The project “Transdisciplinary methodology for Integrated Design in higher education” with the acronym High5 concerns the European cooperation in higher education sector. Lodz University of Technology (TUL) is the project coordinator; TUL has invited 4 other institutions as partners: University of Thessaly, Thessaloniki (Greece), University of Aveiro (Portugal), University of Library Studies and Information Technologies in Sofia (Bulgaria) and Euroakadeemia in Tallin (Estonia). The aim of High5 is to create a new methodology - Integrated Design - that is based on already existing methods and approaches. Integrated Design combines valuable areas such as problem solving methodologies (Design Thinking and Problem Based Learning), sustainable development, circular economy, innovation thinking and entrepreneurial skills. Integrated Design is an answer to complexity of the world and projects undertaken at universities, in companies and various institutions. It has also its roots in the requirements of the European labour market where people have to be able to analyze a situation, define a correct problem, provide suitable solution and be aware of all consequences of implementation of the chosen solution. This wide perspective is covered by Integrated Design. Integrated Design in education is nearly related to the modernization agenda for higher education. The goal of changes in higher education is to improve its quality, to link education with research and business and to provide innovative teaching and learning methods in order to increase the effectiveness of higher education. Education at universities in Europe should be relevant (ie. provide relevant knowledge, transversal skills and experience). It should also support students in preparation for work and life. In case of innovative teaching it has to boost students’ creativity and creation of innovations that will be adjusted to the needs of the society. Moreover, the aspects of sustainable development and circular economy should be taken into consideration as the European population is getting more aware of the future consequences of current actions. The High5 project lasts 2 years and elaborates invaluable resources for Integrated Design. The materials will be dedicated to academic teachers and students. They can be partly implemented in projects realized in the companies as business is getting more conscious of sustainable development. Transdisciplinarity of the methodology enables to be use in divers fields and complex projects. The High5 results will fit in innovative learning techniques and will be attractive for the main target groups. Within the project there will be several activities that will improve key competences of students and teachers (International Schools, Teachers’ Trainings in Sustainable Development, Design Thinking and entrepreneurial skills, Gamification and Learning). Working in interdisciplinary and international teams will be crucial positive quality in the project.
The aim of the High5 project was the development of a new innovative educational method called Integrated Design (ID). A simple understanding of Integrated Design is crucial for the current world that is developing so fast. At the academic level, it seemed to be necessary to learn the complexity of issues and to realize projects taking into consideration many aspects. The cases taught in the university courses shouldn't be imaginary ones and too simplified. ID helps to deal with complex tasks thanks to a bunch of tools and tips. The project supported the flipped education model in Bloom's Taxonomy and encouraged students to get to a higher level of learning in general. Learning by doing was implemented into project activities and outcomes. As the main goal was to elaborate a new methodology - Integrated Design, the consortium wanted to create suitable materials for teachers who can apply this methodology during their courses and projects, and suitable materials for students who can follow the Integrated Design approach in order to find the best solution for their challenge taking into account additional aspects such as sustainability, circular economy, the social and environmental impact of the created solution in the long run.
One of the main priorities of the Europe 2020 strategy and Erasmus+ program regarding the higher education goals was to support and create opportunities for people in the higher education system (students, academics, etc.) to work together on the international and interdisciplinary level. There was a high demand for universities to open their educational systems to business, which would prepare students for work, as well as would provide them with skills and experience necessary in the realization of complex, real problems. Supporting students in acquiring and developing basic skills and key competencies (such as communication skills, teamwork skills, creative thinking, and innovative thinking) was essential for the project consortium as well. This project supported innovative methods in education provided tools and showed a new approach to solving problems. The idea developed in High5 was to make education interdisciplinary and open to changes. Integrated Design methodology focuses on important aspects such as innovative thinking, entrepreneurial skills, creativity, and sustainable development. Applying the Integrated Design approach prepares students for their future work and increases their competitiveness in the labour market.