Master Of Design Exhibition Showcases Innovative Student Projects

Students pursuing the Master of Design program at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Machakos University, held an exhibition from 30th January to 5th February 2025 at Fashion Design Studio 2. The event, open to staff, students, and the public, showcased projects across Interior Design, Fashion Design, Branding Identity, and Interdisciplinary Design—the first of its kind in the university. The exhibition followed a successful mini-exhibition held on 17^th December 2024, which laid the foundation for this exhibition showcase.

The official opening was graced by Dr. Christopher Gakahu, the Chairman of the Machakos University Council, alongside the University Management led by Prof. Joyce J. Agalo, the Vice Chancellor of Machakos University. During the visit, the Chair of Council commended the students for the exceptional creativity and urged them to continue striving for excellence. The Council Chair acknowledged the dedication of the first-year Master of Design students, emphasizing the innovative impact of their work on both the department and the university.

Exhibition Highlights

The exhibition featured a variety of design projects that reflected students’ mastery in different areas of specialization, including:

1. Interior Textile Design Projects

• Complete bed sets
• Hanging wall art inspired by Jacaranda seeds
• Upcycled quilted table mats featuring tie-dye techniques
• Maasai beaded wall hangings
• Geometrically shaped wall hangings

2. Technical Textile in Fashion Design

• Comfort-enhanced sportswear
• Smart accessory garments designed for amnesic individuals
• Raincoat casual wear
• Eco-friendly dresses
• Modified reflector jackets

3. Advertising Design & Branding Identity

• Kaya African-inspired perfume packaging
• Refillable maize flour containers

4. Interdisciplinary Design

• Department of Design Coat of Arms integrating Interior Design, Graphic Design, and Fashion Design elements

5. Textile Surface Design

• Embroidery, patchwork, and tie-dye techniques
• Surface design for fashion collection accessories
• Upcycled designs for bags and shorts

The exhibition successfully met all its intended objectives, providing a platform for students to present innovative ideas and gain valuable feedback from, prospects, industry experts and academia. This exhibition marked a significant milestone in the Master of Design program, demonstrating the students’ ability to merge creativity with functional design solutions.