Supporting design-led research that drives innovation for environmental sustainability.
The Design Generators seek to generate new arts and humanities-based approaches and methodologies that harness design to address environmental sustainability, decarbonisation, circular economies, policy design and regenerative practices.
These research projects focus on developing interventions within existing systems, such as healthcare, food networks, governance structures, financial infrastructures, and other societal frameworks. Drawing on a community perspective, as well as design thinking and creative methodologies, the projects will identify leverage points for positive change. By strengthening a system’s effectiveness, resilience and inclusivity, the programme also aims to support sustainable economic growth and productivity at both local and national levels.
Design Generators aim to:
co-develop interventions with a non-academic partner to assist sustained impact beyond the life of the grant
engage collaboratively with communities or stakeholders, ensuring relevance and responsiveness to lived experience
promote green transition-supportive behaviour change, either through deliberative policymaking and (de)regulation or through ‘nudging’
highlight the value of academic design research in addressing real-world, locally relevant challenges arising along the journey to net zero and a green economy