Design for a Better World

1. Our artificial world can be redesigned for the better

Almost everything I see is artificial, and almost everything artificial has been designed.

Our world is designed. From the clothes we wear to the governments we live under, nearly everything in our lives is artificial - created by human design. This realization is both empowering and challenging. It means that the systems and structures causing harm to people and the planet are not immutable; they can be changed. However, because these artificial constructs have been in place for so long, they often seem natural and unchangeable to most people.

Path dependency impacts change. The decisions made in the past heavily influence our present circumstances and future possibilities. This concept explains why societal change can be so difficult - we are constrained by the momentum of historical choices. However, understanding path dependency also reveals opportunities for intervention. By identifying key decision points and reimagining alternatives, we can chart new courses for society.

Areas of artificial design include:

• Physical objects (buildings, products, infrastructure)
• Social constructs (laws, economic systems, customs)
• Belief systems (religions, ideologies, cultural values)
• Organizational structures (governments, corporations, institutions)

2. Measure what truly matters to people, not just economic indicators

Today's world is dominated by the remaining traces of modernism, where technology, science, and economics rule.

Rethink measurement systems. Our current methods of assessing societal progress, particularly economic indicators like GDP, fail to capture what truly matters to people's lives. These abstract numerical measurements often lead to decisions that prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term human and environmental well-being. We need new, more holistic ways of measuring success that account for factors such as happiness, health, education, and environmental sustainability.

Qualitative measures matter. While quantitative data is important, qualitative information - stories, experiences, and subjective assessments - provides crucial context and meaning. Dashboards that visually represent multiple factors can offer a more comprehensive view of complex systems than single numerical values. By combining quantitative and qualitative data, we can create a richer understanding of societal health and progress.

Alternative measurement approaches:

• Well-being indices (e.g., Genuine Progress Indicator, Human Development Index)
• Multi-factor dashboards (e.g., UN Sustainable Development Goals)
• Qualitative assessments (e.g., community narratives, case studies)
• Psychological measures (e.g., happiness surveys, quality of life assessments)

3. Embrace a circular economy to eliminate waste and promote sustainability

Waste must go away. Here is where the design profession can play a major role by switching to materials that are sustainable and by designing for repair, regeneration, and reuse.

Redesign for circularity. The current "take-make-waste" linear economic model is unsustainable and destructive to the environment. A circular economy, inspired by natural systems, aims to eliminate waste by designing products and systems for reuse, repair, and regeneration. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but can also create new economic opportunities and improve resource efficiency.

Systemic change is necessary. Implementing a circular economy requires reimagining entire systems of production, consumption, and disposal. It involves changes in product design, business models, consumer behavior, and waste management infrastructure. While challenging, this transition is essential for creating a sustainable future.

Key principles of circular design:

• Design out waste and pollution
• Keep products and materials in use
• Regenerate natural systems
• Use renewable and biodegradable materials
• Create modular, repairable products
• Develop product-as-service business models

4. Shift from human-centered to humanity-centered design

Designers, governments, and industry must broaden the notion of design from human centered to humanity centered.

Expand design's scope. While human-centered design has improved many products and services, it often fails to consider broader societal and environmental impacts. Humanity-centered design expands this perspective to encompass all of humanity, including future generations, as well as the entire ecosystem. This approach recognizes that humans are part of a complex, interconnected system and that design decisions have far-reaching consequences.

Collaborate with communities. Humanity-centered design emphasizes working with communities rather than designing for them. This collaborative approach ensures that solutions are culturally appropriate, address real needs, and empower local people. Designers should act as facilitators and mentors, providing resources and expertise while respecting local knowledge and agency.

Principles of humanity-centered design:

• Consider long-term, systemic impacts
• Design for equity and inclusivity
• Prioritize environmental sustainability
• Engage diverse stakeholders in the design process
• Recognize and respect cultural differences
• Balance individual and collective needs

5. Technology should serve humanity, not the other way around

Technology has too much control over our lives. We have to change the entire fundamentals of technology to ensure that machines and technology are the servants of people, not the other way around.

Reorient technological development. Much of our current technology is designed with little consideration for its impact on human well-being or the environment. We need to shift our approach to technological development, prioritizing human needs and values over pure efficiency or profit. This means creating technologies that enhance human capabilities and improve quality of life, rather than technologies that dominate or replace human activity.

Design for human flourishing. Technology should be designed to support human strengths and compensate for weaknesses, not to replace human skills entirely. This approach, sometimes called "intelligence amplification" or "IA" rather than "AI," focuses on creating tools that work in harmony with human cognition and creativity. By doing so, we can create more meaningful and fulfilling work experiences and avoid the pitfalls of technological unemployment.

Guidelines for human-centered technology:

• Prioritize user control and agency
• Design for transparency and explainability
• Support human decision-making rather than replacing it
• Enhance human creativity and problem-solving
• Respect privacy and personal data
• Consider potential misuse and unintended consequences

6. Small, incremental changes can lead to significant societal improvements

The way to scale up is to scale down.

Embrace incremental progress. Large-scale societal changes are often difficult to implement due to resistance, complexity, and unforeseen consequences. Instead of attempting sweeping reforms, focus on small, manageable improvements that can be implemented and tested quickly. These incremental changes, when accumulated over time, can lead to significant transformations.

Modular design enables flexibility. By breaking large systems into smaller, modular components, we can create more adaptable and resilient solutions. This approach allows for easier updates, replacements, and customizations to meet changing needs. It also enables more localized, context-specific implementations of broader ideas.

Benefits of incremental, modular approaches:

• Reduced risk and resistance to change
• Faster implementation and feedback cycles
• Easier adaptation to local contexts
• More opportunities for learning and improvement
• Greater resilience to failures or setbacks
• Increased potential for widespread adoption

7. Human behavior is the key challenge in addressing global issues

Human behavior is the most critical aspect of today's difficulties.

Understand behavioral barriers. Many of the world's most pressing problems, from climate change to social inequality, are rooted in human behavior. Technical solutions alone are insufficient; we must address the psychological, social, and cultural factors that shape human actions and decisions. This requires a deep understanding of cognitive biases, social dynamics, and cultural influences.

Design for behavior change. By applying insights from psychology, behavioral economics, and other social sciences, we can create interventions that encourage more sustainable and equitable behaviors. This might involve redesigning physical environments, crafting effective communication strategies, or developing incentive systems that align individual actions with collective goals.

Strategies for promoting positive behavior change:

• Make sustainable choices the default option
• Use social norms and peer influence
• Provide immediate feedback and rewards
• Remove barriers to desired behaviors
• Tell compelling stories and use vivid imagery
• Leverage existing habits and routines
• Create supportive social and physical environments

Last updated: April 5, 2025