Linda Vanni: “Green design skills are designers’ core competence” 

Linda Vanni, member of Ornamo’s board, reminds designers of the importance of sustainability skills. In her article, she shares her tips on how to build these important skills in small steps.

Greetings from the Ornamo Board! 

My first year as a board member is soon coming to an end.  

Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to familiarize myself with how the board works, and also to take part in implementing Ornamo’s recently updated strategy. The ambitious strategy places responsibility and impact of design at the core, while also emphasizing support for work and a diverse, inclusive community. 

As highlighted in Ornamo’s report on responsibility, designers play a crucial role in driving the sustainability transition across sectors. Evolving legislation and a rapidly changing operating environment challenge each of us to continuously update our skills related to sustainability. 

Strengthen your sustainability skills step by step 

In the future, sustainability skills will be at the core of every designer’s competence. These skills can be developed by using many free resources that are available. 

The Design Council has recently launched the Skills for Planet blueprint, with the aim to upskill all designers with green design skills. These include, for example, eliminating emissions across a product’s entire lifecycle, adopting a systemic approach, and evaluating impact. 

You can get started by exploring these tools and the sustainability & responsibility skills section of Ornamo’s website, or by completing courses such as Circular Design course provided by Design Forum Finland (currently available in Finnish only). You can also join the Ornamo Responsibility Circle, a peer community where you can connect with other designers working with responsibility and share your own expertise. Also, don’t forget to sign the Responsible Design Manifesto!