One of the definitions for clean energy justice in built environment involves ensuring equitable access to sustainable energy, reducing environmental burdens and empowering communities to participate in the energy transition
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Nigel Cross's perspective on design thinking outlines several key principles that define this approach to creative problem-solving.
One of the central principles of design thinking, as discussed by Nigel Cross, is a focus on human-centered design. This involves understanding and empathizing with the needs, behaviors, and experiences of the end-users throughout the design process. The goal is to ensure that the solutions developed are relevant and effectively address the users' needs through a deep understanding of their contexts and problems. By placing humans at the core of the design process, designers can create more meaningful and impactful solutions .
Design thinkers utilize an iterative process, which allows them to revisit and refine their ideas continuously. This approach is characterized by cycles of prototyping, testing, and feedback, enabling designers to explore various solutions and learn what works best in practice. Another principle is the framing and reframing of problems as part of the design process. Designers benefit from looking at problems through multiple lenses, which helps them uncover new opportunities and perspectives, ultimately leading to innovative solutions that might not have been apparent initially .
According to Nigel Cross, designers make extensive use of visual thinking and external representations, such as sketches, drawings, and models, to explore and communicate ideas. This practice helps designers externalize their cognitive processes, facilitate collaboration, and develop solutions. Additionally, an important aspect of design thinking is the use of abductive reasoning, which involves making logical inferences based on the best possible explanations for observed phenomena. This form of reasoning supports the generation of creative solutions amidst uncertainty and incomplete information
Design thinking has been sparsely utilized in the utility industry, but it is gradually becoming recognized for its potential to foster customer-centric approaches to innovation. Traditionally, the utility sector has operated with a greater focus on its internal objectives rather than customer needs. Design thinking encourages flipping this approach to prioritize customer needs, which can lead to increased engagement and satisfaction. This method has been employed in collaborative projects with utilities to reimagine offerings such as bill designs and solar programs by incorporating insights from customer experiences .
By leveraging design thinking, utilities can transform their processes and offerings to better meet customer needs, driving higher participation and satisfaction. This involves using ethnographic research to gain deep insights into user behaviors and expectations. For example, utilities discovered that customers expect rewards similar to other services for their participation in different rate structures.
This insight enables the design of more compelling utility programs with expected incentives, illustrating the power of design thinking in creating user-focused solutions while still achieving utility goals . Design thinking thus aids in addressing energy sector challenges by fostering innovative, sustainable solutions that enhance customer experiences and drive sectoral transformation
Finalist, “ReBurbia” Competition DWELLMagazine, Big Box Biofuel, with Case Brown, 2009. Berger,Alan and Brown, Case. 2011. “Sourcing the Next American Fuel Network” in LandscapeArchitecture China. No. 1, pp. 120-126
The Environmental Collaboratory's community-partnered initiatives co-fund, co-design, and co-implement on-the-ground solutions with community partners to drive systemic change that align climate, environmental justice with on-the-ground realities.
The Environmental Collaboratory (TEC) has facilitated the establishment of a community coalition with 4 community-based organizations (CBOs), named the Philadelphia Climate Justice Collective (PCJC). PCJC members consist of Mantua CivicAssociation, SEAMAAC, Overbrook Environmental and Education Center, and Esperanza. Each group represents a diverse population, geographic region, and unique environmental concerns across Philadelphia.The purpose of PCJC is to develop a locally driven environmental just climate transition plan to address long-standing environmental issues. PCJC's focus is to establish a vision and a climate just transition plan, including policy and funding, technical assistance, and GIS Mapping.