Além do Lucro: Como o Design Pode Promover Sustentabilidade e Equidade Social

Contemporary design faces a paradox: while it contributes to an unsustainable production model, it also has the potential to promote sustainability. This article analyzes the negative impacts of market-driven design, such as planned obsolescence and the exploitation of natural resources, and explores innovative approaches like social design, circular economy, and design thinking. Using updated data and real-world cases, it proposes a reevaluation of design education and public policies, aiming for a more equitable and regenerative future. The analysis reveals that integrating sustainability into design education is essential to train conscious and capable professionals to address socio-environmental challenges. Projects like Precious Plastic and Design for Change demonstrate that local and participatory solutions can have a global impact, inspiring large-scale changes. It concludes that design can be a transformative force, provided it adopts a systemic and responsible approach.