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Sustainable Design Opportunities & Events

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  • Climify — Climate Designers Podcast w/Prof. Eric Benson

    A podcast connecting climate scientists and design educators together so that we can bring climate-related projects into our classrooms.

  • Description of Solar Tour with QR code link to the event registration

    C-U Solar Tour: Registration

    Visit Residential, Business, Community and Utility Scale Solar installations around C-U. 

    Friday April 21

    noon - 5:00p

    Meet professionals installing and managing solar systems at multiple scales. Network with profesionals who can answer your questions about how to get started in this field. 

    Sustainable Design will provide transportation.
    Reserve your seat.
    Limited to 30 participants, on a first-enrolled basis. 

  • Delight Flower Farm

    We grow chemical-free flowers, in Champaign-Urbana. Fresh + Local + Women-owned + CSA + beautiful = DELIGHT! Delight Flower Farm has grown to be Urbana's pioneer organic Flower Farm, growing a variety of annuals like sunflowers, zinnias, gladiolas, marigolds, cosmos, and herbs, as well as native plants and perennials. Join us for workshops on flower arranging, herbalism, public tours, wreath making, fermentation/kombucha, and more!

  • DESIGN FOR AMERICA AT UIUC FALL RECRUITMENT

    Design for America at UIUC is a nonprofit and student organization. We tackle social challenges in our community by using the human-centered design process. Our fall recruitment is happening virtually from 8/23 - 9/5 with applications due 9/6.  All majors are welcome to enjoy, no background in design thinking is necessary! If you have an interest in social impact projects, check us out! 

    Click here for more information! 

  • DesignIllinois

    Design IL Panel: Sustainable Design and You

    Fri, Nov 12, 2021 10:30 am -11:30 am. Designing objects and services that reflect the principles of ecological sustainability is the future. Inform your own career path by hearing from people working in this field. Panelists include: Barent Roth, Sustainable Designer and Activist Entrepreneur; Frank Petlak, Vice President, Innovation & New Product Development for Pactiv Evergreen; Katie Morganroth, Google Nest ID Team Lead : Speakers, Connectivity, Entertainment + Sustainability.

  • Designing a Backyard Garden to Attract Birds

    Champaign County Master Gardeners invite you to Designing a Backyard Garden to Attract Birds, via Zoom at 7:00 PM, Tuesday, October 27. The program will be presented by Dr. Michael P. Ward, an Associate Professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences and an Avian Ecologist at the Illinois Natural History Survey. Must register to receive zoom link.

  • Clare Bass

    Designing for a Circular Food World

    Clare Brass will talk about her journey from commercial designer to becoming a creative sustainability consultant in the food sector, taking on a mission to change the way designers across the world are taught. Sponsored by: School of Art & Design Visitors Committee, Ed Zagorski Visitors Fund, and Big Monster Toys, LLC. Thursday March 4 at 12:30 pm

  • Designing in the Climate Crisis: Regenerative Design 101

    Our civilization stands at a tipping point, where we can choose to stay on the same path toward climate disaster or embrace hope, reject despair, to reshape our future. This talk with educate creatives about the risks of inactions surrounding climate change and in turn, empower them to take action through regenerative design resources and strategies. Thurs Oct 29, 2020 from 11:30-12:30 with Associate Professor of Graphic Design, Eric Benson.

  • Do you want to shape the future? Why not start with Graduate School at University of Illinois?

    Join faculty from ArchitectureArt +DesignLandscape Architecture and Urban and Regional Planning to learn about our graduate degree programs. Learn about courses, faculty, student organizations, how to apply and more!

    Students can Register Here (using your illinois.edu email) for the session which will be held Thursday, December 10 at 4:00-5:30PM (US Central Standard Time).

  • Earth Day Extravaganza!

    The Illini Union Board, with sponsorship by SSC, is hosting this event at 7 p.m. Thursday in the North Lounge of the Union. Help design the Union's new recycling containers! For more details, visit go.illinois.edu/GreenattheUnion >>>

  • Earth Month activities

    Community trash pickup at Boneyard Creek 3-5 p.m. April 7; “Sustainability Rocks” on the Main Quad 11 a.m.-5 p.m. April 8; Arbor Day Celebration and tree-planting ceremony April 30 AND MORE!

  • Eco Careers Conference

    Sign up now for the NWF EcoCareers Conference on April 7-8. Follow the link and go to "Get Ticket" > "Ticket Types" > "Campus Sponsor Student, then select University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign from the drop down list. Be sure to use your school email address on the registration page. 

  • Everyday Environment: Watershed Planning.

    In this installment of the monthly webinar series from U of I Extension, learn how Illinois conservation professionals are working with local stakeholders to preserve our natural resources. "Watershed Planning: Helping Communities Meet Their Water Resource Goals" will be presented by Extension Watershed Outreach Associate Jennifer Jones. The webinar is presented every second Thusday, with future sessions on solar energy, composting, and squirrels!1-2 p.m. | Thursday, Sept. 10 | Register

  • Everyday Environment Webinar Series

    In this free series from U of I Extension, learn about natural resources and how to make small changes in your life to positively impact our environment!

    Solar Energy for the Home

    August 13, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time

    Is solar energy right for you? As renewable energy production is increasing in popularity, opportunities to incorporate solar panels on your home have become more available and affordable. In this webinar, University of Illinois Extension Energy & Environmental Stewardship Educator Erin Garrett will cover the basics of solar energy, what options are available for homeowners, and what points to consider when considering if your home is suitable for solar panels. Presenter: Erin Garrett

    Watershed Planning: Helping Communities Meet Their Water Resource Goals

    September 10, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time

    Join University of Illinois Watershed Outreach Associates Haley Haverback-Gruber and Jennifer Jones to learn how watershed-based planning is a collaborative, stakeholder supported approach to improving and protecting water resources. Learn how Illinois conservation professionals are working with local stakeholders to preserve our natural resources. Presenters: Jennifer Jones and Haley Haverback-Gruber

    Composting Do's and Don'ts

    October 8, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time

    Composting does not have to be rocket science, but folloiwng some basic rules will help make your compost the best it can be. Join Duane Friend for a discussion of the composting process, what works in compost and what should be left out, and basic management of air, moisture, and temperature. Presenter: Duane Friend

    Vermi-composting: Turning Leftovers into Soil

    November 12, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time

    When we are asked to describe an ocean, forest, desert, or even our backyard we can give a pretty clear description about what one might find there. When asked what is under the ground, we tend to be unsure and it becomes clear how little we know about what is below our own backyards. Worms come to mind but what purpose do they have and how can we harness what they do best? We can vermi-compost at home. Join Peggy Doty for one of her favorite topics, and personal activities, she utilizes at home and at work. Vermi-composting is one of the easiest ways to compost at home. It is odorless, easy, and makes winter composting so much more fun! Presenter: Peggy Doty

    All About Squirrels

    December 10, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time

    This webinar focuses on the ever present urban gymnasts that live up in the trees. Squirrels are a staple on many college campuses, backyards, and of course our forests, but how much do we really know about these mischievous rodents? Join Abigail Garofalo as she delves into the ecology and life of squirrels so that we can understand these amazing creatures. Presenter: Abigail Garofalo

  • internship

    FAA 398 Sustainable Design Internship

    If you have obtained a part-time or full-time internship, you can enroll in a this 0-credit hour course so that experience is recognized on your transcript. There are minimal assignments to complete. Registration only with permission (submit your internship job description and offer letter to sustaindesign@illinois.edu prior to the 1st day of class).

  • Finding and Internship, IL Career Center

    Gaining experience while in college is very important when it comes to finding employment after graduation. Learn how to search for internships and other opportunities by using different search engines including Handshake, Illinois' campus-wide recruiting platform. Nov 4th 5-6pm. Register: go.illinois.edu/FindingAnInternship2. Also, check out BSSD internship info at https://faa.illinois.edu/current-students/career-services/sustainable-design

     

  • Flower (locally grown) Arranging Workshop@Allerton

    Meet us in the Allerton Mansion for a blooming night! We will learn about a variety of autumn flowers and basic floral designs to take your arrangements to the next level. Participants will have the opportunity to create beautiful floral arrangements (you can take home!) using technique and the fresh flowers and greenery grown on Delight Flower Farm. Find more information and register here. September 23, 6–8 pm • Allerton Park & Retreat Center

     

  • Follow Professor Eric Benson...

    www.climatedesigners.org

    www.re-nourish.org

    www.freshpress.studio … follow me on Instagram @freshpresspaper !

  • Bailey Scholarship

    FRED S. BAILEY SCHOLARSHIP FOR CAUSE DRIVEN LEADERS

    The Bailey Undergraduate awards are $3000 awards ($1500/semester) given each year to undergraduate students at the University of Illinois who have demonstrated positive impact and commitment as a result of service, community involvement, leadership, and action. Financial need and academic achievement will also be considered. University of Illinois - Urbana campus undergraduate students in all programs are eligible to apply. 

    For more information or to apply online, visit: universityymca.org/bailey/undergrad

  • FRED S. BAILEY SCHOLARSHIP FOR CAUSE DRIVEN LEADERS

    The Bailey Undergraduate awards are $3000 awards ($1500/semester) given each year to undergraduate students at UIUC who have demonstrated positive impact and commitment as a result of service, community involvement, leadership, and action. Financial need and academic achievement will also be considered. Application deadline: February 28. Note: A Sustainable Design major was awarded this scholarship once already, you could be next!

  • Fresh Press Sustainable Papermaking Apprenticeship

    This academic year, Fresh Press, a UIUC sustainable papermaking lab run by Graphic Design Associate Prof. Eric Benson is looking to train a new crop of papermakers to help out in paid commissions and an interdisciplinary research project with the Univ. of IL. Library Conservation Lab. No experience in papermaking is necessary, but an interest in climate action and sustainability in the arts is a must! Over the past 8 years, Fresh Press has trained some amazing folks. You can see a few here! Megan Diddie, Clair Reynes, Sophia Pipathsouk, Chloe Torri,Veronica Pham. If you'd like to set up a meeting to learn more about this opportunity, please reach out to Eric Benson at ebenson@illinois.edu

  • F&S Internship Opportunities

    (CHECK OUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE INTERN) F&S is dedicated to establishing a diverse and inclusive workplace that unleashes the talents of all employees to create value, deliver superior support, and develop innovative solutions for the campus community. That commitment is exemplified by student opportunities in the Diversity Internship Program. Roles in engineering, construction, communications, sustainability, etc., are available

  • Geographic Information Science (GIS) Day poster competition & prizes!

    GIS Day is the annual salute to geographic information science (GIS) and geospatial technologies, which are applied across disciplines including agriculture, public health, and urban planning. This online event will include a keynote, opportunities to engage with corporate sponsors, and a student poster competition with cash prizes. STUDENTS: submit a poster or web map here by Sunday, Nov. 15. November 18, 10 AM • Zoom (Click to register in advance)

  • Get Fresh! Seasonal Food Program at ARC

    Get Fresh!

    Get Fresh! is a seasonal program that increases the availability, accessibility, and consumption of fresh produce on campus. Get Fresh! is cost-effective for all UIUC members. It's sponsored by Student Wellness, McKinley Health, and Student Sustainable Farm. Participants will pick up a Get Fresh! tote of fruits, vegetables, recipes and other resources at the ARC Instructional Kitchen on Tuesdays. 

    September 15–October 20, 1–4 pm • September 15 - October 20, 1-4 PM - Every Tuesday • ARC Instructional Kitchen

    Alana Harris • Department of Campus Recreation

  • Getting Involved in Environmental Policy Advocacy (during COVID-19 & beyond!)

    Join Illinois Environmental Council Executive Director, Jennifer Walling to learn more about the latest in environmental policy and politics in the State of Illinois and how you can get involved! From general strategies to specific opportunities to speak up and act, IEC will share ways you can shape policy for a greener world.

    Link to join Webinarhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/89394498689

  • Getting outside this fall- check out some interesting parks and paths around Champaign Urbana!

    Meadowbrook Park        Crystal Lake Park              Mattis Park and Boulware Trail

    Kickapoo Rail Trail            Robeson Meadows Trail                Long list of other options here!

  • Getting Started in Undergraduate Research Workshop (GSIRW) Virtual Edition

    During this workshop, we will discuss the various forms of undergraduate research that take place on campus, guide students to develop a plan of action to locate research opportunities on campus, and discuss ways to contact faculty research mentors. Students will leave the workshop with (1) a better understanding of undergraduate research and how it takes place on our campus, (2) increased confidence to contact faculty research mentors, and (3) a list of faculty mentors to contact.

    Participation is by advanced registration only; there are limited spots available. We have several date offerings available, students only should register for one date.

    Details and registration link can be found at: http://undergradresearch.illinois.edu/programs/workshops.html

  • GOALOOP - Connecting the World through Goals® hiring Innovation Interns

    Interns choose a specialty area such as Climate Change/Public Policy/Public Health/Social Causes. Apply by December 30. Based in New York City. Remote work allowed. An example of an interdisciplinary goal: Convince news anchors to report on the state of the climate as they do the stock market, daily, showing key metrics. (This goal includes outreach to climate scientists and others.) Underway at https://goaloop.com/takeaction/climate

     

  • Go for a walk or bike ride!

    Go for a walk or bike ride at any of these places around campus: 

    Red Oak Rain GardenArboretum & 4k/5k/6k/8k at the ArboretumJapan HouseHessel Park ; Boulware TrailKickapoo Rail Trail

  • Government Job Fair for public service careers

    Friday 11/13/2020 from 1-4pm on Handshake. Students and alumni seeking public services careers are invited to participate and meet with recruiters from a range of government areas, including city, county, state and federal. Register early for the available group and one to one sessions with recruiters.  Be aware the MOST of the employers at this fair will require CITIZENSHIP for their opportunities. Research each organization prior to the fair, prepare a professional resume and practice appropriate employer etiquette.

  • Greener Campus Workshop

    Join us for this interactive workshop to learn more about iSEE's Certified Greener Campus Programs and how you can make your office, events, student organization, or fraternity/sorority more sustainable!4-5 p.m. | Thursday, Jan. 21 | Zoom link (Password 949274)

  • Handshake Paid Internships in Chicago PART 1

    Chicago Commitment Intern - Summer 2021 and John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The summer intern will focus on the Chicago Commitment areas: Advancing Leadership; Culture, Equity, and the Arts; and Vital Communities. Due May 31. (they also have a Social Impact and Communications Internship)

    Interior Design Intern at AECOM due April 25

    Real Estate / Hotel Development Internship at Grand Transformations LLC due July 1

    GIS Field Intern at Urban GIS due May 31

    UX Design Summer Intern at Intelsat due May 13

    INTERN, STRATEGIC & CORRIDOR PLANNING intern, and Regional Coordination Internship at Regional Transportation Authority due May 30

     

  • Handshake Paid Internships in Chicago PART 2

    Packaging Summer Intern at Barilla America due May 31

    Design Intern at KitchenLab Interiors due April 26

    Construction Cooperative Learning Experience & Internship at OSLO Builders due August 15

    Construction Intern (Architecture firm) at Epstein, due April 30

    Alight Campus - Product Design User Experience Intern at Alight Solutions due May 31

    Summer Internship at Ardagh Group -a leader in metal and glass packing solutions with a focus on sustainability due May 31

    Restoration Ecology Intern at Baxter&Woodman due April 30

    Seasonal Field Technician for Construction & Ecological Restoration Practice Area at V3 due October 31 (apply earlier for summer)  

  • Help Make Your Community Bike-Friendly!

    On behalf of Ride Illinois, the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission is hosting a daylong 2020 Illinois Bike Summit. Register to network with advocates, planners, engineers, and other professionals to learn about bikeway design, advocacy, programs, grants, and more! The keynote speaker is Bill Nesper, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists. In-depth online training for professionals is Monday, Sept. 14; continuing education credit available.Tuesday, Sept. 15 | Online

  • How to Find a Job in Sustainability Webinar

    Join our free webinar to hear from Bard faculty, students, and alumni to learn how to leverage your work experience into advancing your purpose-driven career! After the presentation, there will be a live Q&A. The webinar link will be sent upon completion of registration. Thurs Nov 12th, 5:30-6:30pm.

  • career fair

    Illini Career & Internship Fair

    Illini Career & Internship Fair is on Thursday, April 1st from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm virtually in Handshake!

     

    Register here for the Illini Career & Internship Fair, where you will have the chance to sign up for one-on-one and group sessions. This is your chance to speak directly with employers about job and internship opportunities! Registration in advance is required.

  • Illinois Club Scholarships

    Diverse and welcoming, The Illinois Club draws its membership from all areas of the University and the surrounding community.  This year, we will be awarding scholarships that range from $4,000-$4,500.

    Applications Open: September 8, 2020

    Application Deadline: 5 PM, October 17, 2020

    To apply for these scholarships, please complete the application at go.illinois.edu/TICScholarship

  • Illinois Enactus Information Night

    Join us Monday, February 8th at 7:00 pm via Zoom conference to learn more about the mission of Illinois Enactus. We strive to contribute to sustainable development goals all around the world. Groups of students from all majors develop collaborative business ventures that work towards social, economic, and environmental equality in all communities. We encourage all majors to apply to join our projects to eliminate waste, provide quality education, tackle social injustice, and more. 

  • now hiring

    Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant hiring interns for summer 2021

    Five positions available for the 2021 Summer Internship Program. Successful applicants will work closely with IISG staff on issues affecting the Great Lakes. These paid internships can include research, communications and outreach components. Internships are available in the following areas: Climate Communication; Great Lakes Education; Sustainable Communities; Water Quality; Youth Education

  • Illinois Innovation Prize

    Are you a creative and passionate student working towards solutions that could have a positive societal impact? Innovations developed as a response to the pandemic are encouraged as this illustrates the power of innovation during times of ambiguity and uncertainty. The IIP is for $20,000 and students must be nominated by a faculty member, mentor, or advisor- contact us at sustaindesign@illinois.edu if you think you deserve to be nominated!

     

  • Illinois Part-Time Job Fair

    The Illinois Part-Time Job Fair is open to all students on campus seeking opportunities to make some extra money and build their career competencies while completing their academics. Opportunities at this fair are paid, non-technical positions on campus or in the Champaign/Urbana community. This is a virtual fair run through Handshake on February 2 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Register for sessions using the link above. 

     

  • Illinois Science and Technology Institute (ISTI) Career Fair

    ISTI is hosting our first ever Virtual Career Fair on December 1st 2020! We believe that innovation happens everywhere; it is not confined to a laboratory, classroom, or office space. We are transforming our Facebook page for a day of virtual learning. From 9:00AM CST to 5:00PM CST we are featuring non traditional STEM professionals including the following presenters from: Cloud Solutions Architect, Microsoft Virtual Reality, Environmental Safety and Health Coordinator, Biomedical Visualization, and more.

     

  • Illinois Solar Decathlon

    Are you or your friends are interested in either Sustainability, Engineering, or Architecture? Illinois Solar Decathlon is a terrific opportunity! They are looking for three independence teams for Build, Design, and the Concept team. Illinois Solar Decathlon will participate in the Virtual Quad Day (tomorrow and Sunday) and E - Night for more information or have any questions. Do not miss this opportunity and join the Illinois Solar Decathlon!

    Application Link: https://forms.gle/PgaZwaMC58mnJ12M9

    Illinois Solar Decathlon (ISD) is a RSO which competes in the Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon competition, an annual collegiate competition that challenges interdisciplinary teams of student architects, designers, and engineers from across the globe. ISD has three independent teams, namely the Design Team, Build Team and Concept Team! ISD participates in the Build Challenge to fully design and build a functional home completely powered by renewable energy, and fitted with a variety of modern sustainable technology and small-footprint design innovations.⁠ ISD also participates in the Design Challenge, which requires creative and diverse minds to come together and present their designs to a panel of industry expert jurors, compare their projects to those of other teams, learn from presentations by thought leaders and collegiate peers, and engage with a variety of organizations about energy careers. For beginners interested in sustainability, we have a Concept Team, where they will apply new skills to concept-driven design problems and present projects to Illinois Solar Decathlon team leaders and faculty advisors.

    This year, the Build Team will be finishing its design phase and starting its construction phase as soon as possible to finish the sustainable home for the summer competition. The Design Team will begin a new project for the Design Challenge at NREL (Golden, CO) in 2021. The Concept Team will introduce members to ISD and work on sustainability projects for the University.

    @illinoissolardecathlon

     

  • Illinois Solar Farm 2.0

    Construction is underway on Solar Farm 2.0, between First Street and U.S. Route 45, next to the Village of Savoy. ☀️

    The array will produce 20,000 MWh annually, almost tripling the university’s existing on-site renewable energy generation.😎

    https://go.fs.illinois.edu/solarnews

  • International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) online workshops about CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT (BSSD is a STEM major for OPT!)

    Are your international students interested in gaining work experience in the U.S.?  Do they have questions about work authorization options? Please forward the following information about our online workshops and virtual office hours:

    Looking to learn more about Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), or STEM OPT?

    International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) now offers online workshops about CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT for students interested in working in the U.S. Student workshops are posted on our media space channel, which can be found by clicking here.  Still have questions?  We invite you to join us for virtual office hours on Tuesdays @11 and Fridays @2pm.  More information about our offerings, including a full schedule of office hour sessions is available on our website: www.isss.illinois.edu

  • Handshake

    Internship apps due in February in Handshake

    Sustainable Farm Internship at Dayempur Farm due Feb 15; Communications Intern (exper writing in sci, eng, research environment a plus) at Underwriters Laboratories due Feb 1; Sustainable/Organic Agriculture Apprenticeship at Athena's Harvest Farm due Feb 27; Landscape Intern at Museum of Danish America due Feb 15; Conservation Intern at Montana Conservation Corps due Feb 15; Environmental Compliance Specialist at Clean Harbors due Feb 19; Learning and Public Engagement Summer Internship at The Art Institute of Chicago due Feb 20; Environmental Education Internship at Mt. Cuba Center due Feb 26; Summer Horticulture Internships at Denver Botanic Gardens due Feb 6. SEARCH ON HANDSHAKE.

  • Internship apps due in March/April in Handshake

    Product Design Intern at Impossible Foods due March 29; Assoc. Environmental Podcast Producer at The Creative Process due June 15; Climate Communications Fellow at The Wild Center due March 26; Environmental Advocate at Clean Water Action due May 31; Design intern at APEX Design Build; Interior Design Intern at AECOM due April 25; Sustainability Consulting Intern at Arup due March 31; Sustainability Software Development Intern for Blue Ocean due April 9; Environmental Policy Intern at Corn Refiners Assoc due April 16; Sustainability Summer Internship at McDonalds due April 4; UX UI Design Internship at UIUC Research Park due March 31.

  • Handshake

    Internships due in March

    Arboriculture Research Internship at Bartlett Tree Experts due March 31; Product Design Intern at Paravane Ventures, remote work allowed due March 28; Energy - Global Business Development Internship at Tesla due March 1; Sustainability Consulting Intern at Arup due March 31; Research & Development Summer Intern at Kerry due by March 3; EHS Intern (Environment, Health, and Safety) at NXP Semiconductors due by March 5; Summer Camp Wilderness Trip Leader at Birch Trail Camp for Girls due March 15; Environmental, Health, and Safety Spring/Summer Internship at DuPont in Wilmington, DE due March 26; User Experience Designer - Internship at Minority Access, Inc. due March 30

  • Internships in IL with upcoming deadlines

    Sustainability Programs Project Specialist at INCOG (remote) due May 15; Illinois Tollway Internship - Planning/Environmental (remote or Downers Grove) due May 31; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Summer Research Internships due May 21

  • Intro to Design Thinking: Encouraging Insightful Innovation Using Design Thinking and Human-Centered Design

    Join this free webinar on Wed Oct 7th from 12-1pm CDT!

    TAKEAWAYS

    -Definitions of human-centered design and design thinking and how they apply to real life

    -A simple overview of the design thinking process

    -Examples of how of the design thinking process arrived at simple and elegant solutions