Design systems offer diverse approaches to actively and creatively shape transformation processes in the context of climate change. Through their application, both small and large systemic changes can be initiated, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Design Thinking
This method places people at the center of the design process. The goal is to deeply understand the needs and problems of users to develop innovative solutions. In the context of climate change, this approach can help design sustainable products and services that provide real value. Continuous iteration ensures that ideas can adapt to new insights and technologies.
Cradle-to-Cradle (C2C)
Cradle-to-Cradle focuses on designing products and materials so that they can be fully recycled or biodegraded at the end of their life cycle. For climate change transformation, companies can use this method to create ecological cycles in production processes, reducing waste and emissions.
Systems Thinking
Systems Thinking promotes understanding complex interconnections and interactions within a system. Regarding climate change, this method allows for analyzing the effects of design decisions on the environment, economy, and society, fostering long-term, resilient, and just solutions.
Speculative Design
Speculative Design uses future scenarios to make people think about possible changes and their consequences. In the context of climate change, this method can be used to create alternative future visions focused on sustainability and societal transformation. It stimulates discussions and inspires unconventional but necessary changes.
Biomimicry
Biomimicry looks to nature as a model for innovative solutions. Over millions of years, nature has developed efficient, resource-saving systems. By applying biomimicry, sustainable designs and processes can be developed in architecture, energy, and resource management to meet the demands of climate change.
Circular Design
This method aims to create closed loops by designing materials and products so they can either be recycled or reused after their lifecycle. Circular Design helps minimize waste and CO₂ emissions and keeps resources in a circular system—a key strategy in the fight against climate change.
Co-Creation
Co-Creation encourages collaboration between designers, experts, users, and stakeholders to develop solutions together. In the context of climate change, this could mean communities, governments, and businesses working together to find local, customized, and long-term solutions that are socially and environmentally sustainable.
Permaculture Design
Permaculture is a planning method for agricultural and human settlements based on natural cycles. It promotes sustainable, regenerative design that not only minimizes environmental damage but also builds resilience to climate change.
Transition Design
This method focuses on designing long-term systemic changes. In the context of climate change, Transition Design means that designers initiate changes on multiple levels—from individual to societal transformation. This method emphasizes that sustainability in the future will be a dynamic process, requiring constant adaptation and innovation.
Prototyping
Prototyping is a fundamental tool for quickly and affordably testing ideas in practice. For climate change, this means experimenting with alternative concepts on a small scale and developing new, adapted solutions that can later be scaled up.
Design for Disassembly
This method designs products from the outset to be easily disassembled and reused or recycled. This reduces waste and promotes a culture of reuse. This approach is particularly important in the context of resource scarcity and climate change.
Open Design
Open Design promotes collaborative and transparent design processes, where designs are freely accessible and can be developed further collectively. In terms of climate change, Open Design provides the opportunity to share sustainable solutions globally and improve them together.
These twelve design methods offer a diverse range of approaches for actively and creatively shaping transformation processes in response to climate change. Their application can trigger both small and large systemic changes, helping to create a more sustainable future.