Croí: A Process for Core and Responsible Graphic Communication Design Education

Main Article Content

Gwen Lettis
Muireann McMahon
Pamela Napier
Adam de Eyto

Abstract

Research has shown that addressing personal values and conviction is crucial for long-lasting Education for Sustainable Development. However, there is a shortage of theory and evidence-based value-focused processes in Graphic Communication Design Education literature. This article presents a novel personal value thinking and doing process called Croí (pronounced Cree) that can be used as a precursor to Education for Sustainable Development in Graphic Communication Design Education. Croí aims to stimulate sustainable transitions by disrupting behaviour development. Over five years, five rounds of Action Research were conducted with third-level educators and students to explore how Croí could facilitate value (or core) design, with the broad aim to encourage sustainable Graphic Communication Design. The initial Croí prototype developed over Cycles One and Two is briefly summarised, with focus on Cycles Three, Four, and Five, where Croí was further developed and evaluated. Data collection included researcher field notes, semi-structured interviews, and written reflections, analysed through Thematic Analysis. Key discussion points include fundamental process elements, Croí's impact on core thinking and doing and responsible thinking and doing, and its potential to facilitate behaviour development. The research concludes that Croí promotes core and responsible thinking and core doing, increasing the likelihood of responsible doing. It offers educators an innovative way to facilitate plural, practical, and core development for graphic communication design students, potentially influencing change in the profession. Croí is not a panacea for the complex issue of Sustainable Development, but it provides a novel and meaningful foundation for disrupting behaviour. 

Article Details

Author Biographies

Gwen Lettis, Munster Technological University - Ireland

Gwen Lettis teaches design modules on the Visual Communication undergraduate program in CCAD at MTU. Her research focuses on integrating students' values and goals into design to promote ethical practices. She has also contributed to multiple MTU projects aiming to enhance teaching and learning, improve graduate readiness, and foster ethical practices through value and goal exploration.

Muireann McMahon, University of Limerick Ireland

Muireann McMahon, Associate Professor in Product Design, teaches design studio subjects at both undergrad and postgrad. Her research interests lie in Sustainable Design, Design for Social Impact and Design for Wellbeing where she examines how, through creative processes, we can explore innovative future-proofed design solutions for people and planet. She has led UL’s participation in various research projects that explore the application of sustainable design principles in industry, community, and education.   

Pamela Napier, Indiana University - Indianapolis

Pamela Napier is both a design educator and practitioner of design facilitation, research, and strategy with over a decade of experience in the field. Her research focuses on developing methods, frameworks and curriculum for people-centred design research, skills and processes for design facilitation, and the integration of sustainable values into the design process.

Adam de Eyto, Technological University of the Shannon

Adam de Eyto is responsible for a range of BA, MA and CPD programmes at LSAD TUS and is a Principal Investigator in the LSAD Research Institute at TUS, He has research expertise in the field of Design for Sustainability and applied design research the areas of Soft Product Design, Sustainable Product Service Systems, Circular Economy, User Centred Design, Transdisciplinary education, Humanising of Medical Devices and Behavioural Change for Sustainability. 

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