Creative Minds for A Sustainable Future: Embedding Creative Stud-ies in Design Education to Foster Innovation as A Case Study in OCMT

Abstract

As sustainability and innovation continue to shape the future of the creative industries, design education is increasingly expected to move beyond the teaching of aesthetics and toward the stimulation of transformative thinking. This study explores the integration of a purposefully designed Creative Studies course within a de-sign program, aimed at inspiring student innovation, fostering sustainable mindsets, and developing creative confidence. Grounded in experiential learning and interdisciplinary collaboration, the course encouraged stu-dents to progress from surface-level problem-solving to deeper, concept-driven, and impact-oriented design practices. Through open-ended briefs, real-world design challenges, and iterative studio-based activities, stu-dents engaged with core Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) focused on ideation, originality, critical reflec-tion, and sustainability. Using student feedback alongside performance data, including project outcomes and CLO assessments, the findings demonstrate notable growth in students’ ability to generate innovative and socially responsible design solutions. These improvements were evident not only in classroom projects but also in students’ senior capstone projects and professional portfolios. Ultimately, this research reframes creativity as more than a skill, presenting it as a mindset that is essential for preparing designers to innovate sustainably and contribute meaningfully to the creative industries of the future.