Transforming Creative Minds into Professional Designers
Our mission is to bridge the gap between creative talent and industry demand, fostering a new generation of world-class UI/UX designers in Sri Lanka through innovative, evidence-based education.
Explore Our ProgramsOur Story & Mission
Founded on the belief that every creative mind deserves world-class education and professional opportunities
The Beginning
DesignForge was born in January 2022 from a simple observation: Sri Lanka possessed an abundance of creative talent, but lacked structured pathways to channel this creativity into professional design careers. Our founders, veterans of both local and international design industries, recognized the urgent need for education that combined global standards with local market understanding.
Our Evolution
Over the past three years, we've evolved from a small workshop space to Sri Lanka's premier design education institution. We've graduated over 850 students, established partnerships with 25+ leading companies, and consistently maintained a 95% job placement rate. Our alumni now work at top agencies across Colombo, internationally, and many have launched successful design studios.
Our Philosophy
We believe design education should be transformative, not just informative. Every student who walks through our doors deserves personalized attention, real-world project experience, and the confidence to tackle complex design challenges. We don't just teach tools – we nurture design thinking, cultural sensitivity, and professional leadership.
Looking Forward
As Sri Lanka's digital economy continues to expand, we're committed to staying at the forefront of design education. Our roadmap includes advanced specializations, international exchange programs, and deeper integration with the global design community while maintaining our strong local roots and cultural understanding.
Our Mission
To democratize world-class design education in Sri Lanka, creating pathways for creative professionals to excel in the global digital economy while preserving and celebrating our unique cultural perspective in design.
Our Evidence-Based Methodology
Combining proven educational frameworks with cutting-edge design practices
Design Thinking Framework
Our curriculum is built on Stanford's Design Thinking methodology, ensuring students learn to empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test systematically.
Project-Based Learning
Every concept is immediately applied through real-world projects, working with actual clients to solve genuine design challenges in the Sri Lankan market.
Peer Collaboration
Students work in diverse teams, learning to communicate design decisions, receive feedback constructively, and collaborate effectively in professional environments.
Continuous Assessment
Rather than traditional exams, students are evaluated through portfolio development, peer reviews, and industry mentor assessments that mirror real workplace scenarios.
Cultural Integration
We integrate Sri Lankan cultural insights, local market research, and regional design trends to ensure our graduates understand their unique market position.
Industry Validation
Every project undergoes review by working professionals, ensuring students receive feedback aligned with current industry standards and market expectations.
Professional Standards We Uphold
- International curriculum standards aligned with IDEO and Google methodologies
- Certified instructors with 10+ years of professional design experience
- Maximum 15 students per cohort for personalized attention
- Regular curriculum updates based on industry trends and feedback
- Comprehensive portfolio development with industry mentor review
- Access to professional-grade software and design tools
- Continuous professional development opportunities for graduates
- Strong alumni network and ongoing career support services
Measuring Our Impact
Tangible results that demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach
Career Advancement
- 65% receive job offers before graduation
- Average 40% salary increase post-completion
- 15% launch independent design studios
Industry Recognition
- "Best Design Education 2025" - SLTA
- Featured in 12+ industry publications
- Guest speakers at 8+ design conferences
Student Outcomes
- 100% complete portfolio projects
- 85% achieve industry certifications
- 92% would recommend to others
Transforming Lives Through Design
Beyond statistics, our greatest impact is seen in the confidence of our graduates, the innovation they bring to their workplaces, and the elevated standard of design work across Sri Lanka's digital landscape.
Meet Our Expert Team
Passionate educators and industry veterans dedicated to your success
Ananda Ranasinghe
Principal & Creative Director
Former Lead Designer at international agencies with 15+ years experience. Ananda specializes in user experience strategy and has mentored over 200 designers. Holds certifications from IDEO and Google UX.
Kavitha Perera
Senior UX Researcher
PhD in Human-Computer Interaction with expertise in user research methodologies. Kavitha leads our research curriculum and has published papers on culturally-sensitive design practices in South Asian contexts.
Samara Wickramasinghe
UI Design Specialist
Award-winning visual designer with expertise in mobile and web interfaces. Samara has worked with Fortune 500 companies and teaches advanced prototyping and design systems creation.
Quality Standards & Safety Protocols
Comprehensive frameworks ensuring excellence in every aspect of our education
Educational Quality Assurance
- ISO 21001:2018 Educational Management System compliance
- Regular curriculum audits by international design experts
- Continuous professional development for all instructors
- Student feedback integration in course improvements
Student Support Framework
- Dedicated academic advisor for each student
- 24/7 technical support and learning platform access
- Mental health and wellness support services
- Financial assistance and payment plan flexibility
Data Security & Privacy
- GDPR-compliant data handling procedures
- Encrypted storage for all student portfolios and projects
- Strict confidentiality agreements for all client projects
- Regular security audits and system updates
Industry Standards Compliance
- WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards in all design work
- Google Material Design and Apple HIG compliance
- Regular updates aligned with industry tool releases
- Preparation for professional certification pathways
Our Comprehensive Approach
Excellence
Maintaining the highest standards in education delivery and student outcomes
Safety
Protecting student data, intellectual property, and creating inclusive learning environments
Growth
Continuous improvement based on industry feedback and educational best practices
Company Values & Expertise
DesignForge stands at the intersection of creativity and technology, representing the pinnacle of UI/UX design education in Sri Lanka. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond traditional teaching methods, embracing a holistic approach that nurtures both technical proficiency and creative thinking. We believe that exceptional design emerges from the marriage of user empathy, cultural awareness, and technical mastery.
Our expertise spans the entire spectrum of digital design disciplines, from foundational design principles to advanced interaction design and strategic thinking. We've cultivated relationships with industry leaders, ensuring our curriculum remains relevant and our graduates are immediately valuable to employers. Our faculty combines academic rigor with practical experience, having worked on projects ranging from local startups to international enterprise solutions.
What distinguishes DesignForge is our deep understanding of the Sri Lankan market coupled with global design standards. We recognize that effective design must be culturally informed while maintaining universal usability principles. Our graduates don't just learn to use design tools – they develop the critical thinking skills necessary to solve complex problems, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and lead design initiatives in diverse organizational contexts.
Core Values That Drive Us
Innovation & Creativity
Encouraging breakthrough thinking and original solutions to design challenges
Cultural Sensitivity
Designing with deep understanding of local contexts and global perspectives
Professional Excellence
Maintaining the highest standards in all educational and professional interactions
Collaborative Growth
Building supportive communities where designers learn from each other
Ready to Begin Your Design Journey?
Join our community of passionate designers and start building the skills that will define your career in the digital age.
🎓 February 2025 intake now open - Limited seats available
💼 95% of our graduates secure design roles within 3 months