Design for Sustainable Behaviour in Design Education
Year: 2012
Editor: Lyndon Buck, Geert Frateur, William Ion, Chris McMahon, Chris Baelus, Guido De Grande, Stijn Verwulgen
Author: Boks, Casper; Zachrisson Daae, Johannes
Series: E&PDE
Institution: Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
Section: Sustainability
Page(s): 611-616
ISBN: 978-1-904670-36-0
Abstract
This paper reports on how Design for Sustainable Behaviour has been integrated in a design course. Based on a teaching philosophy aiming to provide students with a holistic view on design, and encouraging them to use user-centred investigative and analysis tools, it is discussed to what extend 3rd year design students are able to use such tools, in a context that is largely unfamiliar to them. Experience and reflection tells that most students find it challenging to combine behavioural and sustainability aspects in combination with an analysis oriented and open-problem course approach. But eventually, with a course-customised guide and intensive supervision this teaching philosophy does appear to result in an understanding and consequent enthusiasm about the topic studied, unleashing a spur of creativity and an appreciation for research and analysis as a complementary activity in the design process.
Keywords: Design education, design for sustainable behaviour