SDGs Design Unit is an organization established by Kyushu University Faculty of Design,
to contribute to the field of design, for the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals),
which the United Nations has set as a vision to be achieved by 2030.

The 17 goals of the SDGs are each intricately linked, but not easily achieved very easily, and various approaches from the national level to the individual level are required.

The role of design can add value using model expressions by color and form. In order to solve today’s diverse and complicated challenges, we will panoramically explore these factors, needs, mechanisms, from a multidisciplinary perspective. As design is recognized as an effective method at all stages of the creative process that leads to specific directions, proposals and analysis. This unit will specialize in ‘resolution by design’ taking advantage of cross-disciplinary problem solving from such design.

Also, since SDGs are goals that cannot be solved by academia alone, this unit will be positioned as a ‘social platform’, to seek solutions together with industry and citizens, and to promote specific projects to be implemented in society. It will be developed as a ‘global design movement’, cooperating with overseas universities with affiliated design departments and international organizations, and with Center for Designed Futures of Kyushu University, which is an on-campus joint education and research center aiming to create a future society.

Design for SDGs
What can design do?

Zhang Yanfang
SDGs Design Unit, Director
Kyushu University, Faculty of Design,
Strategic Design Course, Associate Professor

SDGs are too vast and feel abstract.
I want to tackle SDGs, but I do not know where to start.
I want to learn how to effectively approach SDGs.

Kyushu University, Faculty of Design, was established about half a century ago, and there was no global equivalent then. Utilizing its expertise in design, it seeks to identify and bring to light the challenges of society and propose innovative solutions to create a world in which people can live in happiness and prosperity.

We would like to present the various efforts undertaken by our unit regarding SDGs, including our activities in research, education, collaboration, and production, achieved in cooperation with government agencies, corporations, citizens, non-profit organizations, and other research institutions, both domestic and international.

We hope this provides insight into how you can achieve SDGs. If you would like to know more about our initiatives, please do not hesitate to contact us.

April 1st 2024