10 Steps to Bring Life-Centered Design Into Your Daily Work
One of the questions I hear most is:
"How can I actually apply Life-Centered Design (LCD) in my day-to-day work?"
LCD is still an emerging concept. Because case studies are few and far between, it can feel a bit abstract, making it challenging to imagine how it fits into your work or your company's context.
But here's the good news:
Life-Centered Design is very practical.
And it's gaining momentum. More designers and organizations are adopting regenerative, circular, and life-positive methods to build a better world. You can be part of that shift too.
Let me help you begin with 10 concrete steps and methods you can start using right now.
1. Begin with Your Company's ESG Goals
Every organization has values many now include Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. Find out what those are. Then ask: how does your design work align with them? Asking your team or manager these questions can spark powerful conversations.
👉 If you are looking to align your design goals with your company’s ESG objectives, this new tool makes it simple to connect the dots. Download our new ESG tool below.
2. Start Small. Really Small.
The climate crisis is massive. Your first step doesn't have to be. Pick one object: a t-shirt, an apple, a bottle. Trace its lifecycle. Then, apply one or two LCD methods to a "small" workplace design challenge. Try defining a life-centered scope or building a non-human persona.
3. Seek Inspiration Inside Your Industry
You don't have to reinvent the wheel. Look for examples of regenerative work in your sector.
Cosmetics: Lush + Forestwise
Fashion: Minimalism Brand + Mud Jeans
Finance: Grassroots Economics, Klima DAO + Bank for Good
These examples make LCD feel real and possible.
4. Connect with Like-Minded Changemakers
You're not alone. Designers and professionals everywhere are navigating similar questions. Find them online or locally, in climate meetups, community gardens, repair cafés, or LinkedIn circles. Ask what they're reading, building, or learning.
5. Don't Get Lost in Complexity
Systems thinking is powerful, but it can become paralyzing. Instead of trying to fix everything, zoom in. What's one system or touchpoint you can positively impact with your skills? That's where you begin.
6. Get Inspired Outside Design
Some of my best insights came not from designers—but from forest rangers, indigenous leaders, artists, entrepreneurs, even my village neighbors. The natural world—and those who steward it—are full of design wisdom. Listen. Learn. Borrow.
7. Reconnect with Nature
Go outside. Seriously. Sit by a tree. Walk without a destination. Nature teaches balance, pace, and perspective. I've had some of my best design ideas outdoors—often during walks or while doing absolutely nothing. Creativity needs space to bloom.
8. Act First. Explain Later.
Many people around you may not have heard of LCD. That's okay. Create something—map a system, build a non-human persona, run a workshop outdoors. Then share your results. You'll inspire through action. Be bold, be kind, and yes—sometimes ask for forgiveness, not permission.
9. Own Your Toolkit
As a designer, you already have a powerful set of tools. LCD isn't a replacement—it's an enrichment. You decide when and how to use these methods. Explain your choices with confidence. You were hired for your expertise—use it.
10. Just Start.
It will never feel perfect. The timing won't be ideal. But growth happens in motion, not preparation. Life-Centered Design begins with a single, brave step. And you're ready.
Bonus Tip: Stay Curious.
Ask questions. Lots of them. Why is it done this way? What if it weren't? Curiosity is your entry point into deeper design work. It opens doors.
