Profile: Deepak kumar – Only Natural Design Competitions

Deepak kumar

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DESIGN

My name is Deepak. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Applied Art and a Master's in Lifestyle Accessory Design from the National Institute of Design, Gandhinagar. My practice as a designer is rooted in working closely with materials, exploring their potential through the lenses of sustainability, innovation, and social relevance. Over the years, I’ve engaged with projects that focus on sustainable product design, craft integration, and material experimentation. I have a keen interest in material innovation—not just in developing new materials, but in rethinking how existing ones can be used more responsibly and creatively. This curiosity often leads me to explore solutions that connect deeply with issues like climate change, community upliftment, and environmental resilience. My approach to design is systemic rather than fragmentary. I believe in analyzing the entire ecosystem surrounding a problem before proposing a solution—ensuring that interventions are holistic, interconnected, and aligned with broader contexts. I see value in designing with empathy and foresight, where each decision resonates with the larger narrative of sustainability and human impact. Craft and culture play a vital role in my work. I am passionate about collaborating with craft communities and exploring how traditional knowledge systems can be reinterpreted in contemporary design practice. Ultimately, I see design as a powerful tool for meaningful change—not just in creating better products, but in shaping better systems. I strive to work on projects that challenge conventional thinking and contribute to a more thoughtful, inclusive, and sustainable future.

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Eco Craft Mobile Stand

Category: Interior

Competitions: Home Competition 2025

This project addresses the climate crisis through a holistic sustainability framework that transcends single-aspect solutions. Unlike conventional products focusing solely on material sustainability, this mobile stand encompasses the complete lifecycle—from ethical sourcing and conscious manufacturing to circular end-of-life design. Target users are conscious consumers who support environmental causes while appreciating natural products and traditional craftsmanship. They make mindful purchasing decisions, valuing products with meaningful narratives over impulsive consumption patterns. The dual-function design operates as both a practical mobile stand for desks and a sculptural decorative piece. Its railway-inspired form creates emotional connections, providing relief from technology-saturated environments while celebrating natural materials and human craftsmanship. This approach systematically integrates three sustainability pillars: ethical sourcing of local materials within 500 kilometers, conscious manufacturing involving traditional Rajasthani artisans, and circular end-of-life design ensuring complete biodegradability. The product prominently features India's traditional Tarkashi craft—a 400-year-old decorative technique where fine brass wires are intricately embedded into wood surfaces creating elegant geometric patterns. The framework harmonizes people, society, and environment by utilizing 90% biodegradable natural materials, supporting artisan livelihoods through craft preservation, and promoting slow living principles. Local sourcing reduces carbon footprint while empowering traditional communities whose skills face modernization threats. The result transcends mere functionality, becoming a catalyst for conscious consumption and cultural preservation. It demonstrates that sustainable design can simultaneously address environmental concerns, preserve cultural heritage, and create emotionally durable products that encourage mindful living over disposable consumption.