The use of sustainable design websites within design and technology education at AS/A2 Level

Websites have become key knowledge and information sources within design and technology education for students. This paper looks specifically at sustainable design websites, highlighting the current literature on sustainability, and also sustainability’s integration into design and technology education. This integration focuses on sustainable design schemes, such as Practical Action’s Sustainable Design Award (SDA), and its website. The paper progresses to describe some initial trials to identify website use within ‘designerly activity’ for students aged 16-18. It examines their use of websites, in particular sustainable design sites and the SDA website, and whether these are used during their design activity. Further research that will be carried out to aid an ongoing analysis of how effective sustainable design websites are influencing design decisions is also outlined in this paper.