Crafting a better world, one thoughtful choice at a time
Ever wondered what would happen if design had a conscience? No, we’re not talking about your coffee mug feeling guilty for that chipped rim or your chair apologizing for creaking under pressure. We’re talking about Conscious Design—a philosophy that marries functionality with ethics, sustainability, and a dash of human empathy.
Crafting a better world, one thoughtful choice at a time
Ever wondered what would happen if design had a conscience? No, we’re not talking about your coffee mug feeling guilty for that chipped rim or your chair apologizing for creaking under pressure. We’re talking about Conscious Design—a philosophy that marries functionality with ethics, sustainability, and a dash of human empathy.
Crafting a better world, one thoughtful choice at a time
Ever wondered what would happen if design had a conscience? No, we’re not talking about your coffee mug feeling guilty for that chipped rim or your chair apologizing for creaking under pressure. We’re talking about Conscious Design—a philosophy that marries functionality with ethics, sustainability, and a dash of human empathy.
Crafting a better world, one thoughtful choice at a time
Ever wondered what would happen if design had a conscience? No, we’re not talking about your coffee mug feeling guilty for that chipped rim or your chair apologizing for creaking under pressure. We’re talking about Conscious Design—a philosophy that marries functionality with ethics, sustainability, and a dash of human empathy.
The Birth of Conscious Design
In a world swarming with products that prioritize profit over people, Conscious Design emerges like a superhero in a minimalist cape. It’s not just about making things look pretty or work well; it’s about infusing every design decision with mindfulness and ethical responsibility. Think of it as the yoga of the design world—centering, holistic, and occasionally requiring you to stretch in ways you didn’t know were possible.
"Think of it as the yoga of the design world"
Acknowledging the Pioneers
Before we delve deeper, it’s important to acknowledge that we’re not the first to use the term “Conscious Design.” Designers, architects, and thought leaders have been championing mindful, sustainable, and ethical design practices under this banner for years. From eco-friendly architecture to ethically sourced fashion, the seeds of Conscious Design have been sprouting in various fields.
However, our approach aims to build upon this foundation by introducing unique elements like artisanal creativity and tapping into deeper dimensions of consciousness. We believe that by giving creativity the space and time to mature, and by involving stakeholders in a more profound way, we can push the boundaries of what’s possible in design.
Conscious Design vs. Design Thinking:
A Mindful Shift
You might be thinking, “Isn’t this just another version of Design Thinking?” Well, not quite. While Design Thinking has given us sticky notes galore and enough brainstorming sessions to last a lifetime, it sometimes leads to only incremental changes. Picture a committee huddled around a table, tweaking and re-tweaking until the groundbreaking ideas are watered down into oblivion. It’s like trying to make a bold painting by committee—you end up with beige.
Conscious Design, on the other hand, believes that true creativity isn’t just a thought process; it’s a mindful exercise. It requires giving creativity the space and time to mature, like a fine wine or that sourdough starter everyone was obsessed with. By tapping into other dimensions of consciousness, we unlock innovative solutions that might have been stifled in a traditional Design Thinking setup.
In Conscious Design, stakeholders influence the solution in a good and productive way. Instead of being a battleground of competing interests, it becomes a collaborative symphony where each voice adds depth and richness to the final masterpiece.
Bridging Conscious Design & Conscious Capitalism
As we champion Conscious Design, it’s essential to recognize the broader movement of Conscious Capitalism that’s reshaping the way businesses operate. Just as Conscious Capitalism calls for a shift from profit-driven practices to purpose-driven missions, Conscious Design advocates for moving beyond traditional design thinking to a more mindful, ethical, and holistic approach.
Understanding Conscious Capitalism
1. Higher Purpose
Beyond making money, businesses should aim to make a positive impact on the world.
2. Stakeholder Orientation
Businesses should create value for all stakeholders, including customers, employees, suppliers, communities, and the environment—not just shareholders.
3. Conscious Leadership
Leaders should serve the purpose of the organization and focus on creating value for all stakeholders.
4. Conscious Culture
The values, principles, and practices underpinning the social fabric of a business should support its higher purpose and stakeholder orientation.
Alignment with Business Practices
Conscious Design can be viewed as the design methodology that operationalizes the principles of Conscious Capitalism. By integrating ethical considerations and stakeholder input into the design process, businesses can create products and services that align with their higher purpose.
Enhancing Stakeholder Value
Through holistic stakeholder inclusion, Conscious Design ensures that the needs and values of all stakeholders are considered, leading to solutions that resonate more deeply and sustainably.
Fostering a Conscious Culture
Implementing Conscious Design practices can help cultivate a conscious culture within an organization, reinforcing the principles of Conscious Capitalism.
Design as an Enabler of Conscious Capitalism
The Core Principles (Because every good philosophy needs them)
Let’s break down the Concious Design into core principles, shall we?
1. Holistic Stakeholder Inclusion
We believe that everyone deserves a seat at the design table—yes, even that person who always brings up the environmental impact at the most inconvenient times. From end-users to Mother Nature herself, every voice matters.
12. Ethical Responsibility
“Do no harm” isn’t just for doctors. We commit to considering both the immediate and long-term impacts of our designs on society and the planet. Because nothing says “oops” like an unintended environmental catastrophe.
3. Empathy and Human-Centric Focus
We put ourselves in others’ shoes—figuratively, of course. Although if we’re designing shoes, maybe literally too. By fostering deep-rooted empathy, we aim to create designs that resonate on emotional and psychological levels.
4. Mindful Impact
We’re like the butterfly that flaps its wings thoughtfully, aware of the potential hurricane on the other side of the world. We strive for solutions that contribute positively to human and environmental well-being.
5. Collective Intelligence
Two heads are better than one, and a whole team is even better—unless you’re trying to make a decision about lunch. We leverage collective intelligence through collaboration and open dialogue.
6. Long-Term Vision
We design with the future in mind, aiming for solutions that stand the test of time—or at least last longer than the latest smartphone model.
6. Long-Term Vision
We design with the future in mind, aiming for solutions that stand the test of time—or at least last longer than the latest smartphone model.
Expanding the 4D Design Thinking Process into Conscious Design
So, you’ve heard of the traditional Design Thinking process—the famous Four D’s: Discover, Define, Design, and Deliver. It’s like the four food groups but for creatives. While this approach has its merits, let’s be honest: sometimes it leads to incremental changes rather than groundbreaking innovations. Ever sat through a design meeting where bold ideas get watered down by committee until they’re as exciting as plain toast? Yeah, we’ve been there.
In the realm of Conscious Design, we believe it’s time to evolve the 4D process to better align with our principles of mindfulness, ethical responsibility, and deep-rooted creativity. Here’s how we propose to expand and redesign this approach:
The Conscious Design Framework
So, our expanded process looks something like this:
1. Deep discovery with empathy
2. Ethical definition
3. Artisanal design
4. Collaborative ideation
5. Mindful prototyping
6. Conscious delivery with impact assessment
7. Iterative refinement
8. Sustainable implementation
It’s not just an evolution; it’s a revolution in how we approach design.
Why This Matters
By expanding the traditional 4D approach, we create a design process that not only solves problems but does so in a way that is ethical, sustainable, and deeply connected to human needs and the environment. We move from potentially incremental changes to transformative solutions that respect the complexity of the world we live in.
In Conscious Design, creativity is not just a step in the process; it’s a mindful exercise that requires us to tap into other dimensions of consciousness. By giving creativity the space and time to mature, we allow for the emergence of ideas that are not just new but revolutionary. Stakeholders aren’t hurdles to overcome but valuable contributors who enhance the solution in meaningful ways.
So, are you ready to embrace a design methodology that’s as conscious as it is creative? Let’s move beyond the 4D’s and embark on a journey that could very well redefine the way we think about design itself. We are still exploring new methods and tools and we encourage you to keep exploring.
1. Deep Discovery with Empathy
What We Add: We don’t just skim the surface; we immerse ourselves in understanding the needs, aspirations, and concerns of all stakeholders—including those often overlooked, like the environment and future generations.
Why It Matters: By diving deeper, we uncover insights that surface-level research might miss. It’s like finding the hidden level in a video game—you didn’t know it was there, but once you find it, everything changes.
2. Ethical Definition
What We Add: Before defining the problem, we conduct an Ethical Audit. Think of it as checking your moral compass before setting sail.
Why It Matters: It ensures we’re solving the right problems for the right reasons, not just chasing trends or profits. Because nobody wants to realize halfway through a project that they’re unintentionally designing the next environmental disaster.
3. Artisanal Design
What We Add: We replace the rush to “Design” with Artisanal Creativity. This is where we give ideas the space and time to mature.
Why It Matters: True creativity isn’t microwaved; it’s slow-cooked. By tapping into deeper levels of consciousness, we allow groundbreaking ideas to flourish—ideas that might be stifled in a hurried process.
4. Collaborative Ideation
What We Add: We emphasize Collective intelligence by fostering open dialogue and collaborative brainstorming sessions.
Why It Matters: When diverse minds come together, we get a symphony of ideas rather than a solo performance. And who doesn’t love a good jam session?
5. Mindful Prototyping
What We Add: Instead of quickly moving to deliver, we engage in mindful prototyping.
Why It Matters: Prototypes aren’t just about functionality; they’re a reflection of our ethical and sustainable commitments. It’s like test-driving a car that also plants a tree for every mile.
6. Conscious Delivery with Impact Assessment
What We Add: Delivery is coupled with a Mindful Impact Assessment, evaluating both immediate and long-term effects.
Why It Matters: Because releasing a product into the wild without considering its ripple effects is so last decade. We prefer to know if our stone causes waves or tsunamis.
7. Iterative Refinement
What We Add: Post-delivery, we don’t just pack up and move on. We engage in Iterative Refinement based on feedback and impact assessments.
Why It Matters: Continuous improvement isn’t just a corporate buzzword; it’s essential for sustainability and relevance. Plus, who doesn’t love a good makeover montage?
8. Sustainable Implementation
What We Add: Finally, we focus on Sustainable Implementation, ensuring our solutions adapt over time without causing harm.
Why It Matters: Because nobody wants their groundbreaking design to become tomorrow’s ecological headache. Let’s make obsolescence obsolete.
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©2024 Elleve AS. All rights reserved.
Stavanger
Retningslinjer
Halvt eller helt oppdatert? Ta kontakt å få med deg hva vi driver med, og hvordan vi hjelper våre kunder.
Stavanger
Retningslinjer
©2024 Elleve AS. All rights reserved.
Halvt eller helt oppdatert? Ta kontakt å få med deg hva vi driver med, og hvordan vi hjelper våre kunder.
Stavanger
©2024 Elleve AS. All rights reserved.