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Integrating design thinking with sustainability science: a Research through Design approach
Ray Maher1,2, Melanie Maher3, Samuel Mann4
11School of Earth and Environmental Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia.
Sustainability Science
|December 15, 2018
Summary
Design thinking and sustainability science can be integrated to address complex global challenges. This study explores the development of MetaMAP, a collaborative tool, to foster well-integrated solutions for Sustainable Development Goals.
Area of Science:
- Integrates design thinking, sustainability science, and social-ecological systems research.
- Focuses on developing collaborative tools for complex problem-solving.
Background:
- Design disciplines excel at creating integrated solutions for complex, uncertain, and contested challenges.
- Implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) presents similar societal challenges.
- Limited integration exists between design thinking and sustainability science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the process of designing MetaMAP, an interactive graphic tool.
- To advance the integration of design thinking with sustainability science for achieving SDGs.
- To identify design principles and opportunities for this integration.
Main Methods:
- Employed Research through Design (RtD) methods, integrating creative and scientific thinking.
- Utilized design thinking through multiple cycles of problem framing, solution development, testing, and reflection.
- Conducted highly collaborative testing with over 150 participants from diverse disciplines.
Main Results:
- Successfully designed MetaMAP, an interactive tool for collaborative understanding of social-ecological systems.
- The RtD process facilitated interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge integration.
- Identified key design principles for effective integration of design thinking and sustainability science.
Conclusions:
- Design thinking offers valuable methods for addressing complex sustainability challenges.
- Collaborative tools like MetaMAP can enhance understanding and solution design for social-ecological systems.
- Further integration of design thinking with sustainability science is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
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