Design for Societal Innovation
This theme explores how design can tackle important challenges in our communities, like sustainability, health, safety, and more. You will learn both theory and practical research methods to create meaningful solutions for society. Dive into the real-world complexities of governmental organisations and institutions, and discover how design can make a positive impact. You will learn to work with collaborative methods to shape public spaces and improve public services.
The following programme electives and design studio are offered within this theme:
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5 EC, Spring Semester - Q3
In this course students learn about the socio-cultural context in which designers operate, designing happens, and designs manifest themselves. Through theoretical exploration, students gain insights into societal aspects, enabling them to understand, study, and adapt to the contexts in which their designs will exist, while also learning design anthropology for generating new social structures. -
5 EC, Fall Semester - Q2
In this course students learn about the influence of their own position, roles, and attitudes, preparing them to use design strategically to challenge oppressive systems, collaborate inclusively, and create equitable outcomes. They also explore participatory methodologies for engaging stakeholders in decision-making throughout complex design processes. -
5 EC, Semester 2 - Q4
This course delves into design processes and their tangible and intangible outputs in the context of societal innovation. Students will study the significance of design manifestations, prototyping, and infrastructuring in engaging stakeholders, aiming to understand how to facilitate complex societal changes and contribute to systemic social innovation. -
10 EC, Spring Semester - Q3 & Q4
This course immerses students in the entire process of design for complex societal challenges. It covers topics like complexity and network theories, while teaching research methods and systemic design principles.