Communication Design has witnessed novel approaches and methods of teaching learning in context of the new normal needs. Project Based Learning (PBL) courses in Graphic Design have seen novel hybridization formats to explore with other design disciplines. In the new normal times, graphic design (communication design students) at NID Ahmedabad could undertake ‘Engaging Design Projects’ based on Blended teaching–learning methods, such as: Individual/ Skill-Based Rotation Blended Learning, Flex Blended Learning, Flipped/ Remote Blended Classes and Supplemental Learning Activities as part of the instructions-cum-exchange format for two ‘Design Projects’ modules conducted by the researcher for her M.Des students of Graphic Design at NID Ahmedabad (2020). Each student took forward his/her core strength areas among design domains in graphic design, such as: Storytelling, Illustration, Indigenous Letter Design/ Indic Typography, Digital Content Curation and Design, e-book-making, Strategic Systems Design, Navigation and Image Building, Branding Local Spaces/ Ventures, etc. The project outcomes showcase a process-to-solution journey presented and reviewed in three project reviews organized and final documentations submitted for each of these Design Projects. The present paper proposes a PBL framework applied that is constructed of 4- Pillars: Pitch, Process, Product and Performance. Each pillar includes blended teaching–learning methods, core strength areas and the respective learning outcomes; and the assessment approaches developed in conducting these Engaging Design Projects. This PBL framework envisions future opportunities of Blended Learning for Engaging Inter-disciplinary design projects for developing project-based learning cum instructional design pedagogy for communication design education.
