Insights

This week, I've come to understand that sustainability is a permanent movement. Our interaction with the environment may change, but there will always be consequences of some degree. There will always be improvement opportunities to decrease complications as a result of the human-environment interaction. Technology always advances, and as a result, so will our sustainability efforts. 

Health is not always attainable to those who can't afford it. I've learned that healthcare and basic regulatory safety measures aren't readily available to those who are living in poverty. Though it may seem like a human right, medical care and other health needs are a luxury in many people's situations.

Learning

I found it most interesting from the expert talks, that even if something appears to be a good and sustainable idea, there may be indirect consequences that make it not be so "green" any more. This was most interesting to me, because it taught me to try and think through all consequences of any implemented action. I may be surprised if I don't think something totally through. This ties into what I have learned this week: sometimes the smallest changes towards sustainability tend to be the most impactful ones. Bigger changes will most likely have more of those unintended effects that takes away most of the good behind the project.

It has been intersting learning about user or stakeholder based research in order to identify really viable options to solve an issue. I've learned about the importance of in-depth research, especially with cultural aspects, in order to be able to meet the needs of your users the most efficient way possible.

Changed Perceptions

This week has shown me that sustainability technology doesn't always have to be hard or complicated. Simple and creative ideas work well and get the job done. Really anyone can some up with something to improve the relationships humans have with the environment.

I have learned how user based design is very important to engineering. Your stakeholders are going to make or break the success of your design. It is imperitave to make sure proper user research is conducted with every project.