{"id":6162,"date":"2025-12-16T14:44:53","date_gmt":"2025-12-16T14:44:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ukdw.ac.id\/en\/?p=6162"},"modified":"2025-12-16T14:44:53","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T14:44:53","slug":"from-empathy-to-innovation-ukdw-brings-inclusive-design-learning-to-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ukdw.ac.id\/en\/2025\/12\/16\/from-empathy-to-innovation-ukdw-brings-inclusive-design-learning-to-life\/","title":{"rendered":"From Empathy to Innovation: UKDW Brings Inclusive Design Learning to Life"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Product design education at Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) continues to evolve through an approach that begins with empathy and culminates in meaningful innovation. Through the Inclusive Product Design course, students are encouraged to learn as designers who are deeply attentive to real-world user needs. The course is developed with direct community involvement as part of UKDW\u2019s program initiative, Designing Innovation in Inclusive Waste Management, which is supported by funding from the United Board (UB).<\/p>\n

The learning focus centers on the role of design in addressing inclusive waste management challenges, particularly for persons with disabilities. One tangible outcome of the course is the Inclusive Ecoenzyme Toolkit, which was showcased at the Entrepreneurial Expo 2025, themed \u201cIgnite, Create, Elevate: Sustainable Growth in Action.\u201d The expo was organized by the UKDW Faculty of Business and held on December 12, 2025, at the Atrium of the Agape Building, UKDW.<\/p>\n

The Inclusive Ecoenzyme Toolkit is a set of assistive tools designed to make ecoenzyme production accessible to individuals with visual impairments. The toolkit includes an inclusive measuring cup, a cutting tool adapted for blind users, and an inclusive airlock cap for ecoenzyme bottles. As part of the booth activities, visitors were invited to participate in a hands-on simulation using the tools while blindfolded, enabling them to experience the perspective of users with visual disabilities. This activity not only introduced the product but also served as an educational platform for raising awareness about disability inclusion, inclusive design innovation, and the value of experiential learning in higher education.<\/p>\n

According to Winta T. Satwikasanti, M.Sc., Ph.D., lecturer for the Inclusive Product Design course and Head of the Product Design Study Program at UKDW, the learning process applies a comprehensive design thinking framework. This approach encompasses empathy-driven problem identification, concept development, prototyping, and user testing.<\/p>\n

\u201cStudents cannot rely on assumptions alone. They must gain a genuine understanding of users through direct engagement and field research,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Winta further explained that trials and usability testing were conducted in collaboration with the Keluarga Difabel Pinilih Sedayu community. Through this process, students received valuable feedback on functionality, comfort, safety, and the practical effectiveness of the tools in real-life contexts.<\/p>\n

In addition to the Inclusive Ecoenzyme Toolkit, the field testing also involved several other waste management\u2013related product innovations. These included a floor dust-cleaning tool designed for wheelchair users, a glass waste broom for individuals with visual impairments, waste bins with improved accessibility for wheelchair users, and waste grabbers designed for users with limited fine motor control.<\/p>\n

User feedback then served as the foundation for design refinement, ensuring that the final products are well aligned with user needs and suitable for everyday use.<\/p>\n

This series of learning activities reflects UKDW\u2019s strong commitment to integrating teaching, research, and community engagement to generate socially relevant innovations. Through this approach, product design education at UKDW extends beyond outcomes, shaping students who are socially aware, environmentally conscious, and committed to inclusive practices through meaningful, real-world learning experiences. [drr]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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