Contribution: This article demonstrates the impact of today’s Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in teaching software engineering (SE) course with design-based learning (DBL) and project-based learning (PBL). The results show a positive influence of integration of DBL and PBL in reducing industry gaps with improved student performance, engagement, and learning through designed PBL activities. Background: For an engineering graduate analysis, design, thinking, and validation of complex systems interactions is a desirable skill to support sustainability goals. A restructuring in delivery of the course through interactive lecture time and more project-based activities can improve students’ engagement, performance, and overall achievement in attaining desirable program learning outcomes (LOs). Intended Outcome: The objective is to provide student learning with an experience on how to apply critical thinking and creativity to specify, design, and validate software systems by focusing on challenges faced in the software industry. Application Design: Google classroom was used to conduct interactive class and tutorial sessions, design various PBL activities, exchange information, and work in teams. Throughout the semester, all learning and practice modules of the course were linked sequentially with intermediate milestones. Findings: The results show a positive outcome in helping students in attaining the knowledge, and understanding of both theoretical and practical concepts. These findings are based on academic results, PBL activities, and two anonymous surveys. The findings of statistical analysis suggest a positive influence of DBL and PBL in SE course to meet industry challenges, expectations, and overall course and program LOs.