About the Conference

Conference Theme

Abstract Submission Guidelines

Poster Submission Guidelines

Paper Submission Guidelines

NIFT International Conference Mumbai, India 22-23 January 2026

Sub-Themes

1. EQUITY

  • Re-thinking design pedagogy: curricula, policy and practice
  • Empowering Livelihoods: responsible business, grassroots innovation, craft heritage and community integration
  • Diversity in praxis: designing for different identities & design activism
  • Designing for Diversity and Profitability: Inclusive fashion with social impact and business growth

2. ETHICS

  • UN SDGs & Design Thinking: Aligning with global standards (pedagogies, business practices and policy)
  • Sustainable & Ethical Practices: Responsible material sourcing, authenticity and credibility in craft practice and strategies to counter greenwashing
  • Responsible Design & Data Privacy: Ensuring user data protection, transparency, ethical AI, ethical design practices and secure digital experiences
  • Fair Trade: Policies and practices balancing sustainable production and social responsibility

3. ACCESSIBILITY

  • Accessibility Standards and compliance: built environments, products and services
  • Affordable ethical fashion for diverse communities: gender fluidity, people with disabilities and circular fashion
  • Human-Centered & Adaptive Design: intuitive technology, haptics, UX/UI solutions with minimal learning to ensure accessibility through sensory-inclusive and age-friendly innovations

4. USABILITY

  • Material Diversity: Functionality and versatility of materials impacting user experience, needs and design practices
  • Design Innovation Labs: Case studies from academia, industry & government initiatives
  • Behavior & Decision-Making in Design: Leveraging data-driven insights to enhance usability, personalize fashion experiences, and crafting emotional design