ITD24 Conference, Utrecht, Netherlands
Invited to present my Thesis Project and Research Paper at a global conference on interdisciplinary studies
4 min read | 8th Nov, 2024
ITD24 Conference, Utrecht, Netherlands
Invited to present my Thesis Project and Research Paper at a global conference on interdisciplinary studies
4 min read | 8th Nov, 2024
Stepping Into the Spotlight
As a child, I loved creating, writing plays, imagining stories, but when it came to speaking in front of people, I froze. Years later, I found myself in Utrecht, Netherlands, about to present my research abstract, “Gendered Mobility Studies: A Catalyst for Transdisciplinary & Interdisciplinary Design Education” and my thesis project, “Directionally Diverse.” I was one of the youngest speakers in a room full of experienced researchers and teaching professionals.
I was nervous and terrified, but reminded myself of three truths:
No one knows this project better than I do.
Mistakes are part of the process.
Sharing ideas is always more valuable than holding them back.
As a child, I loved creating, writing plays, imagining stories, but when it came to speaking in front of people, I froze. Years later, I found myself in Utrecht, Netherlands, about to present my research abstract, “Gendered Mobility Studies: A Catalyst for Transdisciplinary & Interdisciplinary Design Education” and my thesis project, “Directionally Diverse.” I was one of the youngest speakers in a room full of experienced researchers and teaching professionals.
I was nervous and terrified, but reminded myself of three truths:
No one knows this project better than I do.
Mistakes are part of the process.
Sharing ideas is always more valuable than holding them back.
From Research to Presentation
Once I began, I spoke about Directionally Diverse, a project rooted in participatory and sociological research. It explored how women and marginalized groups navigate Bangalore’s metro system, how social dynamics, gender, and urban infrastructure intersect to shape mobility.
By integrating concepts from sociology into the design process, I wasn’t just creating a navigation tool; I was building an argument for why design needs to account for lived experience, identity, and systemic inequality. This transdisciplinary approach resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom came from backgrounds outside of design.
Once I began, I spoke about Directionally Diverse, a project rooted in participatory and sociological research. It explored how women and marginalized groups navigate Bangalore’s metro system, how social dynamics, gender, and urban infrastructure intersect to shape mobility.
By integrating concepts from sociology into the design process, I wasn’t just creating a navigation tool; I was building an argument for why design needs to account for lived experience, identity, and systemic inequality. This transdisciplinary approach resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom came from backgrounds outside of design.
🔑 Key Insights from the Session
Attendees were intrigued by how India’s social and cultural complexity adds layers to public transit design.
Being one of the youngest presenters, I found the support from senior academics and practitioners both humbling and encouraging.
The feedback I received was constructive, especially on how to expand my findings into future interdisciplinary applications.
Attendees were intrigued by how India’s social and cultural complexity adds layers to public transit design.
Being one of the youngest presenters, I found the support from senior academics and practitioners both humbling and encouraging.
The feedback I received was constructive, especially on how to expand my findings into future interdisciplinary applications.
Reflections & Impact
What stayed with me most wasn’t just the applause or recognition, but the shift in how I viewed my own voice as a designer.
Your voice matters, even when it feels small. I entered the room as a nervous student but left as a peer among professionals.
Design is more powerful when it embraces other disciplines. Sociology gave my project depth, credibility, and broader impact.
Growth comes from risk. Pushing past fear allowed me to connect with an international community of scholars and practitioners.
What stayed with me most wasn’t just the applause or recognition, but the shift in how I viewed my own voice as a designer.
Your voice matters, even when it feels small. I entered the room as a nervous student but left as a peer among professionals.
Design is more powerful when it embraces other disciplines. Sociology gave my project depth, credibility, and broader impact.
Growth comes from risk. Pushing past fear allowed me to connect with an international community of scholars and practitioners.
Takeaways I Carry Forward
Step beyond your comfort zone—the stage will teach you as much as the research.
Interdisciplinary collaboration makes design stronger, more inclusive, and more human.
Feedback is not a critique of your worth, but a roadmap for your growth.
Step beyond your comfort zone—the stage will teach you as much as the research.
Interdisciplinary collaboration makes design stronger, more inclusive, and more human.
Feedback is not a critique of your worth, but a roadmap for your growth.
Presenting at ITD24 was more than an academic milestone—it was a reminder of why I design in the first place: to bridge gaps, challenge systems, and create inclusive futures. 🌍✨
Presenting at ITD24 was more than an academic milestone—it was a reminder of why I design in the first place: to bridge gaps, challenge systems, and create inclusive futures. 🌍✨
Presentation Highlights (Quick Peek)
