What problem should design solve next?

Thirty Conversations on Design //  What problem should design solve next?

 

There are of course an unlimited number of answers to this question; with the many problems facing our country and the world today the list could go on forever. I thought Natalia Ilyin answered this question in an interesting way. She noted that design has possibly caused more problems than it has created. She said that since the industrial revolution we have interrupted the natural cycle that let the world and life work together.

With this being said, we cannot go back and change the past but instead perhaps come up with a new problem solving strategy, Ilyin suggested. She talked about how today we think of solving problems with a beginning, middle and an end. This cycle means that the issue will “end.” But in fact for the most part the problem always goes in cycles. By approaching in a way that is different from what we do now could solve this issue and as a result end up with a better method. I think it should really be solving a problem and then making sure that the solution is maintained.

I think that problem solving should be approached in a similar way no matter what the problem is, but of course have specifics depending on the issue. I think a problem that design could solve next is educating people how to properly recycle. As simple as it seems, I recently started doing it and it is a such a small thing that can truly make a big difference. I know that many Americans are too lazy to develop new habits; perhaps the best solution would be to start educating in schools so children can learn about it at a young age and then hopefully adapt it into their daily routines, in the present and the future. They also could potentially educate their parents and older family and friends about it and hopefully influence them to start doing it as well. I think graphic elements will be very useful in a campaign to really push recycling; people can gain a better understanding of how things need to be separated and sorted. With this it will be important to keep up with the results of the problem solving because it will be an issue that keeps cycling and will constantly need to be used. Most people are also very familiar with the recycling logo so that would be a good place to start thinking about ways to inspire people to join the trend and start to recycle.