Changing the Narrative: Co-designing Awareness about Environmental Sustainability with Children in Denmark

The world is facing pressing environmental challenges calling for urgent actions in different levels. In this type of a picture, the earlier the actions are taken, the better future for next generations could be created. In the context of sustainable innovation, by codesigning activities that promote sustainability, young minds can become much conscious about environmental sustainability in a joyful and interactive way. This paper investigates how design can trigger sustainable behavioural change in people with a specific focus on engaging with children. The investigation is done through 3 cases which were created during a first-year master’s course in collaboration with Aarhus Municipality. By co-designing with children in the process and helping them understand the importance of recycling and reusing, designers can help to create a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens by empowering them to take actions in everyday life.