D Talks - The Design Podcast

Samarjeet Aherrao found out design colleges existed at the end of Class 12. He cracked NID at All India Rank 1.In between, he did something almost no aspirant does — three industry internships before design school. Ultraviolette, E-Moby, and Tech Mahindra, where he worked alongside people from Volvo, International Trucks and Pininfarina. By the time he walked into the NID interview, being grilled on his portfolio for 25 minutes felt like just another Monday review.This episode is the full breakdown. What the NID mains actually looked like this year — five questions, three hours, all sketching. What happens inside the studio test — still life on the ground, speed forms from the word "flying", and a three-wheeler for a milkman built from clay, wire, acrylic and toothpicks. Who sits on the interview panel and what each of them is measuring. And the hardest question they asked him, about the ergonomics of a land speed record motorcycle, he couldn't defend.If you're preparing for NID, UCEED, CEED or NIFT — or you're an engineering student wondering whether the switch to design is still possible — this one is for you.Chapters00:00 A Guinness World Record on the wall01:40 How car magazines built a designer02:58 The Mercedes SLK that started it at age seven04:23 Why he ended up in engineering instead of design04:52 The racing team in the basement07:09 Unlearning four years of engineering at Mantra Academy09:30 Ultraviolette: "I don't want to look at this. Tell me what you've done."14:35 Design from the inside out14:57 Tech Mahindra, Volvo, Pininfarina — and the Gantt chart18:24 Why a mechanical engineering degree wasn't enough19:42 How he actually prepared — lines, circles and internships21:06 Inside the NID mains22:30 The studio test, question by question24:48 The interview panel, explained29:37 The hardest question they asked31:12 They answer their own questions while grilling you32:00 When the design brain and the engineering brain fight34:49 Principles: sleep, diet, and blame the process37:22 Plan B was a motorcycle company________________________________________Introduction to Design — my book for anyone starting out in design. Winner, Kyoorius Design Award 2024. No jargon, 100+ original illustrations, written for India.________________________________________Designex Studio — mentorship for NID, UCEED, CEED, NIFT and private design entrances. Weekly assignments, and personal feedback.If this helped, subscribe — new episodes with toppers and design industry leaders every week.________________________________________Connect with Sanjay Reddy(Host)LinkedinInstagram

Guest: Dr Arundhati Guha ThakurtaAssociate Dean, NMIMS School of Design Hosted by ⁠Sanjay Reddy ⁠Author | Podcaster | Designer In this episode of D Talks - The Design Podcast, Sanjay Reddy sits down with a design educator and researcher to explore a question that is becoming increasingly important for designers, students, educators, and parents: "What does it mean to learn and practise design in an AI-first world?"The conversation moves beyond the usual debate of whether AI will replace designers. Instead, it examines what technology cannot easily replace - **thinking, curiosity, empathy, observation, contextual understanding, ethical judgement, and the ability to identify the real problem behind what we see.**Drawing from experience across cognitive science, human factors, industrial engineering and design education, the discussion explores how design schools need to evolve when tools can generate screens, prototypes, research summaries and ideas within seconds.The episode also looks at "humanising technology", the importance of real-world research, cognitive biases, responsible use of AI, transparency, consent, dark patterns and accountability in design. At its core is a concern that as technology makes creating easier, students should not lose the ability to question, observe, reflect and think independently.For design aspirants and students, the message is simple: learning every new tool is not enough. Software will change. Technology will continue to evolve. "Your ability to think is what remains irreplaceable".A conversation about AI, design education and the skills that may matter most in the future of design.__________⁠Book: Introduction to Design⁠“Introduction to Design” isn’t just a book; it’s a helpful guide that clears up confusion, busts myths, and shows the way for new designers. With the help of beautiful and simplified diagrams and illustrations, this book makes understanding the design world even easier and more practical, empowering readers to explore their creativity with confidence. Split into four main parts, each one acts like a map, leading you through the world of design. It helps you understand what design is all about and figure out your own path within it. With easy-to-understand writing and detailed illustrations, this book goes beyond just teaching - it becomes a joyful experience, full of knowledge, and a journey of discovery and understanding yourself better.I've been designing for 15 years and if this book had come 15 years ago, I would have achieved all I did till now, in 8 years! Aaquib WaniFounder & Creative Director Aaquib Wani Design________________________________________Introduction to Design ⁠⁠online courses for UCEED, CEED, NID & NIFT⁠⁠________________________________________Connect with Sanjay Reddy(Host)Linkedin⁠⁠Instagram

Guest: Mikhil Saluja

Creative Director, Amazon Prime Video

Hosted by

Sanjay Reddy

Author | Podcaster | Designer

Mikhil’s journey spans design, photography, branding, advertising, entrepreneurship, Netflix APAC, and now Amazon Prime Video. Having worked across disciplines, industries, and countries, he brings a unique perspective on creativity, career growth, storytelling, and the value of staying curious.

In this conversation, we discuss the role of exploration in building a creative career, how designers can develop taste and intuition, the importance of looking beyond their immediate discipline, and why some of the most meaningful career opportunities emerge when we allow ourselves to follow curiosity rather than rigid plans.

Whether you’re a design student, a young creative professional, a career switcher, or someone trying to navigate an increasingly multidisciplinary world, this episode offers valuable insights into creativity, adaptability, and lifelong learning.

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Book: Introduction to Design

“Introduction to Design” isn’t just a book; it’s a helpful guide that clears up confusion, busts myths, and shows the way for new designers. With the help of beautiful and simplified diagrams and illustrations, this book makes understanding the design world even easier and more practical, empowering readers to explore their creativity with confidence. Split into four main parts, each one acts like a map, leading you through the world of design. It helps you understand what design is all about and figure out your own path within it.

With easy-to-understand writing and detailed illustrations, this book goes beyond just teaching - it becomes a joyful experience, full of knowledge, and a journey of discovery and understanding yourself better.

I've been designing for 15 years and if this book had come 15 years ago, I would have achieved all I did till now, in 8 years! Aaquib Wani

Founder & Creative Director

Aaquib Wani Design

________________________________________

Introduction to Design ⁠online courses for UCEED CEED NID & NIFT⁠

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Connect with Sanjay Reddy(Host)

⁠Linkedin

⁠⁠Instagram⁠

In this episode of D Talks - The Design Podcast, host Sanjay Reddy speaks to Aanik Sirothiya, who secured AIR 17 in UCEED 2026.

Aanik Sirothiya from Madhya Pradesh secured an AIR 17 in UCEED 2026. He has always been deeply interested in creativity, visual storytelling, and observing everyday problems around him. For Aanik, design is not just about aesthetics, but about creating meaningful and practical solutions that improve people’s experiences.He enjoys sketching, exploring ideas, and thinking about how small changes in products or systems can make daily life easier and more comfortable. Like many design aspirants, Aanik switched from JEE preparation to UCEED during his preparation journey. It was one of his relatives who introduced him to design entrance exams, but by then, it was too late for him to apply for UCEED that year. With only one attempt remaining, he went on to secure an AIR 17 in the General Category in UCEED 2026.

________________________________________Order the book: INTRODUCTION TO DESIGN“Introduction to Design” isn’t just a book; it’s a helpful guide that clears up confusion, busts myths, and shows the way for new designers. With the help of beautiful and simplified diagrams and illustrations, this book makes understanding the design world even easier and more practical, empowering readers to explore their creativity with confidence. Split into four main parts, each one acts like a map, leading you through the world of design. It helps you understand what design is all about and figure out your own path within it. With easy-to-understand writing and detailed illustrations, this book goes beyond just teaching—it becomes a joyful experience, full of knowledge, and a journey of discovery and understanding yourself better.I've been designing for 15 years and if this book had come 15 years ago, I would have achieved all I did till now, in 8 years! Aaquib WaniFounder & Creative Director Aaquib Wani Design________________________________________Introduction to Design online courses for UCEED CEED NID & NIFT#NID #UCEED #CEED #NIFT #designpodcast ________________________________________Connect with Sanjay Reddy(Host)LinkedinInstagram________________________________________

In this episode of D Talks - The Design Podcast, Shreyansh Agarwal discusses his approach to UCEED 2026 questions. Shreyansh Agarwal was All India Rank 1 in UCEED 2025. ________________________________________Shreyansh's journey to AIR 1 in UCEED 2025Connect with Shreyansh on Instagram @_shreymon________________________________________Order the book: INTRODUCTION TO DESIGN“Introduction to Design” isn’t just a book; it’s a helpful guide that clears up confusion, busts myths, and shows the way for new designers. With the help of beautiful and simplified diagrams and illustrations, this book makes understanding the design world even easier and more practical, empowering readers to explore their creativity with confidence. Split into four main parts, each one acts like a map, leading you through the world of design. It helps you understand what design is all about and figure out your own path within it. With easy-to-understand writing and detailed illustrations, this book goes beyond just teaching—it becomes a joyful experience, full of knowledge, and a journey of discovery and understanding yourself better.I've been designing for 15 years and if this book had come 15 years ago, I would have achieved all I did till now, in 8 years! Aaquib WaniFounder & Creative Director Aaquib Wani Design________________________________________Mentorship courses for UCEED, CEED, NID & NIFT#NID #UCEED #CEED #NIFT #designpodcast ________________________________________Connect with Sanjay Reddy(Host)LinkedinInstagram________________________________________

In this episode of D Talks - The Design Podcast, Shreyansh Agarwal discusses his approach to UCEED 2023 questions. Shreyansh Agarwal was All India Rank 1 in UCEED 2023. ________________________________________Shreyansh's journey to AIR 1 in UCEED 2025Connect with Shreyansh on Instagram________________________________________Order the book: INTRODUCTION TO DESIGN“Introduction to Design” isn’t just a book; it’s a helpful guide that clears up confusion, busts myths, and shows the way for new designers. With the help of beautiful and simplified diagrams and illustrations, this book makes understanding the design world even easier and more practical, empowering readers to explore their creativity with confidence. Split into four main parts, each one acts like a map, leading you through the world of design. It helps you understand what design is all about and figure out your own path within it. With easy-to-understand writing and detailed illustrations, this book goes beyond just teaching—it becomes a joyful experience, full of knowledge, and a journey of discovery and understanding yourself better.I've been designing for 15 years, and if this book had come 15 years ago, I would have achieved all I did till now in 8 years! Aaquib WaniFounder & Creative Director Aaquib Wani Design________________________________________Mentorhsip courses for UCEED CEED NID & NIFT#NID #UCEED #CEED #NIFT #designpodcast ________________________________________Connect with Sanjay Reddy(Host)LinkedinInstagram

In this exclusive D Talks episode, Aastha Virmani, who secured an All India Rank 3 in NID M.Des Apparel Design, shares her journey. Discover his unique strategies for NID exam.In her own words - "I began my journey studying Fashion and Apparel Design at Mount Carmel College, Bangalore. I come from a design background and worked with Mayank Modi Fashions as a designer. I recently cleared the NID M.Des entrance exam and joined the Apparel Design program.Preparing for DAT while working full-time was intense but incredibly fulfilling. It helped me refine my skills, build a focused portfolio, and stay rooted in my passion for sustainability and becoming a designer for a cause."This is more than just an interview; it's a blueprint for success for every aspiring design student aiming for NID, UCEED, CEED, or NIFT. Learn from a topper's unfiltered experience!_____________________________Ready to transform your design exam preparation? Our expert-led courses are designed to give you the same strategic advantage.Enrol in Designex Studio Courses Today: https://online.designexstudio.com/Don't miss out on valuable insights! Grab your copy of our book "Introduction to Design" _____________________________Sanjay Reddy (Your Host & Mentor)Designex Studio | Mentorship courses for UCEED CEED NID NIFT

Adit Gupta is a seasoned design leader and entrepreneur with a deep-rooted passion for mathematics and philosophy. For over 15 years, he has driven high-impact design initiatives across a wide spectrum of industries — from education and travel to payments, retail, finance, health, and customer experience. Most recently, he served as Director of Product Design at ServiceNow, where he built and scaled world-class design teams and helped shape products used by millions worldwide.Adit’s approach to design — and to life — is grounded in the belief that truly meaningful products emerge at the intersection of empathy, systems thinking, and a profound respect for the human condition.________________BookStates A personal reading companion for curious minds. Available on iOS, Android, and Web, it helps readers track their reading progress, reflect on their reading patterns, capture highlights, and discover book recommendations tailored to their intellectual journey. More than a tracker, BookStates is designed to reveal what your books say about you — turning reading into a deeper act of self-discovery and connection. Built with intention, it caters to readers who value reflection as much as information.0:20 - Introduction1:39 - How to become a Design Director5:02 - Do you need Degrees to climb up the corporate ladder7:26 - Role of a degree10:13 - How to introduce yourself in a job interview12:08 - How to deal with the constant urge to do something16:30 - A.I. in Design20:42 - Staying up to date with A.I.22:45 - Quality of Ideas25:50 - 'Design Debt' Concept31:33 - Journey to building BoosStates35:52 - Evolution with reading books and BookStates41:22 - Reflective reading in BookStates45:20 - The age of Solopreneurs47:25 - Does Gen Z take risks50:10 - Feeling overwhelmed with switching jobs54:37 - Conclusion________________

Order the book: INTRODUCTION TO DESIGN“Introduction to Design” isn’t just a book; it’s a helpful guide that clears up confusion, busts myths, and shows the way for new designers. With the help of beautiful and simplified diagrams and illustrations, this book makes understanding the design world even easier and more practical, empowering readers to explore their creativity with confidence. Split into four main parts, each one acts like a map, leading you through the world of design. It helps you understand what design is all about and figure out your own path within it. With easy-to-understand writing and detailed illustrations, this book goes beyond just teaching—it becomes a joyful experience, full of knowledge, and a journey of discovery and understanding yourself better.I've been designing for 15 years and if this book had come 15 years ago, I would have achieved all I did till now, in 8 years! Aaquib WaniFounder & Creative Director Aaquib Wani Design________________________________________

Mentorship courses for UCEED, CEED, NID & NIFT________________________________________Connect with Sanjay Reddy(Host)LinkedinInstagram

In this exclusive D Talks episode, Abhijith Jitesh, who secured an All India Rank 7 in NID M.Des Product Design, shares his powerful journey from a challenging first attempt to ultimate success. Discover his unique strategies for NID & CEED exams, including:- Mastering GK and Aptitude while managing a full-time job.- His secrets to developing sketching skills and effective ideation.- The critical mistakes he made and how he corrected them.- In-depth insights into NID Studio Test questions and his creative solutions.- His winning portfolio strategy: what to include, how to present it, and why less is more.- A candid look at his interview experience and how he built unshakeable creative confidence.This is more than just an interview; it's a blueprint for success for every aspiring design student aiming for NID, UCEED, CEED, or NIFT. Learn from a topper's unfiltered experience!_____________________________Ready to transform your design exam preparation? Our expert-led courses are designed to give you the same strategic advantage.Mentorship courses for UCEED CEED NID NIFTDon't miss out on valuable insights! Grab your copy of our book "Introduction to Design" _____________________________Connect with us on Instagram:Sanjay Reddy (Your Mentor)Designex Studio

In this episode of D Talks - The Design Podcast, Shreyansh Agarwal discusses his approach to UCEED 2025 questions.

Shreyansh Agarwal was All India Rank 1 in UCEED 2025.

00:00 - 44:07 - NAT (Numerical Answer Type)

44:08 - 1:07:08 - MSQ (Multiple Select Question)

1:07:09 - 1:44:11 - MCQ (Multiple Choice Question)

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Shreyansh's journey to AIR 1 in UCEED 2025

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Order the book: INTRODUCTION TO DESIGN

“Introduction to Design”

It isn’t just a book; it’s a helpful guide that clears up confusion, busts myths, and shows the way for new designers. With the help of beautiful and simplified diagrams and illustrations, this book makes understanding the design world even easier and more practical, empowering readers to explore their creativity with confidence. Split into four main parts, each one acts like a map, leading you through the world of design. It helps you understand what design is all about and figure out your own path within it.

With easy-to-understand writing and detailed illustrations, this book goes beyond just teaching—it becomes a joyful experience, full of knowledge, and a journey of discovery and understanding yourself better.

I've been designing for 15 years and if this book had come 15 years ago, I would have achieved all I did till now, in 8 years!

Aaquib Wani

Founder & Creative Director

Aaquib Wani Design

________________________________________

Mentorship courses for UCEED CEED NID & NIFT

________________________________________

Connect with Sanjay Reddy(Host)

Linkedin

Instagram

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