How to teach students to use design as a tool for positive change

Person standing in contemplation in urban Hong Kong city reflection with nature trees
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Today, social impact has enabled us to develop a broader understanding of the world and bring positive changes. Industries increasingly focus on championing sustainability, gender equality, and promoting ethical practices; design education is no exception. The integration of design education and social impact has emerged as an innovative concept, empowering students to use design to address pressing human and environmental crises. This approach weaves empathy and social responsibility into design principles, preparing students to create responsible solutions.

Socially conscious

With a human-centric approach, designers can tackle pressing challenges by reimagining conventional ideas. Traditional design education was often limited to aesthetics and functional aspects alone. For instance, game design often focused on commercial and entertainment aspects, overlooking the positive impacts it could bring. In recent years, however, games are being used to educate players on important issues and challenging stereotypes. Similarly, visual communication, such as advertisements with powerful messages, has immense potential to educate.

Project-based learning

Experiential learning takes students outside of the classroom, broadening their perspective and teaching them the realities of life. Project-based learning in the design industry promotes high-order thinking, empathy, and tangible solutions, all essential for the 21st century. Cultivating creative thinking skills allows students to adapt for the future. Experiential learning embeds sustainability and equality across the design education curriculum. Incorporating social impact assessments into hands-on projects enables students to measure the effects of their ideas and ensure that their work aligns with ethical and sustainable goals.

Social sensitivity

Community engagement is multi-dimensional and allows design students to gain tangible knowledge and experiences and develop a nuanced understanding of the social and environmental implications of design. By co-creating with communities, students develop empathy, cultural knowledge, and a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of diverse groups. For instance, initiatives like the Tribal India Project (TRIFED) enabled designers to work with tribal communities across India, developing eco-friendly products using highly recyclable materials, generating minimal waste.

New horizons

Current social and ecological crises have revealed the need for innovative and robust design education. Educators and design institutions play a vital role in seamlessly combining social responsibility and design education. By fostering social and emotional depth in designing students, they enhance cognitive, emotional, and social development. Moving beyond mere visual aesthetics, a holistic design education not only provides students with industry-relevant skills, but also instills a forward-thinking mindset. By fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, experiential learning and a collaborative environment, impact-driven design education helps create well-rounded individuals who bring transformative changes to the world.

The writer is Dean at JS Institute of Design.