Designing for Care: Case Studies on Design Education, Social Impact and Environmental Sustainability from Toronto, Canada

Abstract

In light of urgent social and environmental challenges, we propose a transformative shift in design education from “form follows function” to “form follows care.” This research highlights three case studies—DESIGNwith, One Lovely Hour, and NOURISH—that embody this care-centered approach. DESIGNwith operates as a design lab committed to social innovation and environmental sustainability within the circular economy. One Lovely Hour is an ongoing research initiative that explores the intersections of care, culture, and memory in design practice. NOURISH, a mobile kitchen project, examines how food can deepen connections to identity and culture, illustrating that cooking can serve as an act of care, fostering wellness and belonging. Together, these case studies demonstrate pathways for integrating care into design education, offering vital strategies to navigate the complexities of the 21st century.

Presenters

Ranee Lee
Associate Professor, Industrial Design, OCAD University, Ontario, Canada

Details

Presentation Type

Innovation Showcase

Theme

Design Education

KEYWORDS

Design Education, Design for Care, Caring Design Practice, Industrial Design