Designing for a Better World: Learning Systemic Design for the Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

Designers and developers have a particular responsibility in delivering the SDGs because they turn people’s visions and attitudes into tangible products and services, and because there is no product or service that does not require material input or does not produce waste. Designing for a better world is the translation of the SDGs into a world of sustainable products, infrastructures and services—that encode sustainability in conduct, form and function and that put humans at the centre. However, achieving any of the targets in the SDG is a wicked problem and cannot be addressed through traditional  linear problem-solving methods. Rather, given the complexity and uncertainties of all sustainability challenges, an understanding of systemic processes and the creative skills of design thinkers are needed. Linking systems thinking and design thinking is a process known as “systemic design”. This paper will describe how skills for systemic design are taught in a postgraduate course on “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Real-World Strategies and Solutions”. The paper will outline the rationale and scope of studies in the course and the nature of the learning experiences provided. It will also provide examples of the work produced by students and explore the outcomes and challenges of teaching for a better world through systemic design.