panel discussions to film screening and game design activities.

The week began on a high note with an insightful keynote address by Parameswaran Venkataraman, Co-founder of 3 Big Things Studio, whose reflections on the future of design careers set the tone for what was to follow—a week of exploration, curiosity, and purpose.

Among the standout events was the much-anticipated (D)Construct workshop, led by the widely admired Gaurav Juyal, whose session attracted a full house. Best known as the host of Disney Channel’s Art Attack India, Gaurav now brings his deep passion for education and counselling to design pedagogy. His session immersed participants in hands-on activities focused on problem-solving and lateral thinking—revealing design not just as a profession, but as a mindset.

Before Gaurav took the stage, Bangalore-based game design practitioner Shradha Jain had already charged the atmosphere with her engaging workshop. She demonstrated how game design can be a powerful medium to build communities and foster collaboration, prompting participants to strategize, debate, and co-create with infectious energy.

JDW 2025 turned out to be the perfect platform for rich storytelling and real-world reflections. In one memorable ThoughtSpot session, Shantanu Jog recounted the inspiring journey of Ather Energy, blending entrepreneurial grit with design thinking. This was complemented by the compelling presence of industry leaders like Vaibhav Kumaresh, who offered a masterclass in stop-motion animation and the art of narrative, captivating both budding animators and curious minds alike.

Open Studios brought participants into intimate conversations with practitioners such as Radhika Gupta, Gurman Bhatia, and Mohd Osama, who unpacked emerging themes in service design, political branding, and identity through candid dialogue. These sessions encouraged not only learning but also introspection—challenging students to reflect on their role as designers in a complex world.

The week’s atmosphere was nothing short of electric, with workshops, mentoring huddles, film screenings, and late-night discussions creating a dynamic ecosystem of learning and experimentation.

In line with its tradition, JDW 2025 too celebrated excellence in design by honouring a young design professional for his/her exemplary work in the field of design. The winner of this year’s ‘Emerging Designer of the Year Award’ was Manan Pahwa, a Behavioural Designer working with the Research & Insights team at Tata Digital.

As JDW 2025 came to a close, it left behind more than memories—it instilled purpose, provoked thought, and forged connections. With a diverse and visionary lineup, the event reaffirmed its position as a beacon for the design community.