Design as a catalyst for sustainability : bridging disciplines in the anthropocene

In the Anthropocene era, design emerges as a pivotal discipline with the power to bridge diverse fields and tackle pressing environmental challenges, heralding a shift from traditional practices towards a holistic, transformative approach. This paper explores design's evolution from a functional role to a broader societal and human experience, highlighting its potential to foster a circular economy and systemic innovation. By examining the contributions of key figures like Adriano Olivetti and Ezio Manzini, and through the lens of emerging paradigms such as service and systemic design, the study reveals design's capacity to integrate values, sustainability, and innovation, thereby reorienting focus towards comprehensive experiences over individual products. The discussion extends to the importance of a transdisciplinary approach, underscoring design's role in orchestrating synergies across technology, culture, and environmental sustainability. This approach not only addresses complex global challenges but also emphasizes human experience, aiming to create meaningful, enriching interactions that drive social, economic, and environmental innovations. Ultimately, the paper advocates for a reconceptualization of design as a crucial agent in humanizing technology and fostering a sustainable, harmonious future, thereby establishing a new paradigm where design, technology, and sustainability are inseparably intertwined.