D’KODE Summit 2026 Bridges Design Theory and Industry Practice in Pune
The School of Design at Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth successfully conducted its premier academic gathering, the D’KODE Summit 2026, on March 23 and 24. This flagship event united designers, academicians, industry professionals, and students for an intensive two-day dialogue on modern design methodologies and innovations.
Focus on Typography and Visual Communication
Organized by the Department of Visual Communication Design, the summit centered on typography and its dynamic evolution within the realm of communication. Under the leadership of Chancellor P. D. Patil and with institutional backing from Pro-Vice-Chancellor Smita Jadhav, the event aimed to foster creative exploration and practical learning.
Keynote Sessions and Expert Insights
On the first day, D. Udaya Kumar delivered a keynote address, delving into display typography and its cultural significance. Sarang Kulkarni, co-founder of Ek Type, provided insights into the structure and contemporary applications of Indian scripts. Day two featured Dr. Chaitanya Gokhale, who examined the interconnection between typography and design thinking, while Prof. Michael V. Testani contributed via an online session, offering a global viewpoint on design trends.
Thematic Workshops and Student Engagement
The summit highlighted themes such as “Big Type, Bold Voice” and “When Letters Perform,” emphasizing scale, personality, and motion in typographic design. A series of interactive workshops on calligraphy, lettering, and cross-script design were integral to the program. Students engaged in hands-on sessions that focused on composition, visual hierarchy, and experimental techniques, enhancing their practical skills.
Smita Jadhav remarked, “The summit provided students with exposure to both academic and industry perspectives, enabling them to grasp typography beyond theoretical concepts.”
Objectives and Impact
The event was designed to narrow the divide between classroom education and real-world industry practices, while inspiring creative innovation among participants. By integrating expert talks and practical workshops, the D’KODE Summit 2026 reinforced the importance of typography in effective communication and design excellence.
