How do you design sustainable solutions for competitions?

1 Understand the problem

The first step to design a sustainable solution is to understand the problem you are trying to solve. What are the needs, goals, and constraints of the users, clients, or stakeholders? What are the current and future trends, risks, and opportunities in the context of the problem? How does your solution fit into the bigger picture of the system or sector? By conducting research, analysis, and synthesis, you can define the problem clearly and identify the key aspects that your solution should address.

2 Apply sustainability principles

The next step is to apply sustainability principles to guide your design process. Sustainability principles are general guidelines that help you to reduce the negative impacts and enhance the positive impacts of your solution on the environment and society. For example, you can use the circular design framework, which aims to eliminate waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate natural systems. Or you can use the social design framework, which focuses on human dignity, equity, and well-being. By applying sustainability principles, you can ensure that your solution is aligned with the values and goals of the competition and the users.

3 Generate and evaluate ideas

The third step is to generate and evaluate ideas for your solution. You can use various methods and tools to stimulate your creativity and generate a range of possible solutions, such as brainstorming, sketching, prototyping, or co-creation. Then, you can evaluate your ideas based on their feasibility, viability, desirability, and sustainability. You can use criteria, metrics, or indicators to measure the environmental and social impacts of your ideas, such as carbon footprint, life cycle assessment, social return on investment, or user satisfaction. By generating and evaluating ideas, you can select the best solution that meets the requirements and expectations of the competition and the users.

4 Communicate your solution

The final step is to communicate your solution effectively to the judges, audience, or potential partners. You can use various formats and media to present your solution, such as posters, slides, videos, or websites. However, regardless of the format, you should always highlight the sustainability aspects of your solution, such as how it solves the problem, how it benefits the environment and society, and how it differs from other solutions. You should also provide evidence and data to support your claims, such as research findings, user feedback, or impact assessment. By communicating your solution clearly and convincingly, you can demonstrate your value proposition and competitive advantage.

Designing sustainable solutions for competitions is not easy, but it is rewarding and meaningful. By following these tips, you can improve your chances of winning and making a difference.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?