Teaching and Learning Forum

Well done Josh! You have raised a few interesting comments after the teaching and learning forum. Most importantly the presence of students is a valuable contribution, so well done to Jonathan for that one! And let’s not underestimate the value of the first year voice! Well done Grant!

Having delivered creative briefs for students on the subject of sustainability my main aim was to create awareness and inspire students to be critical of the subject in relation to design. It is a huge and important issue for students and lecturers alike. Lecturers are still learning about the importance of the subject in relation to design, both in their own practice and their teaching.

We are now suffering the effects of a society and culture that has allowed consumerism to control our existence. Design has been a contributing factor in promoting this culture where wealth creation has been seen as being the driving factor for success. We have to be aware that ignorance of its effect has been a cause of the global issues we face today. As designers we now face a challenge that requires us to question our values and design ethics.

Most companies are faced with the issue of economic gain and the continuity of employment, not just for themselves, but for their employees. Where does ethics fit into this? It is an agonizing dilemma, when faced with a client who is just not interested in ethics but purely in monetary gain.
We can only stand by our values. I believe it will not be the few famous designers who make the difference, but the many new graduates, with a new vision, built on sustainability and ethics, who will make the large scale differences.

My experience of clients is that they have not even considered the subject in relation to their business practice in many cases and I have therefore recommended that they produce an environmental policy for both marketing and business activity. So you see it is possible for us all to make the small changes necessary for the future health of our existence.

Let’s shape the new vision for design which relies on sustainability and ethics as core values!

Join the blog: http://www.thinkdesignethics.blogspot.com