WHAT IS TRANSITION DESIGN?
Transition design is a future-oriented practical approach to solving complex problems. This framework uses four guiding principles to provide steps that can transition us to a more desirable political, social, economic and ecological future. The guiding principles that encapsulate this framework are 1. a vision for transition 2. theories of change 3.posture and mindset and 4. new ways of designing. By applying design methods and processes throughout these transdisciplinary principles, transition design allows us to understand how holistic changes can dismantle complex problems. Transition design juxtaposes against industry lead methods and processes by focusing on the quality of solutions rather than fulfilling predefined criteria. Critically, this framework asks designers to be mindful of bringing assumptions and biases into their processes; it encourages holistic and creative problem solving to create resilient solutions that work toward long-lasting systemic change.
Irwin (2015) “Transition Design: A Proposal for a New Area of Design Practice, Study, and Research.” [Diagram] www.researchgate.net/publication/282432370_Transition_Design_A_Proposal_for_a_New_Area_of_Design_Practice_Study_and_Research.
A transition approach critiques the rigid frameworks used by the industry which are constrained by strict timelines, budgets and generate narrow-minded solutions. Additionally, these frameworks consider a one-and-done approach, failing to iterate, therefore traditional solutions are only effective in the short term. Often the issue with traditional approaches is that the industry requires set deliverables and predictability. For example, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals have predefined outcomes. They cannot afford to invest in processes that have unpredictable variables such as the time scope and risk creating outcomes that may not suit their success criteria. This approach to designing resonates with my experience studying a Bachelor of design. During many of my projects, I applied the British Design Council Double Diamond approach. I was given a clearly defined brief to complete within a limited time scope, delivering solutions for predefined success criteria. Although a Double Diamond framework has its merits in an academic setting, it definitely limited the outcome of many of my projects and likely does not replicate outside the University setting.
The transition design framework challenges us to question our current ways of designing and promotes a values-based approach. Transition design principles of posture and mindset challenges designers to examine how their value systems relate to the design process. The posture and mindset principles are characterised by empathy and the need to co-design, to be inclusive of alternative epistemologies and to understand that looking at problems from a different perspective is fundamental to ensuring we are designing for a resilient future. However, this transdisciplinary approach reveals that designing for a shared vision is not easy; in fact, complex problems rarely have a one-off solution and require continual iterations and development. Therein lies the most significant barrier to using transition design. Continual development requires vast amounts of human resources, time and capital and a high degree of organisation to ensure all voices are included and considered equally. In application, transition design frameworks can create unrealistic standards that may overwhelm our working systems and may not be able to deliver solutions to pressing issues fast enough.
In summary, transition design alongside speculative design creates an approach to achieve more desirable futures stemming from the societal, political and ecological developments we face. From this investigation, I personally view transition design as a broad theoretical approach to reaching desirable futures. Although overall, the transition design framework proposes an idealised and all-inclusive way of solving global issues, it may not provide the tools and structure necessary to guide development that we require to mitigate unwanted futures.
WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL EXAMPLE OF TRANSITION DESIGN?
Virgin Hyperloop (2021), How it Works, [Video] https://virginhyperloop.com/
A successful example of Transition design is the Virgin HyperLoop One. Designed by Elon Musk, the ultra-fast electric train revolutionises the way we travel and provides a solution to the strain traffic congestion will have on our future cities due to increasing urbanisation. The fully autonomous and electric Hyperloop offers a convenient and energy-efficient alternative to other high-speed rails. It also exemplifies the collaborative nature transition design as the first iterations of the HyperLoop were open-source and encouraged startups and tech innovation enthusiasts to build the future of transportation together. Due to these factors I believe the Hyperloop become one of the most successful examples of transition design in the technology industry.
Studio Roosegaarde (2021), Smog Free Tower [Photograph] https://www.studioroosegaarde.net/project/smog-free-tower
An alternative example of transition design is the Smog Free Tower designed by the Dutch social design lab Studio Roosegaarde which aims to reduce air pollution. Although the Tower sounds great, when analysed through a transition design lens, I became aware that it is merely working at the surface level of the air pollution issue and does not create the systemic changes smog-filled cities require. An interesting feature of the Smog Free Tower is that the smog particles collected are compressed into carbon jewellery for the public to buy. I am highly sceptical that this process is sustainable and couldn’t find further information regarding the manufacturing of this jewellery. Due to these limitations, I believe that the HyperLoop is a more successful example of transition design.
Kram/Weisshaar, (2020), FutureCraft.Strung, [Photograph] https://www.kramweisshaar.com/projects/futurecraft.strung
Adidas’ collaboration with Kram / Weisshaar on the Future Craft Strung customised shoes is another example of transition design. Fueled by data-driven design, the Adidas collaboration aims to create perfectly customised athletic shoes. Overall this concept has the potential to prevent overproduction however, its current design is targeted toward a very narrow market audience of high performing athletes and doesn't create large-scale change. I conclude that when compared to the previous case studies the HyperLoop is the most successful example of transition design.
CASE STUDY: ZERO HOUSE
ICON is a 21st-century design firm that develops construction technologies which advance humanity. The goal of the architectural studio behind ICON, Lake Flato, is to create environments that enrich communities and nurture life. Taking a highly collaborative approach, they aim to co-design with architects, clients and the community to develop modern, environmentally responsible and artful spaces.
ICON (2021) House Zero [Photographs] www.iconbuild.com/updates/icon-unveils-its-next-gen-3d-printer-and-introduces-house-zero.
Created by ICON, House Zero is the first sustainable 3D printed house using the cutting edge Vulcan construction system. The energy-efficient home sets an example for resilient and sustainable housing of the future, mitigating the resource-heavy expenses that traditional construction methods have on our environment. In accordance with transition design values, House Zero fosters a resilient vision for long term sustainability by optimising 3D printing technology, which reduces waste, construction time and labour costs.
The success of House Zero has spurred more incredible research into how automated technologies can aid the construction industry and develop more intricate 3D printing methodologies. I find the House Zero project fascinating as it redefines the scale at which 3D printing can operate and challenges my preconceptions of what is possible with this technology. ICON also enables a vision for collaboration by working alongside many stakeholders to solve complex problems we are facing now and may face in the future. The company are conceptualising disaster relief housing to aid nations impacted by the climate crisis, pushing the boundaries for how we can use technology for social good. ICON is even looking beyond earth and into space, seeking to develop infrastructure and habitats on the Moon and eventually Mars with NASA. In conclusion, I believe ICON is a successful example of transition design and I am excited to see their projects develop in the future.
REFERENCES
Carnegie Mellon University. “Transition Design Seminar CMU – Syllabus and Course Schedule for the Transition Design 2 Seminar.” Transitiondesignseminarcmu.net, 2021, https://transitiondesignseminarcmu.net/.
Hawkins, Andrew J. “Virgin Hyperloop Hits an Important Milestone: The First Human Passenger Test.” The Verge, The Verge, 9 Nov. 2020, www.theverge.com/2020/11/8/21553014/virgin-hyperloop-first-human-test-speed-pod-tube
ICON. “ICON Unveils Its Next-Gen 3D Printer and Introduces ‘House Zero’ Designed by Lake|Flato Architects | ICON.” Iconbuild.com, 2021, www.iconbuild.com/updates/icon-unveils-its-next-gen-3d-printer-and-introduces-house-zero.
Irwin, Terry. “The Emerging Transition Design Approach.” ResearchGate, unknown, June 2018, www.researchgate.net/publication/329155155_The_Emerging_Transition_Design_Approach
Irwin, Terry. “Transition Design: A Proposal for a New Area of Design Practice, Study, and Research.” ResearchGate, Taylor & Francis (Routledge), 3 Apr. 2015, www.researchgate.net/publication/282432370_Transition_Design_A_Proposal_for_a_New_Area_of_Design_Practice_Study_and_Research.
Studio Roosegaarde, (2021), Projects: Smog Free Tower, Smog Free Ring, https://www.studioroosegaarde.net/project/smog-free-tower
Social Design Sydney, (2017, Dec 13), Terry Irwin - Transition Design, [Video], YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZKPshXs1QQ&t=70s&ab_channel=SocialDesignSydney
Virgin Hyperloop, (2021), How it Works, https://virginhyperloop.com/
Kram/Weisshaar, (2020), Project: FutureCraft.Strung, https://www.kramweisshaar.com/projects/futurecraft.strung
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