NEW! 2005 Design Science Lab Report  download (1.8 MB) or purchase the printed report

Design Science Lab

In June, 2005, 2006, and 2007 three extraordinary events took place at the United Nations and the UN International School in New York. A partnership of BigPictureSmallWorld, the Buckminster Fuller Institute, and Global Education Motivators brought together over one-hundred students who participated in the Design Science Lab. There they developed strategies for reaching the UN's Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)1

Medard Gabel at the 2005 Design Science LabThe students in the 2005 - 2007 Design Science Lab were oriented to the world’s problems and the MDGs by UN personnel. They then learned a powerful problem solving and planning methodology that they applied to the goal of eliminating hunger, illiteracy, lack of clean, affordable energy and other problems from the world.2 In the course of this intense, fast paced activity the students developed a series of inter-linked strategies that could reach their goals. The culmination of their work was a presentation of their strategies to the UN. The report from 2005 is now available for download (1.8 MB) or you may purchase the printed version. The 2006 report is also now available. Download (1.9 MB) or you may purchase the printed version here.

Learn about design science here.

2008 Design Science Lab

Next summer’s 2008 Design Science Lab will enable more students to participate. If you would like to learn more about this upcoming event for further information.

Global Solutions Lab

In addition to the annual summer labs, BigPictureSmallWorld is offering the Global Solutions Lab for schools and organizations. Utilizing an innovative online wiki as a laboratory, the Global Solutions Lab is a powerful tool for learning about the world and the development of solutions. Read more . . .

For more information and booking:  or call toll free 1-866-820-8133

 

1The UN's Millennium Development Goals were created when 147 Heads of State, including the President of the U.S., signed the Millennium Declaration at the UN in September of 2000. These goals are playing an immense role in the world as they guide the investment of hundreds of billions of dollars by nearly every country in the world in poverty reduction strategies, development assistance, corporate investment, and non-governmental organization engagement. The goals call for, among other things, cutting in half the number of hungry people in the world by 2015, and a similar reduction in the number of people in poverty.
2. Design science is a methodology for recognizing, defining, and solving complex problems. It takes a whole systems, global, and anticipatory approach that fosters creative collaboration and synergy in the development of comprehensive solutions to societal problems. More . . .