Pratiksha
MDes by Research, IDC
From Textiles to Product Design – Redefining Her Path
Pratiksha, a design graduate from Pune, started her career in textile design. But she knew deep inside she wanted to explore more—something with broader impact. After an attempt at design entrances that didn’t go as planned, she decided to restart with clarity. She joined a design studio as a brand strategist and later enrolled in a cohort for guidance. Slowly, her interest in sustainability and product design became clear. She worked hard on her portfolio and was eventually shortlisted for the MDes by Research programme at IIT Bombay—a dream come true.
Challenges, Feedback and Building a Purposeful Portfolio
Coming from a design background didn’t mean the journey was easy. For Pratiksha, sketching human figures and creating impact-driven portfolios were tough at first. Her previous portfolio lacked real outcomes, but she took feedback seriously and made major improvements. She started creating self-initiated projects that reflected real-life problems—like plastic pollution and environmental sustainability. By linking her love for nature with her work, she added a strong narrative to her projects. Her biggest learning was that personality and passion matter as much as skills in design interviews.
Research, Reflection and the Power of One Moment
For her MDes by Research application, Pratiksha selected a topic close to her heart—sustainable textiles. She read reference books, wrote a research proposal, and connected her own experiences to the subject. The process included a written test and an interview where she had to explain why she chose the topic and how it connects with her life. Her final selection was not just a result—it was a moment of joy. As she said, the notification arrived just as her father walked in, making that one minute unforgettable. Her advice to future students: work hard for that moment—because it will make everything worth it.
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