Design for the Planet & Designing a Sustainable Future

Why do we create so many useless things?

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What social and environmental costs are hidden inside everyday products and systems?

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What stops organizations and communities from adopting more sustainable practices?

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How can design interrupt the make-use-discard pattern and shift behavior toward sustainability?

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How can we co-create solutions that truly fit an organization's culture and constraints while remaining practical, scalable, and sustainable long after our team steps away?

In this hands-on, collaborative lab, you’ll investigate the environmental and social impacts of today’s production systems—from fashion to healthcare—and examine how design can transform them. Working in teams, you’ll explore the extraction of natural resources, labor exploitation, and the endless cycle of waste and pollution. You’ll learn through doing experiential projects, reflecting on your practice, and developing strategies for systemic change that inspire sustainable behavior. Together, you’ll propose solutions and share your outcomes publicly to make a real civic impact.

Collaborators & Consultants

• ASU Zero Waste

Designing a Sustainable Future in the News

At the Humanities Lab, we strive to ensure our Labs are relevant and current. Here are some recent articles about designing a sustainable future in recent news.

World in $1.5tn 'plastics crisis' hitting health from infancy to old age, report warns

Infinite Beauty: Why the Future of Sustainable Packaging is Circular