Addressing food insecurity – Leveraging empathy and Design Thinking to achieve transformative learning

Authors

  • Sarah M. Zehr Gantz University of Illinois (USA)
  • Sonia Massari University of Pisa (Italy)
  • Deana McDonagh University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (USA)
  • Jennifer A. Vokoun Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio (USA)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69143/2464-9309/17272025

Keywords:

design thinking, empathic modeling, experiential learning, food insecurity, emotions

Abstract

This paper explores how Design Thinking methodologies can address UN Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), emphasizing the transformative role of empathy and emotional engagement in fostering innovative solutions. Through a participatory workshop at an international conference, participants critically examined the systemic, cultural, and emotional dimensions of food insecurity. The workshop integrated experiential learning, guiding attendees from personal emotional responses to collaborative problem-solving. By leveraging interdisciplinary teamwork, participants developed technological, cultural, and community-based strategies for tackling food insecurity. Over 80% of attendees deepened their understanding and felt more confident in addressing food insecurity in their communities. This study underscores the pedagogical value of Design Thinking in food systems education, demonstrating how empathy-driven, participatory approaches can drive systemic change.

 

Article info

Received: 23/03/2025; Revised: 11/05/2025; Accepted: 15/05/2025

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Author Biographies

Sarah M. Zehr Gantz, University of Illinois (USA)

PhD and MBA, she is the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs for the University of Illinois (USA) system and an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the College of Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (USA). Her research interests include experiential learning, higher education policy, and international issues.
E-mail: szehr@illinois.edu

Sonia Massari, University of Pisa (Italy)

PhD, she is a Researcher in Food Design with experience in sustainability and agri-food systems at DISAAA_A and co-founder of FORK Food Design Organisation. Her research interests include participatory approaches in agri-food, Living Labs and transdisciplinarity, Design Thinking, and education in sustainable entrepreneurship. She is a board member of the ‘Sismondi’ Rural Studies Laboratory.
E-mail: sonia.massari@unipi.it

Deana McDonagh, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (USA)

PhD, she is a Full Professor (Industrial Design) in the School of Art + Design, Director of the (dis)Ability Design Studio, and Health Innovation Professor at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine. She is an Empathic Design Research Strategist who focuses on enhancing the quality of life for all through more intuitive and meaningful products, leading to emotional sustainability.
E-mail: mcdonagh@illinois.edu

Jennifer A. Vokoun, Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio (USA)

MFA, she is an Associate Professor of Graphic Design. In addition, she serves as the Founder and Director of the Center for Sustainable Food Design at Walsh University, facilitating community engagement and leading research on food systems issues utilizing human-centered design.
E-mail: jvokoun@walsh.edu

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Randomly assigned boxed lunches, developed by a certified dietician (credit: D. McDonagh, 2018; source: Zehr et alii, 2024). AGATHÓN 17 | 2025

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Published

30-06-2025

How to Cite

Zehr Gantz, S. M., Massari, S., McDonagh, D. and Vokoun, J. A. (2025) “Addressing food insecurity – Leveraging empathy and Design Thinking to achieve transformative learning”, AGATHÓN | International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design, 17, pp. 384–397. doi: 10.69143/2464-9309/17272025.