The Design Museum Sustainable On-line Design workshops

What are our school workshops like

The Design Museum is the worlds leading museum devoted to contemporary design in every form, from architecture and fashion to graphics, product and industrial design. Its collection, publishing, events, exhibitions, learning and digital programmes invite everyone to experience and reflect on the impact of design. The museum’s Learning programme hosts a variety of activities to open pathways into the design industries for young people. Supporting the National Curriculum for Design and Technology and tailored for key stages 2 – 5, we offer students and educators design education facilities and workshops supporting a vibrant programme connected with the wider ecology of design practice, networks and communities.

The Sustainable Design workshops encourage students to reflect on the impact of our decisions as designers and consumers. Working with a small handling collection with objects from our Waste Age exhibition, students will evaluate what different objects are made of, why they are designed this way and how essential they are. Using their findings, they will be challenged to design alternatives that take into consideration a circular approach to design.

This educational programme is part of the Museum’s wider strategy towards a sustainable future. https://designmuseum.org/about-the-museum/design-for-a-sustainable-future

Each workshop is a one-hour session, highlighting the role design plays in addressing the issue of waste. Through inspiring examples from fashion, home appliances and packaging, students are encouraged to rethink how we design, buy and use things. Working with a small handling collection, students will evaluate what different objects are made of, why they are designed this way and how essential they are. Using their findings, they will be challenged to design alternatives that take into consideration a circular approach to design. 

The programme supports cross-curricular learning with a particular focus on Design and Technology, Science and Geography. It incorporates STEM subjects for Key Stage 3, as well as relevant KS4 and post-16 qualifications.

The workshop is designed for years 7-13 (Key Stages 3-5), and the sessions are designed for up to 30 students each.

The school receives a handling kit from the museum, and the session takes place in the classroom and is delivered remotely by one of our experienced facilitators.