Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the developments, challenges and opportunities for design research in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations (UN). It provides the context for design for global challenges, looking in more detail at the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the role of design and social responsibility within that, and how design can work in developing contexts. The book presents a series of case studies of design-led projects across different SDGs. It provides a brief history of the Sustainable Development Goals, exploring how they emerged and developed over the past 50 years. The book outlines each of the 17 SDGs, providing a brief update on their progress to date. It also outlines the process of design and its role in tackling global challenges. The book presents design thinking within the context of the SDGs as a process of tackling major global challenges.