This course focuses on purpose-led Design as a catalyst for positive change. It presents an overview of the ways that design can promote and actualise the regeneration of the natural environment and the socio-cultural cohesion of a context through collaborative, systemic, and circular innovation. Students will learn fundamental theories, frameworks, and methods to plan for impact and measure performance. Cultural Impact assessment will be essential for designers as treaty partners (Tangata Tiriti).
Students will recognise, identify, and critically analyse the impact of design interventions and develop an advanced understanding of the interrelation of the different dimensions of sustainable development (Environmental, Social, Cultural and Economic). Students will research, collect and analyse a series of cases from their field of research interest. By selecting, framing, and reflecting on these cases, students will have the possibility of viewing from the lens and positionality of different design models and impact metrics presented in class.
Students will further explore impactful contributions that Design can offer within their research fields and find inspiration to develop their own impact metrics framework, and align it to international standards.