Transition Design Institute Website Launches
Carnegie Mellon University is pleased to announce the launch of the Transition Design Institute website, a new resource for researchers, educators, practitioners, and communities working to address complex societal challenges. Transition Design is a transdisciplinary, systems-oriented approach developed at CMU that aims to catalyze positive, systems-level change and facilitate intentional transitions toward more sustainable, equitable, and desirable long-term futures.
The Transition Design Institute was co-founded by Professor Terry Irwin and Dr. Gideon Kossoff of CMU’s School of Design, who have, over the past ten years, led international efforts to shape this emerging field. Their work brings together insights from design, systems thinking, the social sciences, and sustainability studies to help organizations, communities, and entire societies engage with the interconnected “wicked problems” that define our era, including climate change, inequality, and political polarization.
The Institute is supported in this effort by its TDI Associates, a group of distinguished researchers, educators, and practitioners from diverse disciplines and countries who contribute to its work. Their involvement helps ensure that Transition Design reflects a range of cultural perspectives and fosters international collaboration. The School of Design also offers a doctoral program in Transition Design, supporting in-depth inquiry and the development of new knowledge in the field.
"Transition Design is about recognizing that today's problems are interconnected and interdependent, and that designing for deep systems change requires collaboration across disciplines, sectors, and cultures," said Irwin. "This new site is meant to serve as a global hub for those involved in transitions research and practice."
The website features a wide range of materials, including:
- An introduction to the core principles, frameworks, and tools of Transition Design
- Information on educational offerings, including customized workshops and online courses
- Access to research publications, case studies, and conference proceedings
- Updates on international collaborations, such as the 5th Transition Design Conference, planned for 2026 in Mexico City—a partnership with Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico) and the University of Palermo (Argentina)
- A growing network of associates and researchers engaged in real-world transitions around the globe
"Through this work, we aim to build a foundation for long-term societal change,” said Kossoff. “This means working not only at the level of individual projects, but supporting broader movements toward sustainability transitions—through education, research, and dialogue."
The Transition Design Institute represents a major step forward in CMU’s ongoing commitment to addressing global challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration and research. The new site will continue to evolve over the coming months with new content, events, and opportunities to connect with those engaged in sustainability transitions and systems-level change.