Sustainable Product Design Online Short Course

The aim of the Sustainable Product Design Online Short Course is to give students new perspectives on sustainability and how to implement sustainable product development in a comprehensive way. During the course, students review theories of sustainability in product design and examine case studies showing these theories in practice. Students explore these ideas through presentations from the tutor, class discussions and practical assignments where they have the chance to apply what they have they learnt. The course covers a range of topics including design for longevity, research and ethnographic studies, maintenance and fixing products, design for systems, sketching out business models, products to re-use, refurbish and recycle, and design interventions for sustainability. By the end of the course, students will have an understanding of some of the theories of intervention within sustainability for product design. They will also understand how to undertake and use ethnographic research and design products that last. Students finish the course with new knowledge on how they may make their own design or business idea more sustainable.