Problem, symptom identification, diagnosis and solution this is the usual process followed by a doctor to resolve problem faced by a patient. Now, NID is set to inculcate the same process into the world of design.

The institute will soon set up Design Clinics to mentor design. If a design is found to be sick and not up to the mark with industry requirement, these clinics will take up the task.

"In Design Clinics, a multi-disciplinary team of experts will give solutions to diagnosed design problems and suggest remedial steps. In this model, value additions to an idea or concept are imparted through interaction and at a lesser cost to specific industry or sector. The institute has agreed to take on this project for the Ministry of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs). One of the major functions of the clinic will be to conduct design audit," said Pradyumana Vyas, director of the institute.

"It aims to focus on a sector where conventional model of design consultancy and training is often not affordable. This model brings about design exposure to the doorstep of industry clusters for improvement evaluation and analysis and adopting long-term consultancy and intervention," said Shashank Mehta, activity chairperson, research and publication at NID.

The project will soon begin, where NID will be a nodal agency to help SMEs cope with changing times and trends so that craft and expertise are saved and stay in business. "In the first stage, a team of identified designers will undertake a feasibility study to understand design issues of selected SME cluster. The second stage will include design sensitisation workshop where creative problem solving methods will be explored. In the third stage, a clinical approach is used where designer provides solution to problems by discussion with client. This enables them to come up with ideas and discuss its implications," said Mehta.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/