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The Fifth Order of Design

The Value of Design in Times of Transition

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DOI:

10.31182/cubic.2023.6.63

Keywords:

ethical design, sustainability, equity, design education, value

Abstract

Failures in achieving sustainability are being recognised worldwide. Approaches to tackling sustainability challenges often fail to address the roots of these challenges. This paper contributes to a necessary discussion of an emerging necessity, a research agenda that encompasses the transformative strategic role and value of design in (co-)shaping sustainable and equitable futures. It draws attention to drivers of unsustainability and their complex interplay of design, environmental, economic, societal and individual values that govern our modern society. Richard Buchanan’s four orders of design model is reviewed in the process, with a fifth order being suggested to deal with the change of paradigm that sustainability requires. This comprehensive view is critical to tgetting to grips with global challenges (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals) since the shift towards sustainability needs to address the root causes of systemic and interrelated problems that cannot be overcome by reactive marketing and technocratic approaches. Implications for design value, education, skills, and ways of designing are pointed out.

How to Cite

Fonseca Braga, M. (2023). The Fifth Order of Design: The Value of Design in Times of Transition. Cubic Journal, 6(6), 98–115. https://doi.org/10.31182/cubic.2023.6.63

Published

2023-08-18

Author Biography

Mariana Fonseca Braga, Lancaster University

Dr Mariana Fonseca Braga is a designer and Post-Doctoral Research Associate International in Imagination Lancaster at Lancaster University with an MSc in Industrial Engineering and a PhD in Design awarded with honours (Cum Laude) from Politecnico di Milano. She examines into how design capabilities can effectively contribute to shared, equitable, fair and plural futures, feeding policy planning and implementation. She is passionate about designing better futures and equity. Her recent publications encompass the value of design and the challenges faced in organisations, as well as tackling the UN SDGs.

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