INSIGHT CENTRE FOR DESIGN, TECHNOLOGY AND CREATIVE ARTS

Welcome to the INSIGHT Centre for Design, Technology and Creative Arts!

At INSIGHT, we believe that design is not merely about aesthetics—it’s about solving real-world problems, creating meaningful experiences, and shaping the future. As industries evolve and new opportunities emerge, the need for creative thinkers, strategic designers, and responsible innovators has never been greater.

Our mission is to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity. We are committed to nurturing talent from diverse academic backgrounds—whether in engineering, arts, commerce, or science—and guiding them toward rewarding careers in design. Our programs are intensive, practice-led, and industry-aligned, offering hands-on experience, expert mentorship, and exposure to emerging technologies and global trends.

Set on the historically rich and culturally vibrant Willingdon Island in Kochi, our campus is more than a learning space—it’s a creative hub for ideas, collaboration, and transformation. Through partnerships with leading institutions, industry experts, and design communities, we aim to make INSIGHT a launchpad for tomorrow’s designers and changemakers.

Whether you aspire to design digital experiences, sustainable products, or impactful communication strategies, INSIGHT will equip you with the tools, mindset, and confidence to make your mark.

Our Chairman

RAHUL R IRS(Retd)

Shri Rahul R is a former Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer of the 2007 batch, who has held various important positions in the Government of India and the Government of Kerala.

As Managing Director of the Kerala Academy for Skills Excellence (KASE), he was instrumental in securing the support of the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, to collaborate with the Government of Kerala. This led to the establishment of the Kerala State Institute of Design (KSID) in May 2015—the first design institute under the Government of Kerala.

During his tenure as Managing Director of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC), he also played a key role in hosting the Kochi Design Week at the Bolgatty Palace in Kochi.

He has held several other significant positions, including Deputy Director (Kerala Region), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Government of India; General Manager and CMD (In-charge), Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation; State Project Director, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), Education Department; Managing Director, Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala; CEO, Kerala Maritime Board; and Secretary, Municipal Corporation of Kochi.

His areas of interest include design thinking and its potential to drive systemic change in public policy and services. He is deeply committed to using user-centered design for public action—applying empathy and creativity to deliver meaningful, community-driven impact.

Advisory Board

Prof. Dhiraj Kumar

Former Director, National Institute of Design, MP
  • Founding Director of NID Madhya Pradesh, established it as a nationally recognized design institution
  • Area of expertise include: Design Policy framework, product design, design research, and design management.
  • Member in: CII’s National Committee on Design, CII MP’s National Committee on Education, ASSOCHAM’s National Council on Education, and the Indian Design Council, among others.

PROF. SASI MENON

CDO, Infinite Life Spaces, Former Dean, School of Fashion and Design, GD Goenka University
  • Former Head of Design at Vedatya Institute and Dean-School of Design at Sushant University, focusing on career development, higher education, and bridging academic learning with industry-driven real-world applications.
  • Area of expertise include: Design thinking, Design Methodologies
  • Member in : Board of Studies, NID, MP

SHRI. HARI VARMA

Former Chief Creative Officer, Toonz Animation India
  • Collaborated with: Nickelodeon, Disney, and Paramount Pictures in character development, co-production, co-directions and story boarding
  • Worked in Koi… Mil Gaya and Boys which are the key milestones in his career
  • Specialized in advanced animation and visual effects integration in Indian cinema
  • Received National and Asian Awards for Best Animation and Visual Effects for these films

Smt. Sonia Manchanda

Creative Chief and Co-Founder , SPREAD DESIGN and Member, World Design Organisation
  • Founding Partner of Spread Design and Co-founder of Design Barn (India’s first independent design centre) and Design Open, which integrates with innovations in design, collaboration, and education.
  • Board member at WDO, Forge Incubator, and India Design Council.
  • Awarded as gamechanger by Metropolis Magazine, USA for the project Dream:in (UN-recognized), an open innovation and design research project
  • Worked as Design Director for Commonwealth Games 2010.
  • Worked with organisations like Future Group, Manipal, and Cochin International Airport for branding

Prof. P T GIRISH

Founder Executive Director, Kerala State Institute of Design(KSID)
  • Post Graduate diploma holder from NID, Ahmedabad
  • Worked with URMUL TRUST in Rajasthan supporting rural artisans.
  • Worked with Fab India as Designer and Kerala Production Coordinator
  • Over 30 years of experience in design field
  • Served as the Executive Director of the Kerala State Institute of Design, (KSID), the only fully state‑owned design institute in Kerala.
  • Interests: craft development, weavers training in scientific dyeing

CHIEF COLLABORATORS

Nagesh Susarla

Former Lead in Product Design at CISCO
  • Founder & Executive Director of DT Leadership that shapes innovation leadership across Southeast Asia using Design Thinking as a core methodology.
  • Recognized in design thinking, coaching senior leaders and driving innovation through training, hackathons, and thought leadership shared via LinkedIn and other platforms.
  • Works closely with boards, executive senior leadership, managers, and executives across various industries to foster innovation and drive business growth.

Prasanth Nair IAS

Honorary Fellow (Visiting) -Governance & Design
  • Led two major World Bank projects: Jalanidhi and KSTP
  • Launched the award-winning Compassionate Kozhikode campaign, using social media to mobilize volunteers and implement community projects like Operation Sulaimani (free meals), Yo Appoppa (enhancing the quality of life of the elderly) among the others
  • Directed and co-wrote the short film Daivakanam (The God Particle), exploring time and existence which was premiered at the 71st Cannes Film Festival in 2018.

Dr. Manu Thundathil

University of Limerick
  • Industrial Designer with over 14 years of professional experience; Served as an industrial designer and design educator,
  • PhD in Product Design, a master’s degree in Industrial Design and a bachelor’s degree in Polymer Engineering.
  • Current research focuses on understanding consumer perception mechanisms to create sustainable materials that foster positive user experiences and enhance aesthetic sustainability.
  • Led Industrial Design at SABIC India, handling projects in Railways, Defense, Healthcare, and Consumer Appliances.

MENTOR FACULTY

Leenus L. K

Former HoD, K R Narayanan Institute of Visual Science and Arts
  • Directed and written films showcased at IFFK, SIGNS, Brisbane, Detmold (Germany), and Cinema d’Arte (Italy).
  • Former Assistant Project Director & Academic Coordinator at KSID.
  • An alumini of Film and TV Institute of India, Pune
  • A stalwart in the field, he drives practice-based learning grounded in industry standards.

Radhika Prasad

Chairperson, Alliance Educational Foundation and Former Associate Professor at Kerala State Institute of Design.
  • A veteran in Experience Design from NID with cross-disciplinary strengths
  • Focused expertise in Brand Strategy, Identity Design, Spatial and Display Design
  • Passionate mentor committed to shaping future-ready design professionals
  • Has led consulting assignments in Communication and Experience Design for the Government of Kerala
  • An enthusiastic leader who cultivates innovation and confidence in every design learner
  • Chairperson of Alliance Educational Foundation

Kritika Kaul

Founder, Shunya Design Company
  • With an experience of more than 10 years, worked with renowned brands like TATA Cliq, Indiluxe, Nykaa, Johnson & Johnson, Asian Paints, Navneet, Nature’s Essence and many more
  • Notable works include- Branding, Packaging, UI, websites, Cover pages for Cauvery, Soul Brew, PR Gandhi, P1 Coating, Paperboats and many more
  • Featured in A’ Design Award & Competition since 2020
  • Her diversity in the field and industry leadership resonate well with students seeking real world design guidance.

Our Vision

To be a catalyst for innovation and cultural change by empowering anyone to use design to solve real-world problems and create meaningful impact

Our Mission

To nurture creative, future-ready designers through hands-on, industry-aligned education that blends technology, culture, and critical thinking—guided by expert mentors.

Our Objective

To make design education accessible to all . Through job-focused courses, expert mentorship, and real-world projects, we equip students with industry-ready skills,

Hands on Training

The one-year Post Graduate Certificate Program at the INSIGHT Centre for Design, Technology and Creative Arts places strong emphasis on hands-on training through immersive studio sessions, live projects, and interactive workshops. Students actively engage with real-world design challenges across domains such as Interaction Design, Lifestyle Product Design, and Fashion Communication, working closely with industry experts and mentors. This practical exposure not only strengthens their technical and creative skills but also prepares them to seamlessly transition into the dynamic professional design ecosystem.

Internships

At the end of the one-year Post Graduate Certificate Program, the INSIGHT Centre for Design, Technology and Creative Arts facilitates internships with leading design studios, startups, and industry partners across India. These internships provide students with valuable on-ground experience, enabling them to apply their skills in real-world contexts, build professional networks, and gain insights into industry workflows. The internship also serves as a launchpad for potential employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in the design sector.

Placement Assistance

The INSIGHT Centre for Design offers dedicated placement assistance to students upon completion of the one-year Post Graduate Certificate Program. The Centre actively connects students with a wide network of industry partners, design firms, and creative agencies through portfolio reviews, career counselling, and placement drives. Personalized guidance is provided to help students craft compelling portfolios, prepare for interviews, and identify suitable career paths in their chosen design fields. The goal is to ensure that every student is well-positioned to secure meaningful opportunities in the competitive design industry.