Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI)’s second annual Graduate Exhibition is a celebration of innovative design thinking and youthful creativity.
The public event, at Building 7 in Dubai Design District (d3) fruns until June 1 and highlights 29 avant-garde final research projects and prototypes by the institute’s graduating students.
Founded in 2018, DIDI fosters a new wave of designers, innovators, and entrepreneurs, not only in the Middle East but worldwide. The annual Graduate Exhibition is an opportunity for senior students to display their development through four years of rigorous design learning and product ideation.
This year’s exhibition offers a rich tapestry of design disciplines, from multimedia to fashion and product design, emphasising sustainability – a fitting prelude to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 28) scheduled later this year.
Among the highlights are zero-waste, multifunctional clothing, and underwater sculptures made from discarded bivalve seashells to bolster marine life. These projects reflect DIDI’s ethos of innovation and data-driven solutions that not only contribute to societal growth but also enhance environmental wellbeing.
Mohammad Abdullah, President of DIDI, commented on the exhibition, stressing that the future is inevitably hinged on innovation. The institute’s guiding philosophy ensures that the evolution of this digital-first future prioritises the wellness of both people and the planet. This Graduate Exhibition serves as a testament to how the faculty and students at DIDI intend to fulfill this vision.
Hani Asfour, Dean of DIDI, adds to this sentiment, stating that the students’ Capstone projects encapsulate the essence of DIDI’s multidisciplinary curriculum. With focus areas spanning technology, sustainability, and design, DIDI’s students are at the forefront of humanising technology and creating a resilient world.
An increasing focus on AI
Among the innovative solutions on display are an AI-powered tool called ‘Synchronicity’ designed to boost productivity and a mobile app-based puzzle game ‘Tajmauna’ that engages expats with local UAE heritage. Another intriguing project is ‘Emotional Vision’, a virtual reality device that makes digital environments accessible to visually impaired individuals.
The exhibition also hosts ‘Gahwatna’, a sustainable solution to combat coffee and packaging waste by two Emirati students, and ‘Sensuous’, an ergonomically designed walking stick that enhances mobility for the elderly. A unique fashion project ‘Transform’ presents multifunctional garments that can be converted into seven distinct pieces of clothing using 3D printing technology and zero-waste pattern-making.
This Graduate Exhibition showcases DIDI’s commitment to preparing its students for a rapidly changing world. DIDI’s Bachelor of Design (BDes) course, uniquely designed in partnership with MIT and Parsons, encompasses four disciplines: Product Design, Multimedia Design, Fashion Design, and Strategic Design Management. This holistic approach enables students to blur traditional design boundaries, improving their problem-solving abilities and fostering emotional intelligence.
The exhibition is open to the public from 10am to 10pm until June 1 at the atrium in Building 7, Dubai Design District. For more information, visit www.didi.ac.ae.
