Sustainable Product Design Online Short Course

Course description

The aim of this course is to give you new perspectives on sustainability and how to implement sustainable product development in a comprehensive way. You will review theories of sustainability in product design and examine case studies showing these theories in practice. You will explore these ideas through presentations from the tutor, in class discussions, and practical assignments where you can apply what you have learned. Each week you will get personalised feedback on your assignments, to help you create more sustainable products.

The course looks at issues around sustainability from a creative product design perspective. We explore a number of tools and strategies for a more sustainable approach to design. These include redesigning an object utilising different [re]strategies, perspective taking exercises, speculative design scenarios and looking at potential. The approach is softer than a more materials analysis one, questioning the motivations for design and approaches to get more regenerative results.

We don't look at specific social aspects but they are covered as part of a general approach and there is scope for students to explore these as they do some of the exercises throughout. The course is structured for you to explore different approaches for what sustainable design practice could mean for you.

Clear, easy to understand lessons: 

• Our tutors will explain in easy to understand accessible English, if they use any special terminology we make sure they explain what it is they mean. 
• New methodologies will be explained to you in a way that’s crystal clear and easy to understand. 
• We even include live demonstrations of particular techniques so that you can see exactly how things should be done. 
• We also offer a bunch of learning resources for you to access outside of the live lessons. This allows you to ensure you are up to date and you can practice and review the things that are important to you. Practice makes perfect after all!  

Live interactive classrooms: 

• We like to do things the right way, that's why all of our online classes are live, you won't find any recordings here (well apart from the recording we provide in case you miss a live session) 
• Expect live interaction with your classmates from around the world, our students come from far and wide 
• Ask questions of your tutor in real time 
• Receive feedback and critique on your assignments 
• Discuss topics related to your course in real time via your microphone and camera or if you're not feeling brave, in the chat box 
• Miss a class? Thats ok you can catch up in a recording which is available for 2 weeks after your course runs 

A certificate of completion: 

• You've put the work in so we want to make sure you have something to show for it! 
• As long as you attend a minimum of 80% of your classes, we will provide you with a certificate of attendance.  
• However we always recommend you attend all of the classes so that you get the most out of the experience!  
• Certificates are a great addition to your CV. 

All our online short courses include: 

• Live online lessons with the same tutors 
• The same course content and learning outcomes as our face to face courses 
• Lesson recordings, for review, so you never have to miss a class 
• Access to the virtual learning environment with course content 
• Forums for support 
• 2 weeks online access to the recordings of the live classroom sessions