Koumudi Patil

Koumudi Patil serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), specializing in Craft Thinking and Installation Art. Her academic journey includes a PhD from the Industrial Design Center at IIT Powai, an MFA from Vishwabharati University, and a BFA from Sir J.J. School of Fine Arts.

Her research focuses on the intersection of traditional crafts, design thinking, and community-based innovation. Her work on Banarasi toys demonstrates how linguistic categories reveal cultural worldviews embedded in craft traditions. She leads the Frugal Innovation for Design and Innovation for Grassroot Communities initiative, operating from FB-153 at IIT Kanpur.

Patil's scholarly work shows a consistent trajectory exploring how traditional knowledge systems can inform contemporary design practices, particularly in resource-constrained contexts. Her publications reveal interdisciplinary connections between anthropology, linguistics, and design methodologies.

• Best Research award from International Toy Research Association (2014)
• Fellow of Arts Network Asia (2008-2009)
• Patent holder for innovative furniture design
• Key contributor to national craft initiative launched by Prime Minister Modi

As an academic leader, she has served as Executive member of the Board of International Toy Research Association (2014-2017) and maintains active engagement with both theoretical and applied aspects of design. Her work bridges academic research with practical social impact through frugal innovation approaches.