‘Make it Max’ Theme Transforms Campus into a Dynamic Design Laboratory
Jaipur, April 6, 2026: JK Lakshmipat University has officially launched the 2026 edition of Jaipur Design Week 2026 (JDW), turning its campus into a vibrant hub of creativity, collaboration, and experimentation. Running from April 3 to April 11, this year’s edition is centered around the theme “Make it Max,” encouraging participants to push the boundaries of conventional design thinking while exploring meaningful intersections between heritage and modern innovation.
The annual design conclave has drawn an impressive mix of students, educators, industry experts, and creative practitioners from across India and beyond. With a carefully curated lineup of workshops, talks, and immersive sessions, the university campus has effectively transformed into a “living laboratory,” where ideas are not just discussed but actively prototyped and tested in real time.
Inspiring Opening with Industry Leaders and Creative Voices
The week-long event commenced on a high note with a keynote session and interactive workshop led by Suresh Eriyat, a multi-award-winning animator known for his groundbreaking work in visual storytelling and advertising. Eriyat shared valuable insights from his illustrious career, inspiring young designers to think beyond aesthetics and focus on storytelling, emotion, and impact in their work.
Adding a community-focused dimension to the opening day, noted artist Abhijit Paul (popularly known as Lallon) conducted hands-on creative sessions with local school children, emphasizing the importance of early exposure to design thinking and artistic exploration. Meanwhile, Bindiya Mutum, Senior UX Designer at Microsoft, delivered an engaging talk on the fundamentals of visual communication and user-centric design, underlining the growing relevance of UX in today’s digital-first world.
The opening day concluded on a lighter yet equally creative note, as designer Chandrashekhar Bheda presented his stand-up comedy act “Bheda Fry,” blending humor with design observations and offering attendees a refreshing perspective on creativity.
A Platform for Multidisciplinary Learning and Real-World Impact
Highlighting the broader vision behind the initiative, Vijaysekhar Chellaboina, Vice Chancellor of JKLU, emphasized that Jaipur Design Week is more than just an academic event. “Jaipur Design Week 2026 is a testament to our commitment to multidisciplinary learning. We are witnessing a powerful confluence of global industry leaders and young innovators. Our goal is not just to teach design, but to nurture a culture where creativity translates into real-world economic and social impact,” he said.
The program continues to gather momentum with a strong blend of academic discourse and socially relevant themes. One of the key upcoming highlights is the launch of a new book by Ashoke Chatterjee at the Rajasthan International Centre. The book revisits the iconic Jawaja project, widely regarded as a pioneering model that links design innovation with artisan welfare and rural development.
ThoughtSpot Series Brings Global Design Perspectives
A major attraction of JDW 2026 is the “ThoughtSpot” series, which brings together leading voices from the design and corporate worlds. Among the prominent speakers is Tanu Sinha from PepsiCo India, who is expected to share insights into how design thinking drives brand storytelling and consumer engagement at scale.
The series will also feature acclaimed designers such as Paul Sandip, Suhasini Paul, and Gajesh Mitkari, who will explore the evolving narratives shaping global design, from sustainability to digital transformation.
Echoing the spirit of the theme “Make it Max,” A. Balasubramaniam, Director of the Institute of Design at JKLU, noted that the event challenges students to think beyond traditional boundaries. He described the week as a dynamic platform where traditional craftsmanship intersects with modern disciplines such as UX and industrial design, equipping students with the skills and mindset needed to lead in a rapidly changing world.
Open Studios and Hands-On Learning Experiences
As the week progresses, JDW 2026 will extend its reach beyond the academic community through its “Open Studios” initiative—a five-day series of immersive electives open to a wider audience. These sessions are designed to provide hands-on learning opportunities under the guidance of distinguished professionals.
Participants will have the chance to engage with experts such as Dadi Pudumjee, Margie Sastry, and Radhika Gupta, who will lead workshops spanning puppetry, brand design, and business strategy. These sessions aim to bridge the gap between theory and practice, enabling participants to develop practical skills while exploring creative disciplines.
Grand Finale to Celebrate Innovation and Craft Heritage
The event will culminate in a series of high-impact sessions, including a deep exploration of Indian aesthetics by Ayush Kasliwal, known for his work in reviving traditional crafts through contemporary design. Additional sessions by Sumit Baruah and Sudebi Thakurata will further enrich the closing days of the festival.
The grand finale will also recognize emerging talent, with Mubassirah Khatri being honored as the “Emerging Designer of the Year.” Khatri’s pioneering work in Ajrakh—a traditional block-printing craft—has not only brought renewed attention to heritage textiles but has also paved the way for greater inclusion of women in traditional craft industries.
A Call to Reimagine Design for Global Change
As Jaipur Design Week 2026 unfolds, it stands as a powerful call to action for designers, innovators, and changemakers to rethink the role of design in shaping the future. By seamlessly blending traditional knowledge systems with cutting-edge innovation, the event highlights the transformative potential of design as a driver of social, cultural, and economic progress.
With its diverse programming and global outlook, JKLU’s flagship design event continues to strengthen Jaipur’s position as a rising center for creative excellence. Participants and visitors alike are invited to experience firsthand how design can transcend boundaries and serve as a catalyst for meaningful, global change.
