ADA Innovation Hub Design Sprint 2023: Circular Economy

25 May – 26 May 2023
A Block, Paddington Campus
Header for the Design Sprint

Important notice: This Design Sprint is now at full capacity. Any new registrants will be placed on a waitlist and advised by email if a spot becomes available.

Work in a team to tackle one of three real-world issues taken from the UNSW Environmental Sustainability Plan 2022-24 for the chance to win big prize money!

The ADA Innovation Hub is recruiting 60-80 coursework students from the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture and the Faculty of Science to participate in a fun, exciting two-day Design Sprint focusing on Circular Economy principles. If you're interested in sustainability, innovation, communication and ethics, this opportunity is for you.

What is the Circular Economy?

A Circular Economy aims to minimise waste and keep resources in use for as long as possible, advocating for a cycle of "use, reuse, recycle", rather than the traditional "take, make, dispose" model. The goal is to create a more sustainable and resilient economy. 

About the Design Sprint

To tackle the major challenges of our time, including climate change, pollution and soil degradation, circular economy principles and processes are more important now than ever. The Design Sprint has been designed to acknowledge that the move to a Circular Economy will require the combined skills of material scientists, designers, architects, educators, policy makers, linguists, social scientists, environmental scientists, media experts, and the arts.  

Students will tackle one of three real-world issues taken from the UNSW Environmental Sustainability Plan 2022-24

Key dates

  • Registrations open Monday 3 April 
  • Registrations close Monday 15 May
  • Full day Circular Economy training from 9am-4.30pm on Thursday 25 May
  • Full day design sprint from 9am-4.30pm on Friday 26 May
  • Pitch night & competition from 6.30-8.30pm on Friday 26 May.

Prizes & judging panel

Prizes will be awarded to the teams that present the most innovative, creative and impactful concepts at the Pitch Night. Specific judging criteria will be made available to participants at the commencement of the program.

The following prizes will be awarded:

  • First prize: $5,000
  • Second prize: $3,000
  • Third prize: $1,500
  • People's Choice prize: $1,500

The judging panel is as follows:

  • Professor Claire Annesley, Dean of the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture and Acting Provost  
  • Scientia Professor Sven Rogge, Dean of the Faculty of Science  
  • Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla, Director Centre for Sustainable Materials Research & Technology (SMaRT Centre). 

Perks of joining the Design Sprint

  • Develop knowledge in an area highly valued by employers
  • Compete for big prize money
  • Earn micro credentials to add to your CV (Credly)
  • Learn how to harness design thinking in your problem-solving processes
  • Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided on both days of the Design Sprint
  • Make new friends and have fun!

You must read this important information about the event before you register. 

Register your interest

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