Program Overview

Program Overview

The Materials Design for Transition toward regenerative ecologies program is a comprehensive MOOC that explores the integration of material-related issues in design practices to support a sustainable future. This course provides a foundational understanding of contemporary materials design, highlighting strategies that promote sustainability, circularity, and regenerative design.

Course Description

The program combines theoretical insights with case studies of real-world and speculative applications, equipping participants with the knowledge to drive positive change and support sustainable production practices. Key topics include the expressive and sensory dimensions of materials, material-driven design, DIY materials, and biodesign.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By completing this course, participants will gain:

• A foundational understanding of materials design in the context of sustainability, circularity, and regeneration
• Insight into how material choices impact design outcomes and the environment
• Knowledge of emerging fields, such as biodesign and circular bioeconomy
• Practical pathways and strategies for implementing sustainable design solutions

Prerequisites

No prerequisite knowledge is required, but participants are invited to read recommended texts to have a basic understanding of the design discipline and founding theories.

Course Structure

The program consists of five weeks of study, covering topics such as:

• Week 0: Introduction to the course
• Week 1: Theoretical foundations of contemporary materials design
• Week 2: Sustainability, circularity, and regenerative design concepts
• Week 3: Biodesign and biological interaction design
• Week 4: Design tools, locations, and skills for emerging professionalism
• Week 5: Final quiz and assessment

Assessment

The final grade is based on results from graded quizzes, with a minimum score of 60% required to successfully complete the course. Participants can achieve a certificate in the form of an Open Badge by reaching at least 60% of the total score in each assessed quiz and filling in the final survey.

Faculty

The course is taught by:

• Valentina Rognoli, Associate Professor in the Design Department at the School of Design, Politecnico di Milano
• Sofia Soledad Duarte Poblete, Product and industrial designer and educator
• Elena Albergati, PhD researcher at Politecnico di Milano, specialized in the intersection of Design and Bioengineering

Research Areas

The program focuses on materials design for ecological transition, DIY materials, bio-based and bio-fabricated materials, and biological interaction design.

Fees and Access

The course is completely online and free of charge, with unlimited access to course materials and resources.