LCD Weekly Issue - 045- Finding hope in community 🫂
⛰️ Words from the mountains
Last week, we hosted a small, intimate online event, Design at the Kitchen Table, with alumni Mary Burton. Mary was in our last cohort, and during the course, we started talking about how design seems to get farther and farther away from the real world and maybe even elitist sometimes. We wondered how to bring it back to human proportions again, and that is where the idea of the kitchen table came from.
At the kitchen table, you talk about your day with your loved ones, and your kids do their homework, arts and crafts, or help you make a cake. The kitchen table is messy, but that is okay. It is a place to share your grief, hopes, and dreams in a safe place.
Last Thursday, we met with four wonderful people from Mauritius, Brazil, Turkey, and the US. We shared our grief and hopes for ourselves and the world around us. Our griefs included the loss of playfulness and diversity, the loss of hope for a democratic world, and disconnection from the world around us through social media. It was very moving to listen to each other.
At our digital kitchen, we discovered we also have much to be hopeful for. Just the fact that we were coming together at our digital kitchen table was hopeful. Many other people worldwide are coming together in smaller or bigger communities to work on a better world, which is a hopeful thought. Seeing my son's endless imagination and creativity makes me feel hopeful for future generations.
The world might be in a whirlwind of uncertainty. Bringing design back to the conversational space of the metaphorical kitchen table and creating things together brings joy and hope.
🐅 LCD In The Wild Exploring Consciousness in the Animal Kingdom - Atmos Article
Exploring Consciousness in the Animal Kingdom by Willow Defebaugh is an eye-opening read.
"The idea of consciousness among other animals has long been debated, but more scientists are coming forward suggesting that it's widespread."
Suppose we treat our fellow animals with the respect they deserve, knowing that even the smallest insect could experience feelings and consciousness. In that case, we likely won't commit the crimes we have done, such as those in the meat and dairy industry. How would the world be different?
"I'm an animal; I want to be. Human or not, to be an animal is to belong here on Earth."
It's worth the read!
🔥 Hot in the School Course and LCD TALK!
Our course, Shifting from Human to Life-Centered Design, is coming up! Welcome Spring with fresh and new energy! Join Cohort 6, which will run from March 7 to April 18, 2025.
This will be the last course conducted in this format! Like in nature, Life-Centered Design is about evolution and transformation—nothing is static, so you won’t want to miss this one!
🌸 Become part of a thriving community of over 100 like-minded professionals. Learn about this powerful methodology and how it can enhance your design practice.
"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
Life-Centered Design and Design Thinking
Join us for an engaging and insightful discussion that explores the relationships between Life-Centered Design (LCD) and Design Thinking. This event features distinguished guests Jeroen van der Weide, Managing Partner of the Design Thinkers Academy Amsterdam, and Jeroen Spoelstra, Co-Founder of the Life-Centered Design School. Two Jeroen's talking about design, Jaja!
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That is all for this week!
See you next Monday,
Jeroen and Marce
