There are certain student projects you guide as part of your role as teachers, and then there are a few that stay with you long after the evaluation is complete. The project of Bharath Krishnakumar from B.Sc. Media Technology truly stood out over time and evolved into a meaningful and well-executed design outcome.
It was not just a project that met academic expectations, but one that carried cultural depth, clarity of purpose, and a strong connection with its audience. This is precisely what led to his well-deserved recognition as the Best Project Award winner at the 18th Graduation Showcase of ICAT College of Design and Media.
Beginning
INAI (Tamil - இணை) means a pair, two things that belong together, or perfectly matching elements. It symbolises connection, unity, and balance. For example: land & people, culture & identity, and past & present. The foundation of the project named "INAI" was rooted in a powerful intention. Bharath chose to explore the concept of the five lands from Tamil literature, known as 'Ainthinai', with the aim of reconnecting the present generation to the cultural richness of Tamil Nadu and its deep relationship between human life and nature. At a time when many projects tend to follow trends or focus purely on aesthetics, his decision to take a culturally significant theme and reinterpret it through a contemporary design lens showed both maturity and responsibility.
What made this project stand strong was the way he approached the process, beginning with a strong emphasis on research through his Reflective Visual Journal (RVJ). This was not treated as a mere documentation exercise but as a space for exploration, questioning, and clarity. His research phase was extensive and sincere, where he explored Tamil literature, online resources, and cultural references to understand the philosophical and emotional depth behind 'Ainthinai'. This helped him move beyond surface-level visuals and think about how each land represents a unique way of life, emotion, and environment.
Figure 1: A few spreads from the student's Reflective Visual Journal (RVJ).
During this stage, Bharath experimented with multiple directions, including ideas based on natupura kalaigal (village arts), puppetry, Velachery clay dolls, and even a vegan chocolate brand concept. However, what was impressive was his ability to filter these ideas and refine them into a focused direction, eventually shaping INAI as a branding and merchandising project. This ability to explore widely and then make clear decisions is what defines a strong design process.
Designing with Sensitivity
As he transitioned from research to visualisation, Bharath aligned his ideas with his specialisation in Graphic Design and Motion Graphics. One of the most thoughtful aspects of his project was his decision to avoid the direct use of religious figures and instead focus on symbolic motifs. For instance, rather than depicting Lord Murugan in a literal form, he used the Vel as a design element, allowing the project to retain its cultural essence while also becoming more adaptable and contemporary. This approach showed both respect for tradition and a clear understanding of modern design communication.
Figure 2: Glimpse of logo ideation, social media poster, standee, and tent card designs.
Culture in Visual Storytelling
The project further developed through character ideation inspired by cultural themes such as Kuravan and Kurathi (meaning, tribal man and woman), which added narrative depth to his motion graphics component. At the same time, he explored merchandising, especially T-shirt designs, where each design represented aspects of the five lands in a visually engaging and relatable manner. His process included sketching, digital development, layout exploration, and careful selection of colour schemes, all of which were documented and refined through his Reflective Visual Journal.
Figure 3: Character designs for motion graphics and T-shirt designs.
Extending Ideas into Motion Graphics
An important strength of INAI was how it extended into motion graphics. Bharath worked on scripting, storyboarding, and voiceover to ensure that the concept of the five lands could be communicated effectively in a short span of time. This made the project more accessible to a wider audience, especially those who may not be familiar with the depth of Tamil literature. The motion piece was engaging, clear, and well-paced, demonstrating his ability to translate research into storytelling.
Figure 4: Motion graphics process and final shots from the video output.
Connecting with Audience
What truly validated his efforts was the response during the graduation showcase. The project did not remain confined to display boards or screens; it actively engaged the audience. The T-shirts designed by him were not only appreciated but also purchased, and the motion graphics piece was able to communicate its message clearly and quickly. This kind of response is a strong indicator of effective design, where the work goes beyond presentation and creates real connection.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
Bharath's achievement is not just about winning an award, but about demonstrating how a well-structured process, supported by strong research and thoughtful execution, can lead to impactful outcomes. INAI stands as a reminder that design education is not only about learning tools or techniques but also about developing the ability to think deeply, make informed decisions, and communicate ideas meaningfully.
Figure 5: The student's stall presentation in the showcase. He received the best project award.
In the end, INAI is more than just a student project. It is an example of how tradition and modern design can come together to create something relevant, engaging, and memorable. It reflects the kind of work that not only fulfills academic goals but also contributes to a larger cultural conversation, which is what makes it truly special.
