Explore DesignShifts
Here, you’ll find the DesignShifts we’re exploring both in theory and in practice. Each topic explores Shifting the posture, power, perspective, practice, and the purpose of design.
DesignShift: Influencing Nature to Influenced by Nature
Nature used to influence how we designed. Now how we design influences nature.
We used to design tools based on the material we had at hand. We used to let the wind guide how we constructed buildings. Our design choices (and life) used to be influenced by the natural, local environment. Now, we’re creating global solutions and implementing technologies that help us (momentarily) override nature. The price we pay in disconnection and destruction.
DesignShift: What would it look like to shift from design decisions that influence nature to nature influencing our design decisions? How can we let nature guide us? What are inspiring movements and projects you’ve seen?
DesignShift: From Consumption to Contentment
What would it look like to move design from a tool that supports consumption to a practice that centers contentment?
Our endless focus on MORE creates a world where we feel “less than”. And when we feel “less than”, we consume in order to fill the void created by a mind that is always running.
What if design could help us learn our triggers, see things more clearly, and maybe even make us feel more satisfied with what we already have?
This post is inspired by a great conversation with Anna Rátkai, who explores design and overconsumption.
DesignShift: From Breaking to Boundaries
How about… instead of moving fast and breaking “things” we slowed down and prioritized human and planetary boundaries?
Moving fast doesn’t just lead to broken things, it leads to broken-down people and a broken planet. In pursuit of what is next and what’s new, we're using the earth and people beyond their boundaries.
Not enough time to make sure that we don’t harm the planet through our work… Not enough time to build trust with communities… not enough time to create healthy team environments… all in pursuit of what? Much of our design work hides behind the illusion that “it will all be worth it in the end when we’ve launched that next “xyz.” It almost never is.
DesignShift: how might we shift from breaking things to designing within existing boundaries?
Let’s shift together
No one knows it all. Together we know a lot. See a Shift that aligns with your current work or passion? What to co-write a shift or host a collaboration session? I would love to connect.