Who: Abhinav Dey
Education: BE in Mechanical Engineering from Vellore Institute of Technology
What is design thinking? To put it simply, it’s the process of solving a problem. First, you define the problem, then you consider several solutions thoroughly, select the best options and refine them, and then you choose a solution and execute it. It’s logical thinking at its finest.
Abhinav Dey has always been drawn to problem-solving. That combined with his love of design has resulted in some interesting projects. Abhinav studied Mechanical Engineering in college and realised that he wanted to use all his skills and create the best possible solutions for problems.
When he was in college, Abhinav had the chance to work with an NGO called Blind-lead. It gave him an idea of what was needed in the service space. Once he finished his time at the NGO, he became more interested in the education field. After working with other NGOs like Project DEFY, he has become a big supporter of vocational training.
Determined to make a difference in his own way, Abhinav started FreeDesign in 2013. The organisation specialises in helping people design and create their own social enterprises. Abhinav’s experiences in the field help him a lot here. His Engineering skills are put to good use too. FreeDesign is not a hands off organisation – they are involved in the execution of the strategy as well.
FreeDesign is involved in many interesting projects currently, but also have big plans for the future. Abhinav is considering putting together a group of designers who are interested in socially impactful projects. He wants to bring together experts in various fields such as business, technology and finance. The idea is that the collective knowledge of the group can be used to improve a start up’s social initiatives.
We can’t wait to see what this team of innovative thinkers has in store for the future.
Long Story Short
- Abhinav Dey is an Engineer turned Social Entrepreneur.
- Abhinav specialises in design thinking, an effective problem-solving technique.
- His company, FreeDesign, is geared towards helping people design and create their own social enterprises.
- FreeDesign also helps their customers execute their plans.
- Abhinav hopes to bring together a group of design thinkers from various fields to consult and help improve social initiatives.