Research & Innovation
Exploring Design, Culture & Society
My research explores the intersection of design, culture, heritage,
digital media and society with the goal of creating meaningful
impact through interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches
Inquiry at the Intersection of Design, Culture & Society
Research Introduction
Manish Arora’s research practice is fundamentally interdisciplinary — drawing on Visual Communication Design, Social Design History, Health Communication, Digital Media Ethics, and AI-Cultural Intelligence. With over ₹11.65 Crore in funded research across India’s most competitive schemes, his work consistently bridges academic rigour with real-world social impact.
Research Focus Areas
- Visual Communication Design
Exploring visual languages, communication strategies and design practices
- Cultural Heritage & Craft Studies
Research on crafts, traditions, craft clusters and cultural sustainability
- Digital Media & Society
Understanding digital behavior, media influence and societal transformations.
- AI & Design Research
Investigating AI applications, emerging technologies and design innovation
Funded Research Projects
Project Title | Funding Agency | Period | Fund |
Sustaining Traditional Craft Economies: Wooden Toy Clusters in Varanasi & Thanjavur (4M Framework) | ICSSR | 2025–26 | 18L |
Redesigning Advertising Methods in Digital Media to Curb Environmental Deterioration | MoE SPARC | 2023–25 | 16.75L |
History of Social Design in India and USA — Infographics, Advertising & Human Centred Design | MoE SPARC | 2019–23 | 15.75L |
Psychological, Sociological & Cultural Factors in Digital Advertisement Attentiveness | IoE BHU (Transdisciplinary) | 2019–23 | 78.71L |
Academic Linkage for Artifact, Manufacturing Cluster Development | ICSSR-IMPRESS | 2021–23 | 6L |
UP Pro Poor Tourism Development Plan for Artisans of Varanasi | World Bank / MoE | 2019–23 | 1000L |
Design Innovation Centre (DIC) BHU — MoE NIDI Scheme | Ministry of Education | 2015–date | 60L+ |
Development of Ganga Gallery | PMMMNMTT / MHRD | 2019–20 | 4L |
New Paradigms for Visual Arts | MGNCRE / MoE | 2023–24 | 5.5L |
Publications - At a Glance
Journal Papers 1 Scopus-indexed | 6 UGC CARE | 21 UGC Listed | 2 Springer Proceedings | 13 Others | Books & Chapters 3 Books Published | 4 Book Chapters | 6 Conference Proceedings | 5 Policy Documents | Other Outputs 5 Websites | 4 Documentaries | 5 E-Publications | 3 Articles | 3 Editorial Boards |
Publications
This study aims to identify effective digital media marketing and advertising strategies that promote environmental sustainability in the context of climate change. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining qualitative and quantitative research processes. Read More….
This paper measures the expanding expressive capacities of Artificial Art Creation and traditional artistic approaches. The development of artificial intelligence artists brings forward crucial tools for creativity which influence the thinking of the artist, as well as the mechanics of production and presentation. First, the research takes account of the influence of AI technology on traditional arts of painting, sculpture and printmaking. Facilitated by AI collectors it allows artists to uncover novel ideas while practicing experimental methods of challenge-making and artwork-generation. Read More….
Textile and visual art have always been conceived as separate disciplines, but contemporary art practices increasingly challenge such boundaries. “Interwoven Realities” is a multimedia production of fabric, thread, color, and light to create an immersive artistic experience. Read More….
The impact of AI on the present age of media has been transformative, and fake images can be created and shared in seconds using deepfakes. In parallel, there are threats to public trust, image authenticity, or misinformation, and opportunities for digital communication and creative production. The paper seeks to examine how AI and deepfakes have increasingly become part of disinformation in digital media environments. Read More….
Indian culture is enriched by a diverse array of renowned handicrafts originating from various regions, such as wooden toys from Varanasi, Pashmina shawls from Srinagar, blue pottery from Jaipur, Madhubani paintings from Bihar, and brassware from Moradabad etc. This art of making crafts by hand has been transferred from generation to generation over the ages. Read More….
Research Interests
- Visual Communication Design & Typography
- Health Communication Design
- Social Design History (India & USA)
- Digital Advertising & Environmental Ethics (GreenBit / CEWA)
- AI & Cultural Intelligence — Mother Intelligence (MI) Framework
- Craft Economy & Traditional Knowledge Systems
- Design Education & NEP Implementation
Research Guidance
16 PhD Scholars enrolled | 8 Awarded | 8 Ongoing (incl. 1 International)
179+ MFA Dissertations supervised across Visualization, IMC Design & Illustration
1 Fulbright Scholar from USA supervised (2018–19)
