STRATEGIC PARADIGMS IN CONTEMPORARY DESIGN EDUCATION:INTERDISCIPLINARY MARKETING AS A TOOL FOR DATA HUMANIZATION

Abstract

This article examines the critical necessity of integrating strategic marketing thinking into the core of design education. In the era of Artificial Intelligence and algorithmic dominance, “pure” design is no longer sufficient to ensure professional sustainability. The central thesis argues that design represents a vital force capable of humanizing raw data and transforming it into meaningful human experiences. Through an analytical review of the educational process and selected student rebranding projects, the study demonstrates that the transformation of the “artist” into a “strategist” constitutes the only sustainable path toward creating brands that transcend the constraints of the digital matrix and resonate with authentic human needs. Particular emphasis is placed on the interdisciplinary educational model implemented at Varna Free University as a functioning laboratory for the development of future-oriented competencies