Project

001

SAP Design Challenge 2024

Envisioning the Future of Higher Education in India

Winner

To conceptualise and design innovative solutions for the future of higher education in India, leveraging technological advancements and flexible learning formats to better serve future generations.

Info

002

Timeline

07 Days

Team

Utkarsh Verma, Devendra Kumar

Tools

Fig Jam, Figma, Adobe Illustrator

The Problem

004

Understanding the problem

The education system faces issues like career mismatches, outdated curricula, and a disconnect between academia and industry, leaving students unprepared for modern careers. Rote learning and limited faculty-industry collaboration contribute to confusion, highlighting the need for change in higher education.

01

Lack of Student Awareness & Career Mismatches

60% of students in India felt pressured to pursue careers they were not passionate about due to societal and parental expectations.

Source: TeamLease Report

01

Lack of Student Awareness & Career Mismatches

60% of students in India felt pressured to pursue careers they were not passionate about due to societal and parental expectations.

Source: TeamLease Report

02

Disconnect Between Academia and Industry

60% of graduates in India remain unemployed due to the lack of employable skills, despite a degree.

Source: AICTE Annual Report

03

Outdated Curriculum & Irrelevant Teaching Practices

IIT’s and various private universities reported that over 75% of students feel the curriculum they study is outdated.

Source: All India Survey on Higher Education

04

Rote Learning and Lack of Contextual Understanding

70% of college students in India find themselves in programs driven by memorization than by concept

Source: ASER Report

05

Disconnection between faculty and Industry

65% of Indian faculty members have little to no industry exposure, making it challenging for them to prepare students for the job market.

Source: CII survey

06

Career confusion faced by university students

73% of students pursued internships in a field different from their field of education.

Source: Internshala Report 2020

Discover

005

Solutions implemented till now around the globe

Our secondary research on digital detox solutions and institutional initiatives for university students revealed that while many tools, such as digital wellbeing apps, exist, they are largely ignored. Similarly, retreat centers are used more as vacation spots than for lifestyle change. University-led detox programs see initial interest, but participation drops sharply after a few weeks. Interestingly, policies like the Australian government’s “right to disconnect” show promise in promoting digital balance for employees.

01

Student Awareness & Career Alignment

Early Career Guidance: Countries like Germany and Singapore provide structured career counseling early in education, helping students make informed decisions.

01

Student Awareness & Career Alignment

Early Career Guidance: Countries like Germany and Singapore provide structured career counseling early in education, helping students make informed decisions.

02

Academia-Industry Collaboration

Co-op Programs & Internships: The U.S. and South Korea have fostered strong university-industry partnerships to ensure students gain hands-on experience during their studies.

03

Curriculum
Reforms

Modular & Interdisciplinary Learning: Finland’s phenomenon-based learning model encourages interdisciplinary projects to solve real-world problems.

04

Moving Away from Rote Learning

Project-Based & Critical Thinking Approaches: Finland, Singapore, and Sweden emphasize project-based learning, focusing on real-world challenges, creativity, and critical thinking.

05

Lifelong Learning & Upskilling

Lifelong Learning Initiatives: Programs like SkillsFuture (Singapore) and adult education programs in Denmark promote continuous learning, allowing individuals to upskill or reskill throughout their careers.

06

Technology and EdTech Integration

EdTech Platforms & Micro-Credentials: Countries like the U.S. and China have embraced MOOCs and EdTech platforms (e.g. Coursera, edX, XuetangX) to offer flexible learning options, certifications, and lifelong learning resources.

Interviews

006

Listening and Analysing words of our Primary Stakeholders

Due to a short deadline of the project we had discussions with other students and interviewed 11 students from IIT Hyderabad to understand their problems. Further, the key stakeholders for this project are divided into three groups:

Primary Stakeholders

Students

Education Institutes

Government Bodies

Secondary Stakeholders

Ed-tech Companies

Industries

Faculty

Tertiary Stakeholders

Parents

Tech-Infra Providers

NGOs

Alumni

01

Lack of Awareness

"I feel that many students, especially in rural areas, are unaware of the career options available to them."

01

Lack of Awareness

"I feel that many students, especially in rural areas, are unaware of the career options available to them."

02

Lack of Skill-Based Learning

"I wish we had more hands-on training and exposure to real-world applications."

03

Old Professor Syndrome

"Many professors have been teaching the same content for decades without updating it."

04

Future Shock

"With the rapid growth of technology, it's overwhelming to think about how quickly things are changing."

05

Obsolete Technology and Development

"We are being trained on software and equipment that companies don’t even use anymore."

06

No Annual Review or Check of Professors

"Professors are not held accountable for their outdated teaching methods or lack of development."

User Personas

007

Formulating user personas from our interviews

The personas for this project were carefully crafted to represent diverse backgrounds, including a rural student, an urban student, a working professional seeking continuous learning, and a physically disabled person pursuing education. In developing these personas, our primary focus was to ensure that the solutions are both inclusive and accessible to all, addressing unique challenges while eliminating any form of bias. By understanding the distinct needs and aspirations of these individuals, we aim to create a learning experience that is universally supportive and adaptable, fostering equal opportunities for every learner.

Ananya

18 year old student living in rural area of Uttar Pradesh

Ananya's Persona

Ananya's Persona

Rahul

22 year old BTech student living in Mumbai with Parents

Rahul's Persona

Rahul's Persona

Pooja

35 year independent married women at a managerial role.

Pooja's Persona

Pooja's Persona

Amit

20 year old Physically disabled student in BTech

Amit's Persona

Amit's Persona

Define

008

Solutions implemented till now around the globe

Problem Statement

The current higher education system in India struggles to provide students with the flexibility, industry relevance, and personalized learning experiences necessary to prepare them for a rapidly evolving job market. The lack of early career guidance, rigid learning paths, minimal industry collaboration, outdated learning models, and inadequate support for lifelong learning leave students disconnected from practical, employable skills, and hinder their holistic development. Furthermore, accessibility and inclusivity remain challenges, preventing equal opportunities for all learners to succeed.

Design Driver

Create a dynamic, technology-driven educational ecosystem that provides personalized learning pathways, fosters continuous collaboration with industry, promotes inclusivity, and equips students with the skills and flexibility needed to thrive in an ever-evolving job market.

Design Approach

Based on our research findings we decided on categorized our ideas into the following:

01

Student-Centered Guidance and Career Flexibility

Use AI-driven platforms for personalized career guidance that assesses student interests, strengths, and market trends to suggest tailored learning paths, including vocational and academic options.

01

Student-Centered Guidance and Career Flexibility

Use AI-driven platforms for personalized career guidance that assesses student interests, strengths, and market trends to suggest tailored learning paths, including vocational and academic options.

02

Industry Collaboration is Essential

Establish regular feedback loops between industry professionals and academic institutions to keep curricula up-to-date and provide real-world projects as part of the learning experience.

03

Innovative Learning Models

Shift to project-based, interdisciplinary, and competency-based education, moving away from rote learning towards real-world application of knowledge.

04

Lifelong Learning is Crucial

Encourage continuous upskilling and lifelong learning through modular, flexible courses that students and professionals can take at any point in their career to stay relevant.

Reflection

009

Re-strategizing post Phase 01

After Phase 01, we realized we were rushing toward conclusions without fully understanding the students' needs. This led us to rethink our approach, grounding ourselves in the idea that "every student and their needs are different, so their education journey should be too." Embracing the cyclic nature of design thinking, we went back to the re-discover phase to better empathize with and design for students.

01

Must Jumping to Conclusions

Initially, we realized we were moving too quickly toward a solution without deeply empathizing with the students.

01

Must Jumping to Conclusions

Initially, we realized we were moving too quickly toward a solution without deeply empathizing with the students.

02

Re-emphasizing Empathy

Recognizing that "every student and their needs are different," we shifted our focus to understanding the unique educational journeys of each learner.

03

Re-thinking the Approach

This insight led us to revisit and refine our process, recognizing the need for a more tailored, personalized solution.

04

Design Thinking Cycle

As design thinking is iterative, we returned to the re-discover phase to ensure our solution addresses diverse student needs effectively.

Re-Discover

010

Every child is different, their needs are different why should their education journey be the same?

In today’s world, a standardized approach to education no longer meets the diverse needs of students. Every learner has unique strengths, aspirations, and challenges. Personalizing education allows students to unlock their full potential and follow a path that aligns with their individual goals and interests.

Re-Discover

010

Every child is different, their needs are different why should their education journey be the same?

In today’s world, a standardized approach to education no longer meets the diverse needs of students. Every learner has unique strengths, aspirations, and challenges. Personalizing education allows students to unlock their full potential and follow a path that aligns with their individual goals and interests.

Re-Discover

011

Redefined evolving
Stakeholder Matrix

We realized that to create a truly viable solution for the future of higher education, the stakeholder matrix must evolve alongside the student. In the early stages of education, parents often play the primary role in decision-making. However, as the student progresses, they take on more responsibility for shaping their own academic and career paths. This shift underscores the importance of designing an adaptable system that addresses the changing dynamics between students, parents, and other stakeholders over time.

Re-Discover

012

Insights from interview with Dr. Mukesh Pandey

Joint secretary, Uttarakhand board of tecninical education

To facilitate our re-discovery process, we conducted an insightful interview with Dr. Mukesh Pandey, the Joint Secretary at the Uttarakhand Education Board. During our discussion, we explored the recent developments introduced in the New Education Policy and gathered his perspectives on the future of higher education in India. His insights provided valuable context for understanding the evolving landscape of education and informed our approach to designing innovative solutions.

01

Smart Classrooms

Enable interactive learning using multimedia presentations, digital whiteboards, and remote lectures for a dynamic and engaging educational experience.

01

Smart Classrooms

Enable interactive learning using multimedia presentations, digital whiteboards, and remote lectures for a dynamic and engaging educational experience.

02

Data Analytics Tools

To track institutional performance, student success, and faculty effectiveness. Enable data-driven decision-making for administrative and academic improvements.

03

Virtual Labs

To provide remote practical learning opportunities for science and technical subjects. Students can conduct experiments in a virtual environment without the need for physical lab access.

04

Cloud-Based Student Information System (SIS)

Centralized platform to manage admissions, student records, attendance, grading, and fee collection.

05

Blockchain for Academic Credentials

Secure and streamline the issuing, storing, and verification of academic degrees and certificates, preventing fraud and making verification easier for employers.

06

AI-Powered Personalized Learning

Use AI to create personalized learning experiences for students based on their individual strengths and weaknesses, adapting course materials to their needs.

07

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

For immersive learning experiences, especially in fields like architecture, medicine, and history, allowing students to experience virtual simulations of complex concepts.

08

AI-Driven Administrative Tools

To automate routine tasks such as attendance tracking, grading, and scheduling, improving administrative efficiency.

Re-Discover

013

Harnessing Policy and Technology for Innovation

Through our research into India’s New Education Policy, we uncovered key opportunities in government-backed platforms like ABC and DigiLocker. These secure systems present the potential to revolutionize education by enabling personalization and efficiency. The question is: how can we leverage them to reshape the future of learning?

The following are How might we statements we made as our design drivers and way ahead:

Features of ABC

Features of ABC

Features of Digilocker

Features of Digilocker

01

Achieve Personalization & Student Growth

How might we create a learning system that dynamically evolves with each student’s academic journey, offering personalized course recommendations and career guidance?

01

Achieve Personalization & Student Growth

How might we create a learning system that dynamically evolves with each student’s academic journey, offering personalized course recommendations and career guidance?

02

Provide Career Guidance & Future Skill Development

How might we use AI to analyze market trends and suggest future skills or certifications that students will need to stay competitive in the evolving job market?

03

Achieve Inclusivity & Accessibility

How might we ensure the system is fully inclusive and accessible to students with disabilities, offering features like voice commands, screen readers, and sign language support?

04

Give Continuous Learning & Lifelong Education

How might we ensure that the system supports lifelong learning by allowing students to return to the platform at any stage of their life to continue accumulating credits, gain new skills, and receive career guidance?

05

Achieve Collaboration & Communication

How might we facilitate effective communication and collaboration between students, educators, parents, and mentors within the system to create a supportive learning ecosystem?

06

Get Credit Management & Document Integration

How might we integrate the Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) system into the system, allowing students to store, manage, and transfer credits seamlessly across institutions?

07

Achieve Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

How might we design the system to provide parents with real-time insights into their child’s academic progress and offer recommendations to guide them in making informed decisions?

08

Provide Government & Institutional Oversight

How might we enable institutions to use the system to analyze student performance data and improve their course offerings, ensuring continuous improvement in teaching quality and curriculum design?

Re-Define

014

Re-Defining key aspects and features of the solution

We utilized Idea Affinity Mapping to categorize our insights and performed a MoSCoW analysis to prioritize essential elements. This approach helped us identify which features were critical, such as personalized learning paths, integration of ABC and DigiLocker, and inclusivity for diverse learners. Through this process, we gained clarity on what the solution should consist of to create a more effective and student-centered experience.

Idea Affinity Mappping

Idea Affinity Mappping

MoScoW Analysis

MoScoW Analysis

Deliver

Introducing the future of Higher education

LMS - Learning Margdarshan System

Imagine an education system that evolves with you—tailored to your unique learning style, goals, and pace. Our AI-driven Learning Management System (LMS) takes education beyond the classroom, offering personalized paths, real-time feedback, and seamless integration with government-backed platforms like ABC and DigiLocker. It’s not just a tool—it’s a transformative journey designed to empower every student, no matter where they are or where they want to go. The future of learning is personal, flexible, and accessible for all.

Deliver

Introducing the future of Higher education

LMS - Learning Margdarshan System

Imagine an education system that evolves with you—tailored to your unique learning style, goals, and pace. Our AI-driven Learning Management System (LMS) takes education beyond the classroom, offering personalized paths, real-time feedback, and seamless integration with government-backed platforms like ABC and DigiLocker. It’s not just a tool—it’s a transformative journey designed to empower every student, no matter where they are or where they want to go. The future of learning is personal, flexible, and accessible for all.

Deliver

015

Introducing Professor and Effort V/s Impact Analysis

Introducing Professor, a machine learning chatbot designed to transform the student experience. Professor offers personalized career guidance based on personality assessments, bridges the gap between parents and education, and provides multilingual support to cater to rural and diverse users. It simplifies credit and document management, offers real-time answers and guidance, and supports students with disabilities, ensuring accessibility for all. To ensure an effective rollout, we performed an Impact vs. Effort Analysis to prioritize critical features and phase the solution strategically, focusing on the most impactful elements first.

Impact V/s Effort Mapping

Impact V/s Effort Mapping

Deliver

016

Learning Margdarshan System

LMS is designed to personalize education through personality tests that guide students based on their evolving interests. It offers multilingual support for rural parents, accessibility for PWD students, and simplifies credit tracking and document management. With both a mobile app and desktop dashboard, the LMS ensures accessibility for all users, recognizing that many, especially in rural areas, primarily rely on mobile devices. This inclusive solution adapts to the needs of every student, providing real-time guidance and career support.

School Students

012

LMS for School Student

The LMS serves as a personal assistant for school children, providing an overview of their performance, task completion, and enabling them to take personality tests to gain insights into potential careers.

In India, parents are the primary decision-makers during the student phase. Therefore, the platform delivers career-related insights directly to parents, ensuring students stay true to their natural strengths without external influence from the system or others.

Learning Margdarshan System

016

LMS for students
Parents

The LMS for parents provides real-time updates on their child's progress, including results from personality tests that help parents understand their child's values, nature, and potential career paths. It highlights suitable professions and skill-based job opportunities across various fields. Additionally, parents receive daily updates on their child's tasks, teacher feedback, and overall academic performance, keeping them informed and engaged in their child’s educational journey at all times.

School Students

012

LMS for Wroking Professionals

The LMS dashboard for working professionals offers a personalized experience, displaying key metrics like enrolled courses, completed courses, ABC credits, and uploaded documents. It includes a skill chart highlighting gaps aligned with market needs for landing a dream job, a list of mentors for guidance, and a roadmap of courses to achieve career goals. Users can track their learning progress over time, while the AI-powered chatbot, "Professor," provides real-time information and upskilling recommendations, making career advancement seamless and efficient.

Learning Margdarshan System

016

LMS for
College Students

The LMS for college students keeps them consistently updated on their assignments and tasks, ensuring they stay on top of their academic responsibilities. It features a skill chart that tracks their progress and allows students to compare their skills with peers, fostering a sense of healthy competition. Additionally, based on their skillset, the LMS suggests relevant internships and courses that provide industry experience and hands-on knowledge, helping students build a practical understanding of their chosen fields and preparing them for future careers.

Impact

014

Statistics and Impact of the LMS Solution

By implementing this LMS, educational institutions can enhance engagement, lower costs, and improve accessibility, resulting in a flexible and inclusive learning environment that benefits all stakeholders.

Disclaimer

The statistics were generated after presenting our proposal to AI models like ChatGPT, thoroughly explaining the concept. Additionally, the proposal was validated by faculty from the Entrepreneurship and Management departments at IIT Hyderabad, ensuring its credibility and practical relevance.

25-30%

Reduction in time to go live

Leveraging existing government platforms (ABC and DigiLocker) accelerates the development and implementation of the LMS, reducing the time required to launch by nearly a third.

20-30%

Increase in student retention

AI-powered personalized learning paths and real-time feedback keep students engaged, reducing dropout rates and improving academic outcomes.

30-40%

Reduction in adminstrative cost

Integration with ABC for credit management and DigiLocker for document handling reduces manual processes, cutting administrative costs for institutions.

40-50%

Increase in accessibility

Built-in accessibility features (screen readers, voice commands, sign language) make education more inclusive for PWD students and diverse users, significantly increasing participation.

30-35%

Increase in parent engagement

Tools like the "Professor" chatbot bridge the gap for rural and non-English-speaking parents and students, providing personalized insights and better communication with educators.

25%

Increase in employer matching efficiency

Verified skills and real-time data on student performance lead to more efficient job matching, helping employers find candidates faster.

Previous Project

Handson

Handson

Next Project

Suzuki Logo Competition

Suzuki Logo Competition