With 2024 tracking to set a new global temperature record—surpassing the high reached just last year—and with an obvious uptick in human suffering due to war, social upheaval, political strife, and environmental degradation everywhere, the urgency for meaningful action is undeniable. Man’s negative impact on the planet is now unmistakable, driving home the need for swift and transformative change. And with recent election results in the United States alongside less progressive regime shifts happening around the world, we are at a critical juncture.

But none of this is news. Climate change and social inequality have both been trending for a while.

What gives me hope is design. The power of design is truly not to be underrated. Design is everywhere, in everything. And designers themselves are perfectly positioned to implement responsible design practices and evangelize circular economy principles. In my role at iF Design, I spend considerable time reflecting on what defines great design. It is increasingly clear that great design—from the past, for today, and in the future—is sustainable.

Sustainability in this view is not just about the environment. It’s about reimagining a better future for us all. It’s about improving health outcomes and general well-being, promoting economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life across this planet. Too often in the design industry and certainly in business, sustainability is viewed as a constraint, something that stands in the way of aesthetic beauty or functionality or profit margins, when in reality, it can be a profound catalyst for innovation. The most impactful designs I’ve seen over the years have risen to the challenge of meeting both human need and an environmental imperative.

From the past to the present: Examples of sustainable design

iF Design’s connection to social impact dates back to the organization’s inception following World War II. Wilhelm Wagenfeld, a Bauhaus legend and trailblazer in industrial design, played a pivotal role in establishing iF Design back then. Throughout his career, Wagenfeld linked the design of everyday objects with social responsibility. His design philosophy, which emphasized products’ usability and their benefit to people across all levels of society, continues to resonate today and remains a core principle of the iF DESIGN AWARD.

Fast forward to the present; since 2010, we’ve seen an increasing number of corporate sustainability reports submitted to the iF DESIGN AWARD by major global companies under the communications discipline. This shift highlights the growing responsibility of businesses to track environmental, social, and governance metrics in service of people, planet, and shareholders. Beyond these reports, other winners in recent years have exemplified innovative use of recycled materials, development of energy-efficient digital solutions, and adoption of circular design principles. Circular design—designing from inception for reuse, repair, and recyclability—is particularly exciting as technical know-how, practical support systems, and human willingness continue to expand.