Establishing a school of sustainable design and technology in Bangladesh is crucial to improving the nation’s manufacturing, training and economic development.

Bangladesh’s education system is improving, but lacks the technical depth needed to meet the rapidly changing needs of global industry. Most schools focus on traditional courses and rarely teach advanced design, technology and sustainable innovation. The global adoption of digital transformation, artificial intelligence and sustainable practices has led to a technology gap due to a lack of specialized programs.

Addressing this issue requires a school of sustainable design and technology (SDT). SDT’s multidisciplinary courses in experience and interaction design, industrial and product design, and intelligent design based on artificial intelligence can bridge the gap between the current skills of educational institutions and the technological understanding of modern industries. This institution will teach students how to promote economic growth and maintain Bangladesh’s global competitiveness through sustainability and innovation.

The future development of Bangladesh requires a School of Sustainable Design and Technology (SDT). As businesses around the world move towards a technology-centric future, Bangladesh needs to teach its youth superior design and technological capabilities. An established SDT would boost local production, worker training and the national economy, making the country a leader in innovation and sustainable development.

As the global economy moves towards digitization, artificial intelligence and sophisticated technology, sectors in Bangladesh need talented designers, innovators and adaptors. An SDT offering a Bachelor of Design (B.Des) degree could meet these requirements by training individuals for domestic and global markets. This institution would stimulate the economy and train workers to solve complex problems in manufacturing, media and digital services.

The main rationale for the development of SDT is the critical need to address gaps in specialized training for emerging sectors such as digital interaction, product design and artificial intelligence. A report by the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) indicates that the nation’s IT sector has expanded at an annual rate of 20 percent, generating over $1 billion in export earnings. This growth in digital services highlights the growing need for skilled individuals capable of developing user-centered designs and engaging digital experiences.

The Experience and Interaction Design (XID) course, an integral part of the planned SDT curriculum, directly responds to this desire. Through XID, students will gain the ability to create digital applications, interactive environments, and service-oriented solutions that improve user experiences, a critical skill in today’s global economy.

Bangladeshi manufacturing industry is expected to gain significantly from SDT. SDT’s Industrial and Product Design (IPD) program will educate students on how to develop creative and sustainable goods for local and global markets. The nation’s manufacturing sector, traditionally dependent on ready-made garments (RMG), is looking to diversify and widen its product range. In 2023, the ready-made garment (RMG) sector accounted for 84% of Bangladesh’s total exports, indicating an important focus that poses risks should global demand fluctuate.

By providing skills in industrial and product design, SDT can facilitate the diversification of Bangladesh’s economic base, limiting reliance on a single industry while promoting the manufacture of goods such as consumer electronics, medical technology and furniture. Moreover, this focus on design can improve the nation’s ability to produce high-value goods that meet international standards, thereby creating new export opportunities.

Many multinational corporations use industrial designers to develop goods that are both functional and visually appealing, while also being sustainable. SDT’s focus on eco-design will contribute to increasing global demand for sustainable products, establishing Bangladesh as a significant participant in this expanding industry.

Visual Communication Design (VCD), a core element of the SDT program, provides students with insights into a booming profession. The global media and advertising sector is expected to reach $865 billion by 2028, largely due to innovations in digital platforms and the growing importance of visual branding.

Graduates of the VCD program will be equipped to engage in multiple sectors, including digital media, graphic design and advertising, which are more relevant in a landscape where brands seek consumer attention through dynamic visual content. By equipping students with these skills, SDT can improve Bangladesh’s position in the global creative sectors, encouraging expansion in areas such as film, television and digital media creation.

SDT could substantially influence the national economy by emphasizing sustainable design and technology, in addition to improving the creative and manufacturing sectors. The Applied Immersive Design (AID) degree, which prioritizes sustainable solutions, can equip students to address the significant infrastructure and environmental issues facing the nation. Bangladesh, as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, must prioritize incorporating sustainable practices in both rural and urban growth.

Through the AID, students will learn the technical skills and design thinking methodologies essential to developing new solutions for future infrastructure projects, ensuring their environmental sustainability and social advantage. SDT can significantly contribute to sustainable urbanization and rural development, encouraging a greener and more resilient economy.

Artificial intelligence and smart technologies are increasingly shaping the future of the industry. Automation may eliminate 75 million jobs, while technology may create 133 million, according to the World Economic Forum. The SDT AI and Smart Design (ASD) program trains students to develop artificial intelligence-based solutions for healthcare, manufacturing and cyber security. The SDT Virtual Environment Design (VED) degree offers unique opportunities in entertainment, education and healthcare, which are rapidly changing thanks to virtual and augmented reality technologies.

Establishing a school of sustainable design and technology in Bangladesh is crucial to improving the nation’s manufacturing, training and economic development. Students will learn how to succeed in a digital and interconnected world through SDT programs in Experience and Interaction Design, Industrial and Product Design, Visual Communication, AI and Intelligent Design, Virtual Environment Design and more.

SDT will make Bangladesh a leader in innovation and sustainability, stimulating growth in all sectors and preparing it for future challenges. This institution will train designers and technicians who will shape the economy and industry of Bangladesh for decades.

Dr Sajal Chowdhury. Outline: TBS

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Dr. Sajal Chowdhury. Outline: TBS