LCD Weekly Issue - 043- Is LCD really that complicated?
⛰️ Words from the mountains
Last week, while promoting our upcoming webinar on LinkedIn (check it out if you want to join), I received a thought-provoking comment on a post that inspired me to write this issue.
The commenter appreciated Life-Centered Design's vision of prioritising respect for all living beings in the design process. However, he questions whether the course description oversimplifies its complexities and how It addresses real-world challenges, such as trade-offs, interdependencies, and unintended consequences.
Life-centered design is born to address the complexities of the real world. We often compare Life-Centered Design to nature; on the surface, it may seem simple, but once you explore it more deeply, you begin to appreciate its complexity. We take creative professionals on a journey involving a mind shift and will challenge their previous learnings about design. The outcome is a new way of approaching their work, nature, and life.
This approach offers a flexible way of thinking and working, allowing various elements to be incorporated to meet different needs. Unlike traditional design thinking processes, Life-Centered Design is not rigid, making it more fluid and adaptable to complex situations. By adding snippets of LCD, you can implement part of the process or a single tool for a project. It is not black or white, all or nothing; it is a balance.
Another question the commenter asked was: Would you say that LCD is a subset of systemic design, but one that prioritizes the flourishing of all life forms? And if so, how do you see it managing the complexities inherent in systemic decision-making? I'd love to exchange thoughts!"
Life-centred design is a subset of systemic design, design thinking, co-design, and user experience design. It applies to each of Richard Buchanan's four original orders of design—graphic, industrial, interactive, and systems. Additionally, we introduce a fifth order: life on Earth.
In my experience, decision-making in design is always complex, regardless of the type. It is helpful to have stakeholders who have experience with a particular form of design or design thinking. I have learned that sometimes, you can influence decision-making when you hold the right position in the project's governance structure at a systemic level. In other cases, you may not have that influence and must rely on your visualization skills to assist with higher-level decision-making.
Receiving comments like this is always helpful; it keeps us focused. We look forward to seeing you at the webinar!
🐅 LCD in the Wild: FUKT Magazine
Last week, while visiting a dear friend in Berlin, I came across FUKT Magazine.
"FUKT is wholly dedicated to contemporary drawing and illustration. As one of the world's leading drawing magazines, FUKT introduces you to outstanding creatives from around the globe ranging from emerging talents to long-established artists. Featured with artists' interviews and essays, the award-winning magazine is notable for its unrestricted layout and covers."
The latest issue of "For Drawing Nature" caught my attention, particularly the article "Working at the Intersection of Art and Science: The Cases of Maria Sibylla Merian (17th-century botanical artist) and Marianne North (biologist and botanical artist)."
This article highlights two pioneering women who excelled in drawing and painting nature. They travelled to jungles, learned from Indigenous cultures, and translated their experiences into stunning botanical and artistic works that inspire us today!
🔥 Hot in the School: Free Webinar this Thursday!
Free Webinar: Shifting from Human to Life-Centered Design.
Are you a designer, a design or an innovation lead? Then, this webinar is for you!
What if your new design client is an ancient glacial lake? How might we design for a future where our products, services and businesses protect and regenerate biodiversity on Earth instead of destroying it?
Join us on Thursday, February 6, from 3 - 4 pm CET / 9 –10 am EST.
Online Course: Enrollment opens tomorrow for waiting list members!
Enrollment opens tomorrow, so be sure to join our waiting list. You will get priority enrollment and access to the course.
Our course, Shifting from Human to Life-Centered Design, is blooming! Welcome Spring with fresh and new energy! Join Cohort 6, which will run from March 7 to April 18, 2025.
Join a beautiful community of worldwide participants and learn a more sustainable, conscious and inclusive working method.
"I highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to make a positive impact in the world. It is transformative, enlightening, and highly collaborative. 100% worth it. I was part of the 2024 Cohort, and here, I found my people. "
Life-Centered design gives you the mindset and skills to include all life forms in your work and advocate for biological ecosystems and invisible communities.
What's in for you? 💚
- 7 interactive & live online sessions
- 1 individual coaching session
- Online learning environment
- LCD Tools & Guides
- International Whatsapp Community
- Certificate of Completion
You can sign up for our waiting list here :) and enroll first tomorrow!
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See you next Monday,
Jeroen and Marce
