CHI 2009 Student Design Competition: Frequently Asked Questions

The Design Problem

A predominant cultural shift is underway, as societies begin to embrace the real-world implications of sustainable design. This shift has been described in a number of ways, including "slow design" or "act local, think global"; each description attempts to capture the nature of living a life that brings raw materials and production closer in proximity to their origins. By utilizing resources that are locally produced, and by disposing of these resources in a way that supports the local environment, a regional value system can be established that affords sustainable practices and that financially supports the local culture.

Design an object, interface, system, or service intended to support the idea of utilizing or consuming local resources rather than global resources, in a sustainable and environmentally efficient manner. Use methods of ethnography and contextual research to understand the problem space, and develop user-centered design solutions to support, assist, enhance or otherwise benefit your target audience. Your solution could address the methods of production or transportation of local resources, or could focus on the consumptive and disposal processes; whatever the focus, however, the solution must clearly illustrate positive value to both local stakeholders and to the local environment in your respective region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this topic about Sustainability?

Yes, but not entirely. The topic is larger than, and the solutions should embrace more than, environmentally sensitive solutions. This topic calls for the creation of culturally sensitive solutions: products, systems or services that encourage people to explore and utilize their immediately local surrounding area, rather than depending on other towns, states, or countries. The topic is about recognizing, and celebrating, the benefits of a unique locality.

Why is the topic so vague? Can't you be more specific?

The topic is vague to emphasize the huge potential for local resourcing; no matter the area or culture, student teams can tap into the wealth of resources available and understand the benefits of local development, execution, delivery and sustenance.

Can you give us some examples?

An implicit goal of this project is to emphasize the benefits of local immersion; by experiencing more things in your individual area, you will become more aware to trends, capabilities, and opportunity. Examples abound in your particular region; look for the entrepreneur who has generated a community-supported agriculture system, or the tech startup focusing on vehicle sharing, or the short-run offset printing company that sells books in the front...