Course - Design 4 Sustainable Design - TPD4201
Design 4 Sustainable Design
Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.
About
About the course
Course content
The course aims to develop candidates' knowledge and commitment to sustainability in product design, at both a basic theoretical and practical level. The course covers theory and methods for sustainable design, environmental assessment, and the role of sustainable design in society.
The course focuses on viewing sustainability from a holistic perspective by identifying and addressing dilemmas that may arise in design processes between sustainability and other design requirements. In addition, students will become aware of their own commitment to and relationship with sustainability aspects in design.
Design for sustainable and circular behavior and practices, as well as communication about sustainable design aspects with society, will be central themes in the course.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
The candidate has knowledge of:
- basic theories related to Design for Sustainability
- methods and tools and how these can be used to put theory into practice
Skills
The candidate is able to:
- obtain an overview of the most important sustainability aspects related to products and services, and communicate about them
- choose relevant methods for exploring sustainability aspects, in the context of the product or service life cycle, and the system surrounding the product and service, with a focus on usage behavior and practices
- systematically identify and manage dilemmas that may arise in design processes, both at a practical and societal level, related to sustainability and circularity
- apply theoretical insight and, to some extent, practical experience to assess and manage their own engagement in relation to their future professional role.
General competence
The candidate has:
- knowledge of concepts, methods, values, and the role of sustainable design in society.
- experience in conducting insight work that provides insight into sustainability aspects related to sustainable behavior and practices.
- basic competence to discuss and initiate discussions on sustainability aspects relevant to design processes.
Learning methods and activities
- Students will attend lectures from sustainability experts in both theory and practice.
- Students will work in groups to complete an assignment that involves gathering insights through product analysis, analysis of user behavior, and system perspectives, which will result in concept proposals for improving products and/or services from different perspectives, with a focus on sustainability perspectives, as well as reflection on the role and responsibility of sustainable designers.
This course is offered to incoming exchange students and will be taught in English if necessary.
Further on evaluation
Two graded assignments: a midway report based on group work, that addresses context mapping and analysis (50%), and a finished report with also includes concept development (50%)
- If failed, the assignment can be improved in the next semester
- For voluntary course retake to improve grade, all assessments in the course must be retaken the next time the course is offered
Specific conditions
Admission to a programme of study is required:
Industrial Design Engineering (MTDESIG)
Industrial Ecology (MSINDECOL)
Required previous knowledge
Students should have completed TPD4122 - Design 3 or TPD4121 (or equivalent) to be able to apply design thinking and problem-solving skills in the course.
Course materials
To be announced at course start.
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From |
|---|---|---|
| TPD4200 | 5 sp | Autumn 2025 |
Subject areas
- Product Design Engineering - Design Methodology
- Eco Design
- Design Strategies
- Product Design - EcoDesign