Design the Future Activities (DFA): Framework to Develop Case Studies to Incorporate Deep Understanding of the Coupling Between Technology, Society and the Future

Abstract

Although engineering education research is concerned with preparing future engineers, the integration of future trends in technology with the engineering curriculum has been limited. This paper utilizes the Design the Future Activities (DFA) framework to provide guidelines for developing case studies in engineering design education to address the need for design for the future. The DFA as a framework systematically identifies and integrates emerging areas of research and technologies, such as artificial intelligence, into the teaching of engineering design. It links the contents of its three levels (Understanding technology analysis and system integration; Making a value chain, and Developing responsible innovations) with effective pedagogy for each level. Here, case studies are discussed in depth as an effective pedagogy for the second and third levels of the DFA framework. While engineers continue to be creators and influencers of such technologies, the lack of understanding of the impact of their own technologies continues to cause an imbalanced innovation landscape, in education and in the workplace. The new, revived design education approach should be attempted, assuming that educators will systematically anticipate the future and recalibrate the curriculum.