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

Exploring visual languages, communication strategies and design practices

Research on crafts, traditions, craft clusters and cultural sustainability

Understanding digital behavior, media influence and societal transformations.

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)

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