Sometimes, the best design solutions flow from simple, yet sharp insights uncovered from research. Moreover, they also might require only minimal technology in certain circumstances. Taking its cues from the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this project calls for an iterative process to conceptualise, design and prototype a novel solution that is clearly linked to one (or several) of the 17 SDGs.
The full list of SDGs is: (1) No Poverty, (2) Zero Hunger, (3) Good Health and Wellbeing, (4) Quality Education, (5) Gender Equality, (6) Clean Water and Sanitation, (7) Affordable and Clean Energy, (8) Decent Work and Economic Growth, (9) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, (10) Reduced Inequalities, (11) Sustainable Cities and Communities, (12) Responsible Consumption and Production, (13) Climate Action, (14) Life Below Water, (15) Life on Land, (16) Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, (17) Partnerships for the Goals.
In order to address this multifaceted challenge, students have adopted focus streams as foundations on which to base their work. These range widely and encompass a variety of design approaches and demands – from user interaction design and user experience/service design to 3D modelling, front-end web development and emerging technologies.