Design Thinking Exhibition Highlights Sustainable Mumbai Projects

The students of the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM) and Global Management Program (GMP) at SPJIMR showcased their innovative solutions for a more inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable Mumbai at the Design Thinking exhibition held on June 13th on campus.

The event highlighted projects addressing various urban challenges in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) 11. Over the course of their programme, the students worked diligently to identify and develop solutions for pressing city concerns. The exhibition showcased 45 innovative approaches covering topics such as waste management, maintaining historical sites, easily accessible public transportation, and public safety.

The course faculty professors Lata Dhir, Bindu Kulkarni and Vidhula Venugopal commented, “The participants’ insights into issues faced by Mumbai’s common man and the underlying systems were clear in their problem framing and solutions. This understanding led to practical, effective and implementable solutions. The course aimed to equip participants with innovative approaches to solving complex problems.” Students also prepared their pitches with a target company/NGO in mind, aiming to attract interest and support for their innovative ideas.

“Design thinking helped me to comprehend user needs while promoting creative and innovative solutions. The opportunity to take this challenge on with my team inculcated a sense of teamwork and collaboration. Prototyping provided practical insights, and systematic problem-solving ensured comprehensive outcomes. Overall, design thinking broadened my perspective on the societal impact of inclusive design choices,” said student Amey Patil, PGPM 2024 batch.