Futures

Reimagining Design: Moving Beyond Human-Centricity for Sustainability, (from page 20231126.)

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Themes

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Summary

The text discusses the urgent need for a shift away from human-centric design approaches in the face of climate change and environmental crises. It critiques traditional human-centered design and introduces ten alternative design approaches that consider ecological systems and promote sustainability. Among these, three promising strategies gaining traction are Circular Design, Regenerative Design, and More-than-Human Design. The author emphasizes that design practices must acknowledge their socio-ecological impacts and adopt principles that facilitate a transition towards a low-carbon economy. The text ultimately argues that a more holistic and systemic approach to design is necessary for creating sustainable futures.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Shift from Human-Centric to More-than-Human Design Design practices are evolving to include nonhuman and environmental considerations. Transitioning from human-centered to more inclusive design approaches that consider ecological impacts. Design processes will integrate environmental and nonhuman factors, leading to more sustainable outcomes. The urgency of addressing climate change and environmental degradation drives this design shift. 5
Increasing Support for Circular and Regenerative Design Circular and regenerative design principles are gaining traction in industry and government. Moving towards design practices that prioritize sustainability and resource regeneration. Widespread adoption of circular and regenerative design will redefine industry standards and practices. Growing awareness of environmental issues and the need for sustainable practices in various sectors. 4
Critique of Anthropocentrism in Design There is a growing critique of anthropocentric approaches in design disciplines. Shifting focus from human-centered designs to more inclusive, ecological perspectives. Design will increasingly reflect a balance between human needs and ecological health. Recognition of the interconnectedness of human and ecological systems promotes this critique. 4
Emergence of Pluriversal Design Pluriversal design emphasizes the diversity of human experiences and perspectives. From universal design principles to recognizing diverse cultural and social contexts in design. Design practices will be more culturally aware and inclusive, reflecting varied human experiences. The push for equity and representation in design promotes pluriversal approaches. 3
Focus on Nonhuman and Multispecies Considerations Design practices are beginning to acknowledge nonhuman entities and ecosystems. From human-focused design to incorporating multispecies interactions and ecological relationships. Design will embrace multispecies perspectives, fostering cohabitation and ecological balance. The need to address biodiversity loss and promote ecological health motivates this focus. 3

Concerns

name description relevancy
Climate Emergency Management Failure to effectively manage climate change may lead to irreversible environmental damage and severe societal impact. 5
Economic Inequality in Emissions Responsibility A disproportionate contribution to global emissions by wealthier individuals could perpetuate ecological crises affecting poorer populations. 4
Anthropocentrism in Design Continuing to prioritize human needs in design could exacerbate environmental degradation and ignore the needs of diverse ecosystems. 4
Terminology Confusion in Design Approaches Misunderstandings of terms like Circular and Regenerative Design may lead to ineffective strategies that do not address root causes. 3
Urgency of Action on Carbon Emissions With limited time to reduce emissions, delays in adopting sustainable practices could result in exceeding critical temperature thresholds. 5
Challenges of Multispecies Inclusion in Design Defining boundaries for multispecies design can be complex, risking the oversight of essential ecological relationships. 3
Sustainability vs. Growth Paradigm The outdated view of sustainability tied to capitalist growth might hinder true environmental and societal progress. 4
Global Transition to Low-Carbon Economy Inadequate transition strategies may result in continued reliance on harmful practices and technologies. 5
Knowledge Gaps in Transition Design Potential gaps in understanding new knowledge and skills needed for effective transition could slow down progress towards sustainability. 4
Feasibility of More-than-Human Design Questions about the practical application of more-than-human design could lead to incomplete integration of ecological considerations in practice. 3

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Decentring Human-Centricity Shifting design focus from human needs to include environmental and ecological considerations in the design process. 5
Adoption of Circular and Regenerative Design Implementing design principles that promote sustainability and resource regeneration in response to environmental crises. 5
Pluriversal Design Emphasizing the diversity of human experiences and perspectives in the design process to create more inclusive solutions. 4
More-than-Human Design A design approach that acknowledges and incorporates nonhuman entities and ecological systems as integral to design considerations. 5
Critique of Traditional Sustainability Models Challenging outdated definitions of sustainability that do not account for ecological and social impacts of design. 4
Transdisciplinary Approaches to Design Collaborative methodologies that integrate knowledge and skills across different disciplines to address complex societal issues. 4
Transition Design A framework that aims to address systemic societal challenges through innovative design strategies, while questioning anthropocentric narratives. 4

Technologies

description relevancy src
Design principles focused on creating products and systems that minimize waste and promote reuse and recycling, moving away from linear consumption models. 5 5374f630138505a84bf07f321ed3d05e
An approach that seeks to restore and regenerate ecosystems while meeting human needs, focusing on long-term sustainability and ecological health. 5 5374f630138505a84bf07f321ed3d05e
A design philosophy that includes nonhuman entities and ecological systems in the design process, aiming for a more integrated approach to sustainability. 4 5374f630138505a84bf07f321ed3d05e
A transdisciplinary approach that addresses complex societal issues by fostering systemic change towards sustainable futures. 4 5374f630138505a84bf07f321ed3d05e
Innovative materials derived from biological sources designed for sustainable applications in architecture and design. 4 5374f630138505a84bf07f321ed3d05e

Issues

name description relevancy
Decentralizing Human-Centric Design The shift towards design practices that consider environmental and nonhuman factors, moving away from solely human-centered approaches. 5
Circular and Regenerative Design Emphasis on applying circular and regenerative principles in design to combat environmental crises and promote sustainability. 5
More-than-Human Design Design practices that recognize the interconnectedness of human and nonhuman elements in ecological systems. 4
Multispecies Design Design frameworks that consider the needs and roles of multiple species within ecosystems, promoting biodiversity and ecological balance. 4
Transition Design An approach addressing complex societal issues through interdisciplinary methods, though criticized for its lingering anthropocentric focus. 3
Critique of Sustainable Design The need to redefine sustainability in the context of ecological and social impacts, moving beyond traditional capitalist notions. 4
Urgency of Climate Action Recognition of the limited time to address climate change and the need for immediate action from design and policy sectors. 5