Jaipur, Apr 22: The JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU) successfully concluded a four-day immersive workshop titled Designing Worlds Beyond the Screen. Led by renowned designer and creative educator Gaurav Juyal, widely recognized as the former host of Art Attack on Disney Channel, the program brought together 58 students for an interdisciplinary exploration of storytelling, game design, and hands-on creativity.
Participants engaged with key concepts such as world-building, character design, and narrative development. A distinctive highlight was “Vibe Coding,” where AI-driven prompts were used to conceptualize and prototype ideas, encouraging students to push beyond conventional design methods. Everyday objects were transformed into story-driven characters with unique personalities and backstories, helping students uncover creative potential in the ordinary.
In addition, students took part in a clay moulding session, creating handcrafted structures to strengthen their tactile and spatial understanding of design. The workshop also featured a screening of The Gods Must Be Crazy, a satirical film that explores how a simple object (a Coca-Cola bottle) disrupts an indigenous community, sparking discussions on context, perception, and how a simple object can disrupt systems and communities. This encouraged reflection on how design carries meaning and impacts diverse user groups.
The workshop emphasized collaborative learning, with students working in groups of 12–14 to produce dioramas, object theatre pieces, visual storyboards, and playable app and game concepts. It concluded with dynamic two-minute presentations and peer feedback sessions.
A. Balasubramaniam, Director, Institute of Design at JK Lakshmipat University, said, “This workshop reflects our commitment to nurturing creative confidence and interdisciplinary thinking among students. Collaborating with Gaurav Juyal provided our learners with a unique opportunity to explore storytelling and design in deeply engaging and innovative ways.”
By the end of the program, students had developed a strong understanding of design thinking across multiple creative domains, gaining confidence in storytelling, ideation, and collaborative execution. The workshop not only enhanced their creative skills but also encouraged them to experiment with new tools and perspectives. All participants were awarded certificates upon successful completion, signed by Gaurav Juyal.
Known for his unconventional and engaging approach to art and storytelling, Gaurav Juyal brought a unique blend of visual arts, filmmaking, and experiential learning to the workshop. His mentorship inspired students to push creative boundaries and express themselves innovatively. The successful completion of this workshop reinforces JKLU’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary learning and providing students with opportunities to engage with leading creative professionals.
