The Future of the Responsible Designer

By: John Hudson

Embedding sustainability into design education will enable the next generation of graphic designers and thinkers to practice more responsibly within their chosen discipline. But how do we engage students with the complex issues surrounding sustainability? My presentation will discuss some of the issues and present examples of best practice. I will be showcasing "Responsible Designer", a smartphone and tablet application and studio system which enables users to take a more responsible approach to decision making within the design process. The systems were developed as part of my MA in graphic sustainable communication. The application works in conjunction with a studio-based, mind mapping system that acts as a physical, visual element that is used throughout the lifecycle of a project brief. The mapping system encourages discourse, develops awareness, vocabulary and engagement with the issues. The combination of technology with tangible design to facilitate learning aims to equip students with "future proof" skills that are relevant for an evolving societal, employment and business ethos.