8 Tips to Excel in Design Entrance Exams in 2024
Cracking a design entrance exam today goes beyond showcasing creative talent. Evolving consumer behaviors and industry trends have expanded opportunities in the design field, prompting more students to pursue specialized design courses. In this dynamic landscape, candidates are assessed not only on creative abilities but also on abstract visualization, analytical skills, design thinking, and problem-solving capabilities, along with a strong sketching portfolio. To succeed in these competitive exams, Professor Manas Mishra from the School of Design at UPES shares eight expert tips to help aspiring designers navigate the challenges and ace their entrance exams.
Master Your Fundamentals
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the syllabus and foundational design elements, including color theory and layout design. Focus on often-overlooked aspects like speed and consistency, as they enhance confidence and readiness for complex challenges.
Stay Current with General Knowledge and Affairs
Keep abreast of design trends, technological advancements, UI/UX design patterns, and design tool upgrades. A forward-thinking mindset provides an edge in both written exams and personality tests.
Polish Your Design Thinking
Dive deep into design challenges, understanding key stages of design thinking (Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test). Embrace constructive feedback, and criticism, and conduct thorough research for continuous improvement.
Hone Your Sketching Skills
Regular practice of sketching unleashes creativity. Exams like UCEED, CEED, NIFT, and NID give weight to subjective, drawing-related, and problem-solving questions to evaluate creativity, observation, and visualization skills.
Practice PYQs and Mock Papers
Understand question intricacies to develop speed for efficient answers. Practice Previous Year Question (PYQ) papers and mock tests in the three-hour examination format. Regular, shorter practice sessions are more effective than irregular intense study sessions.
Take Feedback
Recognize that there’s no standardized metric for good design. Use feedback as a valuable tool for personal development. Collaborate with peers, mentors, or teachers, and be open to constructive criticism to iteratively enhance designs.
Take Breaks to Avoid Stress
Balance study routines with short breaks. Activities like walking, disconnecting from technology, meditation, and spending time with loved ones cultivate positive vibes. Have faith in your abilities and believe you are well-prepared.
Visit a Design School
Before the entrance exam, visit a design institution to interact with professors and current students. This provides an opportunity for valuable feedback and a deeper understanding of the design school environment.
The journey to success in design entrance exams is not just about reaching the destination but enjoying the process of learning along the way.
