IDEAS FOR GOOD hosts online event: “Digital design for tackling the climate crisis: what is sustainable UX?” (Climate Creative Cafe.19)

On June 30, 2025, IDEAS FOR GOOD, a web media platform dedicated to gathering ideas that make society better, co-hosted an online event titled “Digital design for tackling the climate crisis: what is sustainable UX?” with Members Inc. as part of the Climate Creative project.

As part of the Climate Creative project, which tackles the climate crisis through creative ideas, communication, and business model innovation, IDEAS FOR GOOD and Members Inc. have been organizing events under the Climate Creative Cafe series. This series focuses on highlighting creative approaches from various industries and organizations, encouraging participants to transform discussions into actionable solutions.
*View past events here. (in Japanese)

Theme of the 19th session: “Digital design for tackling the climate crisis: what is sustainable UX?”

We live in a time when complex social and environmental issues, such as the climate crisis and social inequality, intertwine in ways no one fully understands. Meanwhile, digital technologies, including AI, continue to evolve rapidly, often ahead of our ability to comprehend their long-term impacts. Can we genuinely design user experiences (UX) that enhance human well-being using digital tools?

For example:

• Could optimizing user experience with AI lead to increased environmental burdens?
• Could an overly convenient UX compromise long-term well-being?

These dilemmas raise profound questions about the intersection of sustainability and UX. Moreover, who do we mean by “user?” Those living today, future generations, non-human life, or ecosystems themselves? If we truly aim to build a happier society, we may need to rethink and radically expand the traditional concept of the “user.”

What is sustainable UX (SUX)?

One emerging approach to these questions is sustainable UX (SUX), a concept shifting from traditional human-centered design toward environmental & humanity-centered design. SUX represents a methodology for designing digital products that are both sustainable and harmonious with human and ecological systems. As digital products can be both a cause and solution to societal problems, SUX holds tremendous potential for reimagining how we interact with technology.

In this event, participants explored the latest discussions and case studies on SUX, while also considering critical perspectives. The goal was to examine how UX design can play a role in a just sustainability transition.

Guest speakers

Toshi Otsuka (Japan lead, Climate Designers / CEO, ALL WE NEED LLC)

Toshi leads the Japan hub of Climate Designers, a global community of creative professionals addressing the climate crisis. His diverse experience includes directing Ameba blogs, designing fintech services at Yahoo! JAPAN, and leading design teams at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. A recipient of the Good Design Award, he founded ALL WE NEED LLC to contribute to climate action through design.

About Climate Designers:
Established in the U.S. in October 2019, Climate Designers is a global hub for creatives seeking to apply their skills to climate action. The community explores practical ways for professionals to contribute through their work and operates city-based hubs to combine global insight with local action. Participation is generally free, and interested individuals are encouraged to join.

Introduction slides of Climate Designers
https://speakerdeck.com/toshiotsuka/climate-designers-intro-ri-ben-yu-ban (in Japanese)

Yuko Nagano (Chief design officer (CDO), Our company)

After studying design at Tokyo University of the Arts, Yuko joined Hakuhodo Inc. in 2016, where she worked as an art director across advertising, branding, and service development. Her design philosophy emphasizes longevity over short-lived consumption. As CDO since October 2024, she is committed to creating a more inclusive society where every being, including marginalized individuals and animals, is respected, leveraging design as a force for social good.

Facilitator

Yu Kato (Founder and CEO, Our company)

Yu founded the company in 2015 and leads digital media platforms such as IDEAS FOR GOOD and Circular Economy Hub. He also works with businesses, governments, and academic institutions to promote sustainability and the circular economy. His recent milestones include receiving B Corp certification in April 2023 and serving as director of the Circular Futures Design Center at Shizenkan University Graduate School and a research fellow at Keio University’s SFC Research Institute.

[Reference] “Digital design for tackling the climate crisis—what is sustainable UX?” (Climate Creative Cafe.19) | IDEAS FOR GOOD (in Japanese)
[Related Page] “Climate Creative Special Page: Tackling the Climate Crisis Through Creativity” | IDEAS FOR GOOD (in Japanese)
[Related Site] IDEAS FOR GOOD (in Japanese)