Design, technology, and innovation are essential in shaping environments that are sustainable, efficient, accessible, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. Every aspect of our lives in the developed world has been designed and thought through by someone, from the products we use to the spaces we inhabit. This could range from the height of the doors to the width of the streets we pass through to go about our daily lives. Such processes contribute to both our individual well-being and the overall health of our planet, fostering economic growth and a higher quality of life. Unfortunately, participation in and access to design, technology and innovation still is a privilege which not everyone is entitled to. There are systematic inequalities in participation and access to design, technology and innovation not only in the developing countries but also in the developed world.
Design is a broad and multidimensional concept that encompasses the creation and planning of objects, systems, processes and experiences with the intention of achieving a specific purpose or solving a particular problem. The impact of design on our lives is profound and pervasive. Design plays a crucial role in shaping our environments, influencing our behaviour, and enhancing our overall quality of life.
Technology refers to the application of scientific knowledge, tools and techniques to solve practical problems and achieve specific objectives. It encompasses a wide range of methods, materials and systems used to develop products, services or processes that improve our lives and our ability to interact with the world. Technology can be both tangible such as machines and devices or intangible such as software and algorithms. Our Physical living conditions is significantly and positively impacted by the use and access to existing technologies in various ways, many of which we often take for granted in our modern societies.
Innovation refers to the development, adoption, and application of new or significantly improved technologies, processes, products or services that bring about advances. It involves the creation and implementation of novel ideas, methods, or tools that can lead to increased efficiency, effectiveness, competitiveness, and societal progress.