This session will address a critical gap in design education: the disconnect between theoretical learning and practical, real-world application. Is design education fostering the right skills to meet emerging needs? Does it promote creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, or is it too focused on rigid theory? Hands-on experimentation and learning by doing will be explored as crucial elements in nurturing creativity and bridging this gap. Topics such as human behavior and design, sustainability, AI-driven creation, and data-informed design will be addressed, illustrating how education can evolve to keep pace with new technologies and societal needs. We’ll also look at the role of government interventions, international collaborations, and faculty development programs in shaping a more dynamic and responsive design education system that prepares students for a sustainable, creative future.