There is a famous quote from the designer Victor Papanek in his book “Design for the Real World”, one of the first advocates for the ecological responsibility of design:
There are professions more harmful than (industrial) design, but only a very few of them.
Papanek was talking about the design of physical products and the processes involved in manufacturing and using them, but the same rings true today as we move deeper into a society that is much more digitally focused.
The responsibility of creatives
Designers and creatives across sectors pay a significant role in the climate crisis, with up to 80% of environmental impact locked in by decisions made during the design stage.
That does mean, however, that designers and creatives can play a significant role in delivering reduced carbon emissions, something Papanek alludes to later in his book.
You are responsible for what you put into the world. And you are responsible for the effects those things have upon the world.
Taking accountability and responsibility for the choices they make is a first step for creatives in taking climate action.
Upskilling required
Circular design principles often focus on the physical environment, but they are equally applicable to the digital space. However, there is a significant skills gap, with just 43% of designers feeling that they possess the skills to Design for Planet.
The Design Council’s Skills for Planet is working to close this gap by upskilling one million designers in green design skills by the end of the decade.
Initiatives like this play a key role in helping to improve circular design knowledge levels among UK designers, along with knowledge transfer and outreach from thought leaders within this space.
Being part of an ethical community
Movements such as Clean Creatives, Creatives for Climate and Design Declares, all of which Oxygen are proud to be a part of, are powerful in bringing together the creative community to take action on climate change in their work, and provide platforms for knowledge transfer, education and awareness.
Our CEO Suzie is an ambassador for Clean Creatives, a movement of creative professionals committed to cutting ties with fossil fuel clients. Taking a stand on who we work with demonstrates a commitment to a sustainable future and helps to reduce the number of agencies working with the world leading polluters and biggest greenwashers.
Can design really save the planet?
Yes and no. Design can play a massive role in helping to deliver climate action. But it can’t work in silo. It relies on all business functions to come together to help build a more sustainable future for all.
At Oxygen we are proud to champion sustainable design throughout our projects. If you are a charity, B Corp or mission-driven organisation looking to improve the sustainability of your communications, our team of creatives can help.
I'm a multi-disciplinary designer, with many years of experience designing graphics with impact and seamless user experiences. I started my career designing consumer products, but have since worked on a diverse range of projects from leading brand refresh projects for charities like Sculpt, Jamma and TUSP, sustainable and user-friendly website re-designs for CTRF, Climate Change Coaches and Mokoro to large internal communication projects for WWF and Oxford HR. I'm passionate about the use of design as a tool for positive social change, and with particular interest in projects tackling racial inequality and children’s social care. Recently I was appointed as a Trustee for the new charity Board Racial Diversity UK, working to improve representation within the UK charity sector.
