Due to its blend of simplicity, functionalism, and a strong commitment to sustainable and ecological principles, the Nordic approach to design prioritizes out-of-the-box thinking whilst being human-centric with a focus on the user experience. Furthermore, Nordic design frequently interjects artistic creativity into solutions, resulting in innovative approaches that elegantly merge aesthetics, function, and environmental responsibility.
Students can expect to learn a range of themes cutting across Nordic design history, contemporary design, design thinking, functionalism, aesthetics, materiality, speculative design and sustainable futures.
Methods include various design thinking tools such as ideation, critical design, design research, prototyping, learning by doing, and iterating solutions. The combination of theory and practice enables students to develop a rich and nuanced understanding of design strategies.
Ecological and sustainability themes form the bedrock of the course. Students will engage with theoretical constructs of green design and move on to practical applications, exploring how materials and products are designed with ecological sensitivity. Various assignments, workshops, site visits, and other learning activities are tailored around ecological themes, emphasizing responsible design and promoting a deep awareness of sustainable futures.
The knowledge and skills introduced in this course are beneficial across several career paths in design, arts, and related fields. Students will leave with a diverse exploration of the Nordic approach to design, which can offer fresh perspectives and methodologies in their practice, globally. An exploration of critical thinking, speculative design and sustainable futures will encourage students to challenge industrial norms and the status quo.
This course is ideal for students and professionals who are just starting their journey into the realm of design, arts, architecture, and related fields, with a yearning to explore it through critical, speculative, ecological and unconventional lenses. Participants should be open to an interdisciplinary, thought-provoking, and hands-on experience.
Skills such as learning by doing, working in a team, researching, prototyping and ideating future-centric solutions are integral parts of the course that I hope will contribute to their key learnings and takeaways.
The application period for Nordic Design Futures is open from 30.1.-31.5.2026.
Design thinking is a problem-solving methodology that helps organisations and individuals to identify challenges and create solutions in many industries. This undergraduate-level summer course explores the Nordic aspect of design, emphasising sustainability and ecological thinking, as well as functionalism and critical design.
Aalto University Summer School offers high-quality academic summer courses and programs at Aalto University during the winter and the summer.
Find a course or program for your Aalto University Summer School experience.
