ATLAS students receive global exposure through ‘Imagining Tomorrow’ at HKU Utrecht

ATLAS SkillTech University’s commitment to providing students with global exposure took center stage once again as our students participated in the ‘Imagining Tomorrow’ initiative at HKU University of the Arts Utrecht in the Netherlands. Nineteen students from Communication Design, Product Design and Strategic Design Management, accompanied by Prof Nishith Mehta and Prof Manasee Kakkad, embarked on a 10-day journey of developing social innovations for global clients. This marked the fifth consecutive year of collaboration between ATLAS ISDI – School of Design & Innovation and HKU.

Imagining Tomorrow: Bringing design, management and art together

• ISDI students had the opportunity to spend 2 weeks at HKU Utrecht envisioning the future
• A unique opportunity for our design students to solve complex problems with intercultural perspectives
• They got to test concepts, create mockups and bring ideas to life in an international environment

A Multinational Convergence

The program involved not only HKU and ATLAS SkillTech Univeristy but also students from ICN (France), ICN (Berlin) Metropolia University of Applied Sciences (Finland) and HOGENT (Belgium), creating a dynamic and diverse collaboration.

Real-world Challenges Unveiled

The journey commenced with icebreaking sessions and face-to-face meetings with clients. Students were presented with four distinct challenges from organisations in the Netherlands:

• Twynstra Gudde: Problem Brief – If you were the CEO of our organisation, what changes would you make?

• KWF Dutch Cancer Society: Problem Brief – Boost the conversation around cancer

• Plod Sluish (Explosion Sluish): Problem Brief – What could be done to make the site more experiential for tourists?

• National Monument Kamp Amersfoort: Problem Brief – Present the history of the monument’s garden to visitors and make them more aware of it.

This hands-on approach allowed students to apply their skills to real-world scenarios.

Collaborative Problem-Solving

The students, now mixed into multicultural groups, were tasked with addressing specific client briefs. Each client had three groups working independently, guided by faculty mentors from different institutes. The end goal was to present innovative solutions to the clients at the conclusion of the program. This collaborative problem-solving approach provided a unique perspective on teamwork and cultural diversity.

Navigating Challenges and Crafting Solutions

The journey wasn’t just about meetings and briefings. Students faced a rigorous schedule, conducting research, meeting clients and refining their ideas. Faculty mentors played a crucial role, providing feedback and guidance. Despite the challenges, the ATLAS students showcased their commitment and hard work, receiving commendations from both clients and mentors.

From Research to Exhibition: The Journey Unfolds

The process involved in finding solutions included independent research, meetings with faculty mentors and continuous refinement of ideas. The students worked tirelessly, meeting in between to check on work progress and receive feedback. The culmination of this effort was the presentation of their ideas to clients, followed by a captivating exhibition of collaterals—posters, models, prototypes and more.

Beyond the Project: A Cultural Exploration

The immersive experience extended beyond the project work. Students and faculty explored Rotterdam, attended sessions by specialists and absorbed insights from professionals, including our esteemed faculty member Gourav Keswani. The focus on intercultural collaboration added a layer of understanding, preparing students for the complexities of working in diverse environments.

Aligning with ATLAS Values

In this transformative 10-day experience at HKU University of the Arts Utrecht, our students ventured beyond their comfort zones, collaborating with international peers to tackle real-world challenges. This initiative perfectly aligns with ATLAS SkillTech University’s core values—global exposure, learning in diverse environments and experiential learning. It underscores our unwavering commitment to preparing students for the challenges of an interconnected and ever-evolving world.