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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.

Exploring design for environmental impact: expanding the context phase and problem framing

Krsteska, Katerina; Du Bois, Els

Type:
Papers
DS 145: Proceedings of the DESIGN2026 19th International Design Conference
Year:
2026
Editor:
Štorga, M.; Škec, S.; Martinec, T.; Marjanović, D.; Pavković, N.
Author:
Krsteska, Katerina; Du Bois, Els
Series:
DESIGN
Institution:
University of Antwerp, Belgium
Page(s):
1351-1360
DOI number:
10.1017/pds.2026.10493
ISSN:
2732-527X (Online)
Abstract:
This paper proposes a practical reframing design thinking as early as possible in the design process, so that sustainability is treated as integral rather something to be retrofitted. We present the broadened context phase as the first part of the Impact Design process. This iterative set of steps help designers exploring environmental problem spaces before commiting to a target group. We evaluated the approach with university students, in a sustainability course and a master project. Findings indicate that the method helps select the most impactful problem to address.
Keywords:
impact design, environmental challenges, engineering design, design education, sustainable design
DESIGN2026 - The 19th International Design Conference
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