Prof. Vishal R. Sawant

Vishal R. Sawant is a multidisciplinary design professional and educator with over 15 years of experience across corporate, entrepreneurial, and academic environments. His expertise spans identity design, UX/UI, branding, print and web media, and digital product development. As the founder of Design FWD Studio, he has delivered diverse design solutions that combine strategic thinking with clean, human-centred aesthetics.

He is also the creator of Post with Love, a mobile application designed to help people send real postcards to their loved ones, reflecting his interest in blending digital convenience with meaningful personal communication.

Over the past five years, Vishal has been actively involved in design education, mentoring students in visual communication, user experience, branding, and portfolio development. Living with a physical disability, he is deeply committed to accessibility and inclusive design. He also runs Give Some Space, a non-profit initiative advocating for people with mobility challenges and promoting empathy-driven accessible environments.

Vishal R. Sawant has more than 15 years of professional experience spanning corporate design roles, independent practice, and academic engagement. As founder of Design FWD Studio, he has led branding, identity, UX/UI, and print communication projects across multiple sectors.

He developed Post with Love, a functional mobile application that enables users to send personalized physical postcards. Alongside his professional practice, he has spent the last five years in design education, teaching and mentoring students in visual communication, UX/UI design, and portfolio development. His combined experience enables him to bridge real-world industry expectations with academic learning.

Accessibility | Inclusive Design | User Experience for People with Mobility Challenges | Digital Interfaces | Spatial Design Thinking | Communication Systems | Identity Design Systems | Brand Storytelling | Emotional Product Communication | Hybrid Physical-Digital Experiences | Design Education Methodologies

Prof. Vishal's teaching philosophy focuses on practical, learner-centred design education grounded in empathy and real-world relevance. He believes students learn best by doing, through project-based explorations that mirror industry expectations.

He emphasizes critical thinking, clarity in visual communication, and strong conceptual foundations. Failure, iteration, and reflection form an essential part of his studio process. He also integrates accessibility and inclusive design into learning discussions to broaden students' understanding of diverse user needs. Through personalized mentorship, portfolio guidance, and feedback-driven growth, he aims to build confidence and prepare students for professional practice with sensitivity, responsibility, and creative independence.

Visual Communication | Branding and Identity Design | UX/UI Fundamentals | Portfolio Development | Introduction to Typography | Social Media Design | Foundations of Graphic Design

As an independent designer and educator, Prof. Vishal continues to explore opportunities in design competitions, accessibility-focused grants, and collaborative academic projects. He actively seeks partnerships that support inclusive design, social impact, and accessible digital product development.

Prof. Vishal has published a research paper on Universal Design Washrooms in Educational Institutes. His broader scholarly engagement focuses on accessibility-led innovation, inclusive design systems, and socially responsible design interventions that improve everyday experiences for diverse user communities.

Email: vishal.sawant@ddn.upes.ac.in