Incorporation of upcycling techniques into technology education

Abstract

By surveying 95 students studying design and technology in the light industry, the problems in mastering upcycling technologies were explored, and ways to overcome them were outlined. The analysis of existing problems is carried out at three levels – personal perception of upcycling, the formation of relevant skills and knowledge and lack of experience in scaling personal expertise to a business startups level. All respondents are roughly divided into those who practice upcycling frequently and those who do it occasionally. Another 15% of respondents did not decide on their preferences. Respondent attitude, control of behaviour, and behavioural intentions are the most influential factors that encourage upcycling. The influence of social factors, perceived habits and the presence of facilitating conditions is more moderate. Interviewed students have a poor understanding of the benefits of upcycling. Competence for creativity, which is key to mastering upcycling techniques, is absent in educational and professional programs in technology and design. Several examples of possible changes in curricula from 4 disciplines aimed at the formation of creativity are given. The main reasons that complicate the scaling of acquired skills and knowledge in developing business startups with upcycling are analysed. An example of a designed startup is given.