{"id":904,"date":"2026-07-29T13:14:12","date_gmt":"2026-07-29T13:14:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/?p=904"},"modified":"2026-07-29T13:14:14","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T13:14:14","slug":"10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Design Thinking Exercises Every NID Aspirant Should Practice"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Success in the<strong> NID entrance exam<\/strong> isn&#8217;t determined by drawing ability alone. Every year, the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nid.edu\/\"> National Institute of Design<\/a> looks for students who can observe carefully, think creatively, solve problems, and communicate ideas effectively; the core of what<a href=\"https:\/\/designthinking.ideo.com\/\"> IDEO calls design thinking<\/a>: a human-centred approach to innovation, not an artistic one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The encouraging news is that design thinking is a skill you can develop with regular practice. A few simple exercises, when practised consistently, can significantly improve your observation, creativity, and problem-solving abilities for the NID entrance exam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are ten exercises worth adding to your prep routine; none require perfect sketches, just consistent thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1.<\/strong> <strong>Observe Everyday Objects Like a Designer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Designers don&#8217;t just use products; they question them. Pick a water bottle, chair, or school bag and study who uses it, what problem it solves, and how it could improve. Observation and product-improvement tasks are a recurring theme in NID papers, where candidates must analyse everyday situations and communicate solutions rather than simply draw well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Try It Yourself<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Select <strong>one everyday object<\/strong> from your study table or home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Within <strong>20 minutes<\/strong>, complete the following:<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Write <strong>5 positive features<\/strong> of the product.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Identify <strong>5 user problems<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Think of <strong>3 different users<\/strong> (for example, a school student, a traveler, and an elderly person).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sketch <strong>2 improved versions<\/strong> based on their different needs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don&#8217;t worry about making perfect drawings; focus on communicating your ideas clearly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skills You Develop<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Observation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>User Empathy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Design Thinking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Product Analysis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creativity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visualisation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Problem Solving<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why This Exercise Matters for NID<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">NID searches for candidates who can observe the world with curiosity, understand users, and generate thoughtful solutions to real-life problems. By practising this exercise regularly, you&#8217;ll gradually begin to think like a designer rather than simply draw like one, a mindset that plays a crucial role in both the NID entrance exam and a successful design career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Redesign an Everyday Product<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Design thinking often starts by asking &#8220;how can this work better?&#8221; rather than inventing something new. The<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nid.edu\/\"> official NID DAT B.Des Sample Paper 2026<\/a> includes exactly this task: draw an object, explain a key function, then sketch an improved version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Previous NID Connection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The official <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/nid-coaching-exam-prep-studio-test-online-learning-sample-papers-and-study-material-2024\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"37\">NID DAT B.Des Sample Paper 2026<\/a><\/strong> includes a task where candidates first draw an object, explain one of its key functions for the user, and then suggest an improvement to its functionality by drawing an improvised version.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Try It Yourself<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choose any one everyday product and redesign it for a different user.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A <strong>school bag<\/strong> for primary school children that reduces shoulder strain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A <strong>water bottle<\/strong> for senior citizens with an easier grip and spill-proof cap.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A <strong>toothbrush<\/strong> for users with limited hand mobility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A <strong>bus stop<\/strong> designed to improve accessibility for wheelchair users.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Support your idea with a quick sketch and briefly explain <strong>how your redesign improves the user&#8217;s experience<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skills Developed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>User-centred Design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Problem Solving<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creativity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Product Improvement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Empathy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Functional Thinking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3.<\/strong> <strong>The &#8220;10 Ideas in 10 Minutes&#8221; Challenge<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Designers rarely stop at their first idea. Instead, they explore multiple possibilities before selecting the strongest solution. This process, known as <strong>ideation<\/strong>, is a key stage of design thinking and helps encourage originality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choose a simple design problem, such as <strong>&#8220;How can students carry books more comfortably?&#8221;<\/strong> or <strong>&#8220;How can waiting at a bus stop become more engaging?&#8221;<\/strong> Set a timer for <strong>10 minutes<\/strong> and write or sketch <strong>10 different solutions<\/strong>. Don&#8217;t worry if some ideas seem unusual; creative thinking often begins with quantity before quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Previous NID Connection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">NID DAT regularly includes open-ended design problems that assess originality, flexibility of thinking, and idea generation under time constraints.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Try It Yourself<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pick one everyday problem and challenge yourself to create <strong>10 unique ideas in 10 minutes<\/strong>. Once you&#8217;re done, select the most practical solution and explain why it works best for the user.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skills Developed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ideation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creativity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Divergent Thinking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Problem Solving<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Time Management<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Think in Reverse to Discover Better Solutions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead of asking, <strong>&#8220;how can I improve this?&#8221; <\/strong>ask, &#8220;how could I make this worse?&#8221; &#8211; a technique called &#8220;reverse brainstorming,&#8221; closely related to the problem-framing stage in the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.designcouncil.org.uk\/\"> Design Council&#8217;s Framework for Innovation<\/a>. Sharp edges, an unstable base, no back support; then reverse each flaw into a fix. NID&#8217;s open-ended problems reward exactly this kind of lateral analysis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>For example, imagine making a chair uncomfortable:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Add sharp edges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make the legs unstable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remove the back support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use slippery material.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Now reverse each idea to create a better design: <\/strong>rounded edges, a stable base, proper back support, and comfortable materials. Looking at problems from the opposite perspective often leads to practical and innovative solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Previous NID Connection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">NID frequently presents open-ended design problems that require candidates to analyse existing situations, identify shortcomings, and develop creative improvements. Reverse thinking is an effective way to generate original ideas when solving such questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Try It Yourself<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choose any everyday product and list <strong>five ways to make it worse<\/strong>. Then reverse each point to create a smarter, more user-friendly design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skills Developed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Creative Thinking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Problem Analysis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Innovation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Design Thinking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Idea Generation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5<\/strong>. <strong>Tell a Story Through Sketches<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Design is about communicating ideas, not just creating attractive drawings. One of the best ways to improve this skill is through <strong>visual storytelling<\/strong>; using a sequence of sketches to explain a situation, a problem, and its solution without relying on lengthy text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Create a <strong>six-frame storyboard<\/strong> based on an everyday scenario, such as losing a school ID card, carrying groceries, travelling during heavy rain, or helping an elderly person cross the road. Show the problem, the user&#8217;s experience, your solution, and the outcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Previous NID Connection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Storyboard and sequential sketching tasks have appeared in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/nid-coaching-guide-crack-nid-entrance-with-expert-preparation\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"621\">NID entrance examinations<\/a><\/strong>, where candidates are asked to communicate ideas, emotions, or everyday situations through a series of visuals. These questions assess visual communication, observation, creativity, and the ability to express a complete idea clearly, not artistic perfection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Try It Yourself<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choose one real-life situation and create a <strong>six-frame storyboard<\/strong> showing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The problem<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The user&#8217;s challenge<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your design solution<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The final outcome<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep each sketch simple and focus on communicating the story clearly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skills Developed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Visual Communication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Storytelling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Observation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creativity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sequential Thinking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6.<\/strong> <strong>Conduct a Mini User Interview<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"6\" class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good design begins with understanding people, not products. Before solving a problem, designers first learn about users&#8217; needs, challenges, and daily experiences. This process is called <strong>user research<\/strong> and is a key part of design thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speak to a parent, grandparent, classmate, shopkeeper, or neighbour and ask simple questions like<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What everyday problem frustrates you the most?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why is it difficult?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How do you currently solve it?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you could change one thing, what would it be?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Previous NID Connection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">NID frequently presents user-centred design problems where candidates must understand people&#8217;s needs and propose practical solutions. Developing empathy through observation and conversation helps you approach such questions more thoughtfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Try It Yourself<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interview <strong>two different people<\/strong> about the same everyday problem. Compare their answers and identify one design opportunity that could improve their experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skills Developed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>User Empathy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Observation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Research Skills<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Problem Identification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Design Thinking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Improve Something Around You<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"7\" class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Design opportunities are everywhere; a cluttered study table, a confusing notice board, a crowded shoe rack. NID often bases problems on exactly these everyday environments.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Previous NID Connection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">NID frequently includes problem-solving questions based on everyday environments, where candidates are expected to observe existing situations, identify user challenges, and propose practical, creative improvements through sketches and brief explanations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Try It Yourself<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choose one everyday space and answer these questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What is the problem?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Who is affected?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why does it happen?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sketch one simple redesign that makes the space easier to use.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skills Developed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Observation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Problem Solving<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spatial Thinking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>User-Centred Design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creativity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8. Draw What You See, Not What You Think<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"8\" class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Observation drawing trains accuracy, proportion, and attention to detail: skills every NID studio task rewards. Sketch a real object (shoe, cup, backpack) from direct observation, not memory or a photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Previous NID Connection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Observation-based sketching has been a recurring component of <strong>NID entrance preparation<\/strong>, where candidates are expected to communicate ideas clearly through quick, accurate sketches. The emphasis is on careful observation and visual communication rather than artistic perfection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Try It Yourself<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pick one everyday object and sketch it from <strong>three different angles<\/strong> within <strong>15 minutes<\/strong>. Compare your sketches with the actual object and identify details you initially overlooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skills Developed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Observation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sketching<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Perspective<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proportion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visual Communication<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>9. Communicate an Idea Without Words<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Designers often communicate visually before using text. Pick a theme, saving water or road safety, and explain it using only sketches and symbols, no words. NID&#8217;s concept-expression tasks assess exactly this clarity of thought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Previous NID Connection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Visual communication and concept-expression tasks are common in <strong>NID entrance examinations<\/strong>, where candidates are expected to convey ideas clearly through sketches, symbols, and illustrations. These questions assess clarity of thought, creativity, and communication rather than artistic perfection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Try It Yourself<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pick one social message and create a <strong>four- or six-frame visual sequence<\/strong> that communicates the idea using only sketches. Ask a friend or family member to interpret your drawings. If they understand the message without any explanation, you have communicated effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skills Developed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Visual Communication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creativity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Storytelling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Concept Development<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Design Thinking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you can communicate ideas visually, the final step is bringing together observation, creativity, empathy, and problem-solving to tackle complete design challenges under time constraints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>10. Build Quick Prototypes\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Great designers build simple models to test ideas rather than waiting for perfection. Many NID challenges reward candidates who think beyond flat sketches toward how an idea would actually function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Previous NID Connection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many <strong>NID design challenges<\/strong> encourage candidates to think beyond sketches and consider how ideas would function in the real world. Developing the habit of building simple prototypes helps strengthen problem-solving and practical design thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Try It Yourself<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choose one idea from the previous exercises and create a simple prototype using household materials like paper, cardboard, or clay to build a rough model of an earlier idea. Show it to a friend or family member, ask for feedback, and make one improvement based on their suggestions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skills Developed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prototyping<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Design Thinking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creativity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Problem Solving<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Iteration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Final Takeaway:<\/strong> These exercises aren&#8217;t just preparation techniques; they help you develop the observation, creativity, empathy, and problem-solving mindset that NID looks for in aspiring designers. Practise them consistently, and you&#8217;ll gradually begin to think like a designer, not just draw like one<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why These Exercises Matter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Design thinking is a skill that develops through consistent practice, not memorisation. These exercises help you build the core abilities that NID evaluates throughout its entrance process, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Observation and visual analysis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creativity and idea generation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>User-centred problem-solving<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visual communication and storytelling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Empathy and design research<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sketching and concept development<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Time management under exam conditions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More importantly, they train you to approach everyday situations with curiosity, analyse problems from different perspectives, and communicate practical solutions, exactly the mindset expected in the <strong>NID entrance exam<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785329871859\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>1. How much of my NID score depends on design thinking vs. drawing skill?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">More than just sketch quality, originality and reasoning usually matter more than polish.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785329893213\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>2. Can I practise these without a mentor or coaching class?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, most are self-directed; only the interview exercise needs another person.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785329907525\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>3. Do these help beyond the written DAT, in Studio Test or interview?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, storyboarding, prototyping, and reverse brainstorming map directly onto Studio briefs.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785329922543\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>4. I&#8217;m a drop-year student; should my practice differ?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Same exercises, deeper reps, full prototypes, and longer interviews instead of quick, timed versions.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1785329938580\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>5. How do I know an exercise is actually working?<\/strong> <\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Track idea count over time, not sketch quality; more ideas per session is the real signal.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Success in the NID entrance exam isn&#8217;t determined by drawing ability alone. Every year, the National Institute of Design looks [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":906,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-904","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nid-coaching"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>10 Design Thinking Exercises Every NID Aspirant Should Practice - NID Coaching BRDS<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover 10 design thinking exercises every NID aspirant should practice to boost creativity, problem-solving, observation, and design aptitude.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"10 Design Thinking Exercises Every NID Aspirant Should Practice - NID Coaching BRDS\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover 10 design thinking exercises every NID aspirant should practice to boost creativity, problem-solving, observation, and design aptitude.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"NID Coaching BRDS\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-07-29T13:14:12+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-07-29T13:14:14+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/10-Design-Thinking-Exercises-Every-NID-Aspirant-Should-Practice.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1280\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"720\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"admin\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/ee5efd2c594e05437062fa3ef015d1dc\"},\"headline\":\"10 Design Thinking Exercises Every NID Aspirant Should Practice\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-07-29T13:14:12+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-07-29T13:14:14+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1940,\"commentCount\":0,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/07\\\/10-Design-Thinking-Exercises-Every-NID-Aspirant-Should-Practice.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"NID Coaching\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/\",\"name\":\"10 Design Thinking Exercises Every NID Aspirant Should Practice - NID Coaching BRDS\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/07\\\/10-Design-Thinking-Exercises-Every-NID-Aspirant-Should-Practice.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-07-29T13:14:12+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-07-29T13:14:14+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/ee5efd2c594e05437062fa3ef015d1dc\"},\"description\":\"Discover 10 design thinking exercises every NID aspirant should practice to boost creativity, problem-solving, observation, and design aptitude.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"mainEntity\":[{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/#faq-question-1785329871859\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/#faq-question-1785329893213\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/#faq-question-1785329907525\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/#faq-question-1785329922543\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/#faq-question-1785329938580\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/07\\\/10-Design-Thinking-Exercises-Every-NID-Aspirant-Should-Practice.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/07\\\/10-Design-Thinking-Exercises-Every-NID-Aspirant-Should-Practice.png\",\"width\":1280,\"height\":720,\"caption\":\"A NID aspirant practices design thinking exercises through sketching and creative problem-solving to strengthen design aptitude and visual thinking skills.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"10 Design Thinking Exercises Every NID Aspirant Should Practice\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/\",\"name\":\"NID Coaching BRDS\",\"description\":\"NID Entrance Exam Coaching\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/ee5efd2c594e05437062fa3ef015d1dc\",\"name\":\"admin\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/826c2497a772715c5094a33e48ec2229cc04207717d4f22f739d76571dffcebe?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/826c2497a772715c5094a33e48ec2229cc04207717d4f22f739d76571dffcebe?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/826c2497a772715c5094a33e48ec2229cc04207717d4f22f739d76571dffcebe?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"admin\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.nidcoaching.org\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/author\\\/admin\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/#faq-question-1785329871859\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/#faq-question-1785329871859\",\"name\":\"1. How much of my NID score depends on design thinking vs. drawing skill?\u00a0\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"More than just sketch quality, originality and reasoning usually matter more than polish.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/#faq-question-1785329893213\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/#faq-question-1785329893213\",\"name\":\"2. Can I practise these without a mentor or coaching class?\u00a0\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes, most are self-directed; only the interview exercise needs another person.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/#faq-question-1785329907525\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/#faq-question-1785329907525\",\"name\":\"3. Do these help beyond the written DAT, in Studio Test or interview?\u00a0\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes, storyboarding, prototyping, and reverse brainstorming map directly onto Studio briefs.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/#faq-question-1785329922543\",\"position\":4,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/#faq-question-1785329922543\",\"name\":\"4. I'm a drop-year student; should my practice differ?\u00a0\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Same exercises, deeper reps, full prototypes, and longer interviews instead of quick, timed versions.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/#faq-question-1785329938580\",\"position\":5,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/nidcoaching.org\\\/blogs\\\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\\\/#faq-question-1785329938580\",\"name\":\"5. How do I know an exercise is actually working?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Track idea count over time, not sketch quality; more ideas per session is the real signal.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"10 Design Thinking Exercises Every NID Aspirant Should Practice - NID Coaching BRDS","description":"Discover 10 design thinking exercises every NID aspirant should practice to boost creativity, problem-solving, observation, and design aptitude.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"10 Design Thinking Exercises Every NID Aspirant Should Practice - NID Coaching BRDS","og_description":"Discover 10 design thinking exercises every NID aspirant should practice to boost creativity, problem-solving, observation, and design aptitude.","og_url":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/","og_site_name":"NID Coaching BRDS","article_published_time":"2026-07-29T13:14:12+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-07-29T13:14:14+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1280,"height":720,"url":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/10-Design-Thinking-Exercises-Every-NID-Aspirant-Should-Practice.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"admin","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"admin","Est. reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/"},"author":{"name":"admin","@id":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/#\/schema\/person\/ee5efd2c594e05437062fa3ef015d1dc"},"headline":"10 Design Thinking Exercises Every NID Aspirant Should Practice","datePublished":"2026-07-29T13:14:12+00:00","dateModified":"2026-07-29T13:14:14+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/"},"wordCount":1940,"commentCount":0,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/10-Design-Thinking-Exercises-Every-NID-Aspirant-Should-Practice.png","articleSection":["NID Coaching"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/","url":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/","name":"10 Design Thinking Exercises Every NID Aspirant Should Practice - NID Coaching BRDS","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/10-Design-Thinking-Exercises-Every-NID-Aspirant-Should-Practice.png","datePublished":"2026-07-29T13:14:12+00:00","dateModified":"2026-07-29T13:14:14+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/#\/schema\/person\/ee5efd2c594e05437062fa3ef015d1dc"},"description":"Discover 10 design thinking exercises every NID aspirant should practice to boost creativity, problem-solving, observation, and design aptitude.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/#faq-question-1785329871859"},{"@id":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/#faq-question-1785329893213"},{"@id":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/#faq-question-1785329907525"},{"@id":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/#faq-question-1785329922543"},{"@id":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/#faq-question-1785329938580"}],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/10-Design-Thinking-Exercises-Every-NID-Aspirant-Should-Practice.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/10-Design-Thinking-Exercises-Every-NID-Aspirant-Should-Practice.png","width":1280,"height":720,"caption":"A NID aspirant practices design thinking exercises through sketching and creative problem-solving to strengthen design aptitude and visual thinking skills."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"10 Design Thinking Exercises Every NID Aspirant Should Practice"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/#website","url":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/","name":"NID Coaching BRDS","description":"NID Entrance Exam Coaching","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/#\/schema\/person\/ee5efd2c594e05437062fa3ef015d1dc","name":"admin","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/826c2497a772715c5094a33e48ec2229cc04207717d4f22f739d76571dffcebe?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/826c2497a772715c5094a33e48ec2229cc04207717d4f22f739d76571dffcebe?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/826c2497a772715c5094a33e48ec2229cc04207717d4f22f739d76571dffcebe?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"admin"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/blog.nidcoaching.org"],"url":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/author\/admin\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/#faq-question-1785329871859","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/#faq-question-1785329871859","name":"1. How much of my NID score depends on design thinking vs. drawing skill?\u00a0","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"More than just sketch quality, originality and reasoning usually matter more than polish.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/#faq-question-1785329893213","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/#faq-question-1785329893213","name":"2. Can I practise these without a mentor or coaching class?\u00a0","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, most are self-directed; only the interview exercise needs another person.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/#faq-question-1785329907525","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/#faq-question-1785329907525","name":"3. Do these help beyond the written DAT, in Studio Test or interview?\u00a0","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, storyboarding, prototyping, and reverse brainstorming map directly onto Studio briefs.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/#faq-question-1785329922543","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/#faq-question-1785329922543","name":"4. I'm a drop-year student; should my practice differ?\u00a0","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Same exercises, deeper reps, full prototypes, and longer interviews instead of quick, timed versions.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/#faq-question-1785329938580","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/10-design-thinking-exercises-every-nid-aspirant-should-practice\/#faq-question-1785329938580","name":"5. How do I know an exercise is actually working?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Track idea count over time, not sketch quality; more ideas per session is the real signal.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/904","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=904"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/904\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":907,"href":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/904\/revisions\/907"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/906"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=904"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=904"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nidcoaching.org\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=904"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}