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INTEGRATION DESIGN THINKING WITH EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Abstract
Sustainability is becoming an integral part of all aspects of life. Education for sustainable development (ESD) is rather a new educational paradigm and an important tool for achieving sustainability. The aims of ESD are well-established, but there are still significant challenges in finding the most efficient and strategic methods of achieving these objectives. Plurality of ESD perspectives and methodological approaches, as well as variations in practice also apply to integration in higher education. The complexity of ESD theoretical and practical challenges, diversity of practice have created an ongoing need for innovative and integrated approaches to address them. The method ?design thinking?, originally applied in architecture, engineering and business, has led to new and creative problem solving, thus creating much potential for use in ESD. While principles of good design are well-established, there has been limited integration of design thinking (DT) with environmental science, sustainable development planning and ESD. This article aims to explore common challenges and opportunities for embedding ESD in higher education. A case study in the graduate study programme was focused on how a sustainability approach can be merged with DT to develop socially responsible and environmentally sustainable products and services. Some of the basic principles and stages of DT, such as empathy, creativity, collaboration, responsibility and interdisciplinary approach have been tested by using evaluation of students? project work regarding integrated ESD and DT criteria. The first results of approbated DT principles and methods, significant advantages and disadvantages and the perspective of using this method in higher education have been analysed and discussed.
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References15
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