Sustainable systems

None, Eco Design Lab elective is an advantage

• Analysis of global challenges
• In-depth examination of cybernetic-systemic thinking
• Introduction to systemic design
• Phases and methods of innovation development
• Models and dimensions of sustainability
• Assessment of potential effects
  
  

Building on the Planet-Centric Design approach, the course focuses on the question of how designers, artists and strategic thinkers can create products, systems and services that are socially, ecologically and economically sustainable.
Topics such as climate change, materials, energy and water consumption are analyzed in order to understand the complex interplay of various factors in the context of environmental issues.
As part of this course, local, regional and global dimensions of current challenges are addressed and examined in real settings:

• Excursions to companies, institutions and initiatives that introduce challenges for which technology-based or other solutions are being developed.
• Workshops for developing prototypes in the Interaction Design Lab

• You are familiar with the models and dimensions of sustainability and are able to use them to formulate addressable questions in specific project contexts.
• You have knowledge of systemic design and can apply this in the development of solution approaches.
• The students are able to apply methods for the analysis of complex phenomena (“wicked problems”).
• You are familiar with the phases of innovation development and the possibilities of assessing potential impacts with regard to the promotion of sustainability.

Lecture / discussion / project work in small groups, workshops, interaction design laboratory, excursions

Development of a solution approach and prototype, documentation and presentation, individual reflection paper

None

• Vester, Frederic (2019): Die Kunst vernetzt zu denken. Ideen und Werkzeuge für einen neuen Umgang mit Komplexität. Ein Bericht an den Club of Rome. München: Pantheon Verlag.
• Fuller, Matthew; Weizman, Eyal (2021): Investigative Aesthetics. Conflicts and Commons in the Politics of Truth. USA: Verso Books.
• Buchanan, Richard (1992): Wicked Problems in Design Thinking. Design Issues, Vol. 8, No. 2, (Spring, 1992), pp. 5-21: http://web.mit.edu/jrankin/www/engin_as_lib_art/Design_thinking.pdf
• Lawrence, Matthew; Laybourn-Langton, Laurie (2021): Planet on Fire. A Manifesto for the Age of Environmental Breakdown. USA: Verso Books.
• Papanek, Victor (2018): Design for the Real World. Human Ecology and Social Change. London: Thames & Hudson.
• Spinozzi, Paola; Mazzanti, Massimiliano (2019): Cultures of Sustainability and Wellbeing. Histories and Policies. London: Routledge.
• Mc Donough, Braungart Michael; Clinton, Bill (2013): The Upcycle. Beyond Sustainability – Designing for Abundance. Albany: North Port Press.
• Franklin, Kate; Till, Caroline (2020): Radical Matters. Rethinking Materials for a Sustainable Future. London: Thames & Hudson.
• Design Council (2021): Beyond Net Zero. A Systemic Design Approach. London: online unter: https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/sites/default/files/asset/document/Beyond%20Net%20Zero%20-%20A%20Systemic%20Design%20Approach.pdf (letzter Zugriff 10.10. 2021)
• Pastoors, Sven u.a.(2017): Towards Sustainable Innovation. A five step approach to sustainable change. Baden-Baden: Tectum Verlag.
• Radjou, Navi; Prabhu, Jaideep (2015): Frugal Innovation. How to do more with less. London: Profile Books Ldt.
• Ceschin, Fabrizio; Gaziulusoy, Idil (2019): Design for Sustainability. A Multi-level Framework from Products to Socio-technical Systems. London: Routledge.
• Lovins, Amory B.; Brauingart, Michael; Stahel, Walter R. (2014): A New Dynamic. Effective Business in a Circular Economy. Ellen MacArthur Found. Publ.
• McDonough, William;  Braungart, Michael (2009): Cradle to cradle. Remaking the way we make things. California: North Point Press.

Face-to-face instruction, remote Team Work