How Design Thinking Creates A Greener Future

The world is growing at an exponential rate. The population keeps rising, which means soon everyone will be scrambling for resources. The simplest way forward in this ever-growing world is to follow sustainable practices to lead more meaningful and environmentally responsible lives. And this has to be considered at the earliest stage of production, which is why designing is crucial for a world whose future can best be nurtured through sustainable practices. By implementing a solution-focused approach to design, one can solve the most complex problems, while also leaving a positive impact on the future.

Developing design thinking during your degree

An educational institute is a perfect environment to interact with similar like-minded individuals and push discourse regarding sustainable practice while allowing for skill growth, experimentation, and the exchange of ideas. With experts in the field to guide you through the way, you not only discover and ideate unique solutions but also gain an array of professional skills for when you begin this journey in the real world. Moreover, a degree also helps set the necessary foundational knowledge, while exposing you to many real-world situations where innovatory thinking has resulted in a better present, and in turn, a better future.

Besides design thinking isn’t just about finding functional sustainable solutions, along with it one also has to prioritise the aesthetical appearance and the emotions it evokes. All of this is better understood during your degree through the introduction of different materials, processes, and technologies. The goal is to find the sweet spot where design can interact with technology and produce creations that are ergonomic and pleasing to the eye. 

How you can achieve a greener future through design

As mentioned before, designing plays a crucial role in introducing and maintaining a sustainable environment. This can be observed in the important works and systems followed by a variety of brands.

Companies like Schneider Electric India have introduced solutions that monitor energy usage which keeps consumers aware of their energy consumption practices, allowing for more informed decisions in the future. Orb Energy, known for its solar-powered products, have introduced rooftop solar power systems into residential and commercial buildings allowing for better management of energy and resources. Solutions like these encourage the adoption of renewable energy resources as well as responsible energy consumption practices. 

Currently, the Karnataka government is also introducing electronic vehicles in the public transport system. The designs of these vehicles are efficient and include better seating and ramps for the differently disabled. This solution isn’t just environmentally friendly but also ergonomic and allows for increased capacity.

Creating sustainable economies has also helped reduce one's carbon footprint. By introducing circularity, products and systems need not be replaced entirely, but instead can be repaired, recycled or have extended product lifecycles. Brands like Godrej Appliances in India design refrigerators with modular and easily replaceable parts, reducing waste generation and encouraging product longevity.

And it isn’t just large systems that follow sustainable practices. Even in the fashion world, popular designers like Rahul Mishra have been embracing greener approaches by using organic fabrics, promoting handloom and crafts, and following ethical manufacturing processes. Hence, this has allowed for the preservation of traditional art forms while also reducing their ecological footprint. Even interior designers are creating spaces with eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient lighting, and proper ventilation for a reduced environmental impact.

Environmentally friendly practices can be extended to different contexts like agriculture, farming, manufacturing, social upliftment and so much more. Sustainable design practices promote a better future characterized by reduced resource consumption, minimized environmental impact, and improved quality of life.

Study Designing at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology

In order to develop design thinking, your educational environment must primarily focus on advocating sustainable principles and should have a syllabus that moves out of the bounds of just theoretical design principles. Srishti Manipal is one such institute with a unique pedagogy, that focuses on the holistic development of students, by following an inclusive, interdisciplinary approach. To know more, watch as Niret Alva talks with the Programme Dean of Srishti Manipal, Kumkum Nadig, who herself is a designer.

If you wish to be among the best designers in the nation, then earning a degree from Srishti Manipal is the best choice for you. The admission process for the 2023-23 intake for its courses has just commenced. and you too can be a part of Srishti's holistic education system by writing the SMEAT exams.

What is SMEAT?

To pursue your higher education at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design, and Technology you must answer the SMEAT 2023 exams. Learning the SMEAT exam pattern will allow students to have an easier exam process. 

Admissions are open for the academic year 2023-24. To apply, Click here