p.2
Design Education and Training
What seminar was 'Design and Rule' presented at?
A seminar on Gandhi at the National Institute of Design.
p.3
Cultural Context of Indian Design
What is essential for understanding design activity in any country?
Knowledge of the context in which it operates.
p.13
Challenges in Modern Indian Design
What issues arise from modern Indian architecture's reliance on Western aesthetics?
Many buildings are capital intensive, waste raw materials, and fail to address local environmental challenges like heat and dust.
p.11
Impact of Politics on Design
What is the status of democracy in India?
India is the largest democracy in the world, with a history of competitive political parties and democratic elections.
p.15
Challenges in Modern Indian Design
What is a significant need in the unorganised/informal sector?
Improvement of work environment and working conditions.
p.4
Future Directions in Design Methodology
What does the article suggest about design methodology?
It should be viewed from a different perspective as it can be both a facilitator and a constraint.
p.9
Case Studies in Design Applications
What is the significance of the case studies in the book?
They illustrate ideas in their realization and prompt readers to make connections.
p.6
Design Thinking and Its Importance
What distinguishes human design from animal design?
Humans can create designs freely, transcending the limitations of their nature, while animals can only repeat designs inscribed in them.
p.14
Challenges in Modern Indian Design
What is the survival problem highlighted in Delhi Transport buses?
People hang on to the bus as a means of survival due to inadequate resources.
p.14
Cultural Context of Indian Design
How do auto-rickshaws adapt to local needs?
They have a scooter engine with facilities and decorations tailored to individual tastes and local requirements.
p.8
Design Education and Training
What do designers often believe about their work?
They believe their work is a statement and leave its interpretation to others.
p.8
Design Education and Training
What is 'Thinking Design'?
A collection of articles reflecting on design issues over a span of seventeen years.
p.8
Design Education and Training
Why might the style and expression in 'Thinking Design' be uneven?
Each article represents a different period in the design scene and the author's thinking process.
p.11
Cultural Context of Indian Design
What does 'unity in diversity' mean in the context of India?
It refers to the geographically and culturally unified collection of people with vast diversities in language, social habits, and religious practices.
p.9
Design Thinking and Its Importance
What themes do the articles on Design Thinking cover?
Indian design context, people's design solutions, design education, comparison between Western and Indian design concepts, and semiotics.
p.10
Cultural Context of Indian Design
What did the Afghan hill man warn Nasrudin about?
He warned him that the chillis could cause death if he continued eating them.
p.9
Design Education and Training
What concept is explored in one of the articles related to design?
The concept of 'barefoot designer'.
p.7
Design Thinking and Its Importance
What is the main theme of the book 'Thinking Design'?
It emphasizes design as a mission rather than a commission.
p.2
Design Education and Training
Which family members showed interest in reading the drafts?
Saurabh, Pranav, and Padmini.
p.9
Design Thinking and Its Importance
How does the book structure its contents?
Using a three-axis grid with horizontals, verticals, and diagonals.
p.7
Cultural Context of Indian Design
How does the author relate personal experience to the concept of change?
By discussing the loss of mastery in his mother tongue, French, after learning Bengali.
p.12
Cultural Context of Indian Design
What is the traditional caste system in India?
It is divided into Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaisya, and Sudra, still practiced particularly in villages.
p.2
Design Education and Training
Which individuals assisted in typing the manuscript?
Srikumari, Padmavati Bet, Rita Desai, Smita Kutty, and Rekha Naidu.
p.10
Cultural Context of Indian Design
What did Nasrudin find sitting in the shade of a tree?
A benevolent-looking man with a basket of shiny red fruits.
p.7
Design Education and Training
Which essays by Balaram are highlighted for their insights on design?
“The Power of Representations: Semiotics for Mass Movements” and “The Barefoot Designer: Design as Service to Rural People.”
p.4
Design Education and Training
What is the focus of the paper regarding design policies?
It emphasizes policies that do not have direct design content but significantly impact design.
p.12
Cultural Context of Indian Design
What significant role did Indira Gandhi play in Indian history?
She was the woman Prime Minister who ruled India for the second longest term.
p.4
Cultural Context of Indian Design
What is a key characteristic of most artisans mentioned in the text?
They are often poor and illiterate but highly skilled with rich experience.
p.11
Design Education and Training
What is a challenge faced when designing for India?
There are no standard anthropometric or other data available, requiring designers to collect necessary data themselves.
p.12
Challenges in Modern Indian Design
What challenges do Indian designers face regarding women's rights?
The average Indian woman is systematically denied fundamental rights and often considered a burden due to the dowry system.
p.13
Cultural Context of Indian Design
What multifunctional uses do streets have in Indian villages?
Streets are used for drying textiles, spreading yarn, making kite-threads, celebrating marriages, group dances like Garba, children's play, and social gatherings.
p.4
Design Education and Training
What can be learned from artisans according to the text?
Their skills and the methods they use in their work.
p.11
Role of Mythology in Design
What is the mental reality of the Indian people influenced by?
Religion and mythology, which are dominant in the Indian psyche.
p.15
Cultural Context of Indian Design
How do many self-employed individuals operate their businesses?
From home or using minimal space, such as living rooms or verandas.
p.6
Design Thinking and Its Importance
What does the DNA pattern of an unborn child symbolize in the context of design?
It represents the uniqueness and complexity of design, similar to the unlikely patterns found in nature.
p.2
Design Education and Training
What challenges did Suchitha Shrinagesh face while editing the text?
Repeated computer corruption.
p.2
Design Education and Training
What role did Pravin Sevak and his team play in the publication?
They designed the book to meet high standards.
p.8
Cultural Context of Indian Design
What term does the author prefer over 'third world' or 'developing country'?
'Majority world' to avoid negative bias.
p.1
Profile of Prof. S. Balaram
What notable award did the National Institute of Design win under Balaram's influence?
The first ICSID - Philips award for outstanding achievement in Industrial Design.
p.8
Design Education and Training
How are notes and explanations of Indian words presented in the book?
They are provided on the same page inside the margin for convenient reference.
p.13
Cultural Context of Indian Design
How are cooking vessels treated in Gujarati households?
They are washed sparkling clean and displayed as decorations in the living room.
p.15
Design for Rural Populations
What trend has emerged among young people in response to unemployment?
Many have started working on their own, creating self-employed businesses.
p.13
Challenges in Modern Indian Design
What is a criticism of modern Indian architecture?
It is often too beautiful and self-conscious, competing with surrounding buildings, which some consider 'bad manners'.
p.10
Cultural Context of Indian Design
What crucial questions are raised about Indian design?
Should India have its own design? Why not import or imitate? What is the role of design in a developing country?
p.1
Profile of Prof. S. Balaram
What is one of Balaram's contributions to education in India?
His article on bullock cart design was prescribed as a core course for secondary schools.
p.4
Design for Rural Populations
What is the 'Barefoot Designer' concept about?
Taking design to villages to make it useful for rural populations.
p.7
Challenges in Modern Indian Design
What does the author believe about the measurement of profit and loss in change?
Only the individual can establish the balance of profit and loss.
p.12
Cultural Context of Indian Design
What percentage of India's population is rural?
Approximately eighty percent.
p.13
Cultural Context of Indian Design
What is the significance of traditional practices in Indian agriculture?
Traditional practices coexist with modern methods, highlighting the importance of local materials and skills.
p.4
Design for Rural Populations
What is the call for a 'majority world' design movement?
To cater to the needs of the village population in design.
p.8
Challenges in Modern Indian Design
What has been a significant issue in the design profession compared to art?
There has been a severe lack of design critics and serious writing in design.
p.7
Challenges in Modern Indian Design
What existential contradiction does S. Balaram experience as a designer?
The contradiction between the need for change and the loss caused by change.
p.1
Profile of Prof. S. Balaram
Who is Singanapalli Balaram?
An industrial designer and senior faculty at the National Institute of Design in India.
p.12
Cultural Context of Indian Design
How is woman traditionally viewed in Hinduism?
She is worshipped as the all-powerful Durga or Amba, the mother goddess.
p.7
Design for Rural Populations
What does Balaram suggest designers should focus on instead of creating more objects?
Designing strategies and offering creative solutions to problems.
p.15
Challenges in Modern Indian Design
What is the paradox of employment in India as described in the text?
There is more than enough work for everyone, but not enough jobs.
p.14
Case Studies in Design Applications
What issue did the company face with their product before reintroducing it?
The product was found to be weak and unfit for heavy work, leading to a withdrawal and change in strategy.
p.8
Challenges in Modern Indian Design
What challenges did the author face while preparing the articles?
Haste to meet deadlines led to a journalistic polemic style in some writings.
p.14
Design for Rural Populations
What is the significance of the three-wheeled auto-rickshaw in India?
It serves as a cheap and affordable taxi for the common man.
p.8
Cultural Context of Indian Design
What is a key theme in one of the author's articles regarding language?
Criticism of derogatory terms like 'third world' and the use of 'majority world'.
p.7
Design Education and Training
What are the two categories of design books mentioned?
Design Gallery or Applied Design books and Design Tools books.
p.6
Design Thinking and Its Importance
How does design appeal to individuals according to the text?
Design appeals to both emotions and intelligence.
p.5
Design for Rural Populations
What type of design has been the primary focus so far?
Tangible end product design.
p.9
Challenges in Modern Indian Design
What is the aim of the book according to the author?
To raise a lively debate on important issues for designers.
p.11
Design for Rural Populations
Why do the people of India require different design solutions?
Because of their vast and diverse population, which includes approximately 950 million people.
p.11
Challenges in Modern Indian Design
What is the significance of India's population in terms of design?
The scale of India's population multiplies the complexity of problems and demands different design solutions.
p.10
Cultural Context of Indian Design
What happened when Nasrudin ate the fruits?
His mouth burned, and tears streamed down his cheeks due to the chillis.
p.15
Design Education and Training
What is the primary purpose of the colonial system of basic education?
To prepare people for clerical jobs.
p.11
Cultural Context of Indian Design
How many major official languages are there in India?
15 major official languages and 700 mother-tongues, including dialects.
p.1
Profile of Prof. S. Balaram
What type of equipment did Balaram design that won the National Meritorious Invention Award?
Life-saving medical equipment.
p.10
Cultural Context of Indian Design
What is essential for understanding the design activity of any country?
Knowledge of the context in which it operates.
p.1
Profile of Prof. S. Balaram
Where did Balaram complete his post-graduation in product design?
National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.
p.10
Cultural Context of Indian Design
What factors provide the ground for Indian design?
India’s economic, social, cultural, and political realities.
p.9
Case Studies in Design Applications
What do the verticals in the book represent?
Thirteen case studies of projects mostly done at NID.
p.4
Design for Rural Populations
Who are considered designers without formal titles?
People like street vendors, social workers, engineers, craftsmen, and teachers.
p.12
Challenges in Modern Indian Design
How is the caste system evolving in modern India?
It is being replaced by new caste divisions based on trade or profession.
p.10
Cultural Context of Indian Design
What can an Indian designer learn from the world around?
Insights and solutions that can be adapted to Indian contexts.
p.1
Profile of Prof. S. Balaram
Who encouraged Balaram to publish his writings and conference papers?
His colleague and friend Vikas Satwalekar.
p.6
Design Thinking and Its Importance
What example is given to illustrate the charm of design in language?
The design of the word 'September' amazed a child both visually and aurally.
p.3
Design Education and Training
When did India's first real industrial revolution occur?
After independence, in the late forties and early fifties.
p.10
Cultural Context of Indian Design
What are some special problems that require special design solutions in India?
India's unique social, economic, and cultural challenges.
p.11
Cultural Context of Indian Design
What does the celebration of Diwali during hardships illustrate about Indian culture?
It shows the resilience and grit of the Indian people, who maintain cultural practices despite challenges.
p.9
Cultural Context of Indian Design
What role do the diagonals play in the book?
They are miniscule stories of Mulla Nasrudin, providing amusement and deeper thinking.
p.3
Cultural Context of Indian Design
How does the Indian tradition view art and craft?
As a unified whole, represented by the single word 'Kala' in Sanskrit.
p.2
Design Education and Training
What was 'Politics is not a four-letter word' originally published in?
Design and Development in South and South-East Asia (1990).
p.7
Design Thinking and Its Importance
What does the author imply about the nature of design in contemporary society?
Design has often been viewed as a visual activity focused on aesthetics rather than deeper issues.
p.5
Design for Rural Populations
What kind of design is prevalent largely in the Third World?
Service or process-oriented design.
p.12
Cultural Context of Indian Design
What materials are commonly used in rural Indian houses?
Mud, grass, bamboo, and cane.
p.13
Cultural Context of Indian Design
How do women contribute to agriculture in India?
Women work long hours in paddy planting and carry heavy loads, often receiving lower wages than men.
p.5
Design for Rural Populations
How does service-oriented design differ from product-oriented design?
Service-oriented design is developmental and non-tangible.
p.5
Design for Rural Populations
What is the nature of the design discussed in the article?
It is developmental in nature.
p.13
Cultural Context of Indian Design
What is the significance of the bullock cart in Indian transportation?
The bullock cart remains a major transporter of goods, ranking just below railways.
p.3
Impact of Politics on Design
What does the article on design colonization emphasize?
The crucial aspect of human rights and domination in design.
p.3
Impact of Politics on Design
How do state policies impact design in planned economies?
They hold the key to successful and gainful operation of design.
p.11
Challenges in Modern Indian Design
What paradox exists regarding Indian children and their childhood?
While festivals celebrate childhood, many Indian children are deprived of it due to economic necessity and forced labor.
p.9
Impact of Politics on Design
How does the author view the current trend of individualism?
As leading to a decline in social responsibility and a rise in 'rights' culture.
p.6
Role of Mythology in Design
What does Carl Jung suggest about design in dreams?
Design often symbolizes the self, with crystals representing a union of matter and spirit.
p.14
Impact of Politics on Design
What environmental issue arises from auto-rickshaw drivers mixing kerosene with petrol?
It causes increased pollution.
p.13
Design Education and Training
What role does psychology play in introducing modern technology in Indian agriculture?
People's psychology is crucial and should be considered in Indian design to ensure acceptance of new technologies.
p.6
Design Education and Training
What is the significance of S. Balaram's perspective on design?
He emphasizes that the origin of design is rooted in physical, psychological, socio-cultural, ecological, and spiritual needs.
p.12
Cultural Context of Indian Design
How is the saying 'Necessity is the mother of invention' reflected in Indian daily life?
Many objects are designed for multiple functions, such as a cot used for sleeping, sitting, and drying vessels.
p.6
Design Education and Training
What does Balaram's book 'Thinking Design' aim to explore?
It explores the intricate relationship between design activity and product within the context of India.
p.12
Cultural Context of Indian Design
How is art integrated into daily life in India?
Art is displayed in households through decorations on walls, floors, and ceremonial dresses.
p.14
Challenges in Modern Indian Design
What inadequacies exist in the Indian education system?
There are insufficient schools, and existing ones lack funds and facilities for quality education.
p.1
Profile of Prof. S. Balaram
What is Balaram's connection to the Society of Industrial Designers of India?
He is a recipient of an honorary fellowship and serves as Vice President.
p.3
Challenges in Modern Indian Design
What was the initial approach of Indian manufacturing units post-independence?
They borrowed technology and design from foreign collaborations.
p.10
Cultural Context of Indian Design
How do the needs of the Indian people differ from those elsewhere?
They are shaped by India's specific cultural and socio-economic context.
p.12
Cultural Context of Indian Design
How do rural houses in India reflect ecological and aesthetic sense?
They use renewable materials and are in harmony with the natural surroundings.
p.4
Challenges in Modern Indian Design
What caution does the text advise regarding design interventions?
Designers should exercise restraint to avoid harmful interference.
p.12
Cultural Context of Indian Design
What is a unique feature of Kutch desert houses?
They are built with thick walls and small openings to withstand strong winds and heat.
p.4
Challenges in Modern Indian Design
What is the potential negative outcome of over-enthusiasm in design?
It may lead to harmful interference rather than fruitful assistance.
p.14
Design Education and Training
What is a major development problem in India according to the text?
The lack of education in crucial areas.
p.6
Design Education and Training
What is the key takeaway from Balaram's design thinking?
The need for a broad-based, socially integrated, humane designer with a global vision.
p.14
Challenges in Modern Indian Design
What is a consequence of the higher education system in India?
It has led to a brain drain, with educated individuals seeking better opportunities abroad or in cities.
p.6
Design Thinking and Its Importance
How does the text describe the nature of design?
Design is portrayed as unlikely, charming, and a form of thinking that reveals human potential.
p.14
Design Education and Training
Why do many Indian parents struggle to send their children to school?
Children need to earn or help with family burdens, despite primary education being free.
p.5
Design Thinking and Its Importance
What does the term 'design' imply?
It means pattern or structure.
p.1
Profile of Prof. S. Balaram
What diverse interests does Balaram have beyond industrial design?
Short story writing, package design, and film criticism.
p.3
Role of Mythology in Design
What is the focus of the article on semiotics in design?
Exploring mythology-based symbolism for use in industrial design.
p.15
Cultural Context of Indian Design
What has been the impact of handloom production in India?
It has become a significant export success and provides dignity to weavers.
p.9
Design Education and Training
What does the author hope the critical readership will understand about his arguments?
That some arguments may be deliberately stretched for emphasis and should not be mistaken for sweeping statements.
p.15
Challenges in Modern Indian Design
What challenges do craftsmen face in the handicraft industry?
Limited local market, lack of understanding of foreign buyers' needs, and insufficient capital.
p.5
Design Thinking and Its Importance
Why is the term 'design' considered special?
Because it is associated with a wide variety of concepts and is somewhat mysterious.
p.13
Cultural Context of Indian Design
What was the impact of the White Revolution in India?
It was a collective effort that applied state-of-the-art technology at the Amul Milk Dairy in Anand.
p.3
Design Education and Training
What two categories of learners does the author train?
Student designers and other professionals like craftsmen and managers.
p.14
Design Education and Training
What does the traditional guru-disciple system in India focus on?
It provides individual attention, primarily in classical Indian music and dance for an elite few.
