Sustainability

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a clear and holistic framework for sustainable development worldwide. The goals define a better future and consistently address issues such as poverty, health, gender equality, and climate protection.

Sustainability has arrived in society. People's expectations of governments, companies, and non-governmental organizations are rising, helped by specific initiatives to achieve defined goals.

However, the problem is complex. First, the globally defined goals must be broken down into a specific area of application. Only in the concrete can a sustainably effective solution arise. When it comes to sustainability, many interrelated factors usually influence the problem definition and the effectiveness of solutions. This is precisely where the application of Design Thinking helps.
 

Creative solutions for sustainable societies

In the Design Thinking process phases, you will approach a solution from a human-centered perspective by addressing your sustainability-related problem. This means that future users will be central to the solution-finding process. To do this, we use methods at the HPI d-school that can map the necessary complexity and, at the same time, help to determine a solution focus. Finally, various ideas lead to the creation of prototypes for specific applications. These are tested with users from the first mock-up and refined accordingly – until solutions emerge in the form of concrete product or service innovations that make a real difference in sustainability.

The integration of the d-school under the umbrella of the Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Engineering also offers the advantage of cutting-edge knowledge for digitally implementing a solution.

Design Thinking Studio Sustainability

Do you want to help make the world more sustainable and tackle complex problems while you study? In our Design Thinking Studios, you will develop sustainable innovations that are ecologically, socially, and economically convincing. Together with you, we want to minimize negative impacts on the planet, improve resource efficiency, and increase our well-being in the long term. Along the way, you will deepen your mindset and learn how to apply Design Thinking for more sustainability.

Companies and organizations can work with a team of students on a sustainability challenge through a project partnership. Through membership, your company benefits from participating in events and network meetings related to Design Thinking.

Design Thinking Studio Sustainability