Design Education and Design Activism

Abstract

This article reflects on the evolution of design education, from its popularisation
to specialised training courses such as Service Design and Design for the Circular Economy. It discusses the importance of critical thinking and creativity in the training of conscious and activist designers, capable of tackling social and environmental challenges. Design teaching based on the humanist approach emphasises the impor- tance of integrating technical skills with ethical attitudes and values. The article ex- plores teaching-learning methodologies in design, emphasising the fundamental role of learning-by-doing and the interaction between teachers and students. Activism in design is presented as a response to the environmental and social crisis, emphasising the need for designers to get involved in solving complex problems and promoting collective well-being. The article advocates a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to design teaching, with the aim of training a generation of designers committed to positively transforming society and building a more sustainable and equitable future.