CONFERENCES
E&PDE 2026 - 28th International Conference on Engineering & Product Design Education
The Conference will bring together representatives from education and industry interested in sharing new perspectives on design education.
Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
HUMAN-CENTRED DESIGN FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: CO-CREATING PLAYFUL TOOLS TO ADDRESS TEXTILE WASTE IN CAMPANA–ALTAMIRA
Villaverde López, Emma; Oyervides-Ramirez, Griselda Esthela; Marroco Zertuche, María Fernanda; Márquez Cañizares, Juan Carlos
Type:
Year:
2026
Editor:
Buck, Lyndon; Brisco. Ross; Bohemia, Erik
Author:
Villaverde López, Emma; Oyervides-Ramirez, Griselda Esthela; Marroco Zertuche, María Fernanda; Márquez Cañizares, Juan Carlos
Series:
E&PDE
Institution:
Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico
Page(s):
481 - 486
DOI number:
ISBN:
978-1-912254-24-8
ISSN:
3005-4753
Abstract:
Fast-fashion textile waste has become an increasingly pressing environmental issue, particularly in vulnerable urban contexts where waste-management systems are limited. In the Campana–Altamira district of Monterrey (Mexico), textile residues constitute up to 40% of the waste found in the Arroyo Seco, a situation intensified by structural constraints, local consumption habits and gaps in municipal waste-collection infrastructure. Responding to this challenge, this study—conducted by undergraduate design students at Tecnológico de Monterrey—presents the development and implementation of a human-centred design strategy aimed at reducing the environmental impact of textile waste while promoting environmental education among children through an interactive community-based game. The research employed ethnographic observations and user analysis to examine the social and cultural dynamics of the community, with a particular focus on children who participate in activities at the community space “El Oasis”. These insights informed the design of an interactive game that supports children’s cognitive, psychomotor and socio-emotional development, introducing key concepts related to water conservation, waste management and textile reuse and four educational workshops that integrate principles of education for sustainable development, hands-on activities. The paper outlines the students’ design process, emphasising how participatory methods shaped the development of both the interactive game and the workshops. Preliminary findings from pre- and post-intervention community perception assessments suggest that combining participatory design with environmental education can foster meaningful shifts in awareness and behaviour. The study contributes to discussions in design education by demonstrating how student-led, human-centred interventions can create social and environmental value in underserved urban communities.
Keywords:
