Designing for Complexity and Change: Nidhi Singh Rathore, 2023 Young Innovator Awardee

Growing up in Allahabad, India, surrounded by multiple social realities, Nidhi Singh Rathore (MFA 18 Media Design Practices) learned early on that the world is full of complexity — and that design could be a way to navigate it. After beginning her career at Microsoft, Nidhi sought deeper purpose and came to ArtCenter, where she discovered how research, systems thinking, and human-centered design could drive civic transformation. Her journey has taken her from LA City Hall’s Mayor’s Innovation Team to Montgomery County, Maryland, where she helped reimagine public transit through design. Today, as an Assistant Professor of Design at George Washington University, she empowers students to use design as a tool for inquiry, equity, and impact. Nidhi’s research explores how humans and AI approach problem-solving — and how embracing creativity, empathy, and complexity can help ensure a more inclusive future. CREDITS Director, Editor & Co-Producer: Rahat Mahajan (MFA 16 Film) Producer & Interview: Christine Spines Cinematography: Rahat Mahajan & Austin Serr (MFA 2019 Film) Motion Graphics: El Ogrodova (BFA 11 Graphic Design) & Mohit Sebastian Associate Editor: Ethan Stockwell (MFA 2022 Film) Associate Producer: Gloria Valdez Additional Cinematography (Washington DC): Gabriela Passos Location Sound: Michael Faner Sound Mix: Jeremy Jung Special Thanks: Kevin Lipnos & Michael Hanson and the Bruce Heavin stage. Joe Petricca, Aaron Lindquist and the very generous support of the film department and EMEC. Robert Dirig and the ArtCenter Archives & Special Collections. #NidhiSinghRathore #ArtCenterAlumni #YoungInnovator #DesignForImpact #MediaDesignPractices #HumanCenteredDesign #DesignEducation #CivicInnovation #AIandDesign #DesignForChange #WomenInDesign #ArtCenterCollegeofDesign