Improved Designs for All Artificial Creations
In the world of design, renowned figure Don Norman, often referred to as the founding father of User Experience (UX) design, is championing a shift towards a more inclusive and sustainable approach - Humanity-Centered Design (HCD+). This evolution of traditional human-centered design emphasizes the responsibility of designers to consider the broader societal and environmental impact of their work.
Norman's philosophy underscores the fact that many global crises, such as environmental degradation and social inequality, stem from design decisions. As such, designers must adopt holistic, sustainable, and equitable design practices that benefit all people, living things, cultures, and the planet.
A key aspect of Norman's philosophy is the adoption of a systems thinking approach, recognizing the complexity and interconnectedness of socio-technical systems. He encourages incremental, pragmatic design steps that contribute to long-term societal well-being and environmental resilience, rather than grand, disruptive solutions.
Moreover, Norman emphasizes the need to involve communities deeply as active members of the design process to ensure meaningful and sustainable outcomes. By doing so, designers can create solutions that improve quality of life globally and sustain the environment.
The centrality of sustainable design is evident in this philosophy, with social responsibility blending seamlessly with innovative thinking for environmental resilience. Designers are urged to reconsider the role they play in shaping the world, transcending aesthetics or functionality, and instead focusing on shaping a more equitable and sustainable future.
In his book, "Design for a Better World: Meaningful, Sustainable, Humanity Centered," Norman discusses these views in detail. Resources for the book can be found on the Resources for DBW website. Additional articles and essays by Norman can be read on JND.org.
To delve deeper into the mutual impact of design upon the world and that of design upon us, readers are advised to read "Understanding Computers and Cognition" by Terry Winograd and Fernando Flores. For those interested in exploring the natural world and the artificial world, "A Tale of Two Worlds" by J. T. Trevors & M. H. Saier is a recommended read.
The role of designers in shaping the world around us cannot be overstated. By recognizing the systemic effects and sustainability challenges of human-made elements, designers can help address the challenges we face today. From the aspects of daily existence such as travel, eating, and electricity sources, which are often artificial, to human-made concepts like seasons of the year and standard hours of the workday, designers hold the power to redesign these elements for a more sustainable and equitable future.
In conclusion, Norman's call to action encourages designers to integrate insights from science, technology, and human behavior to create solutions that improve quality of life globally and sustain the environment. By adopting humanity-centered design, designers can help shape a world that is not only aesthetically pleasing and functional, but also equitable, sustainable, and responsible.
Technology should be employed in a way that supports the principles of participatory design as part of Don Norman's philosophy of Humanity-Centered Design (HCD+). This approach encourages designers to deeply involve communities in technology development, creating solutions that improve quality of life globally and sustain the environment.
In his book "Design for a Better World: Meaningful, Sustainable, Humanity Centered," Norman discusses the importance of integrating technology in a human-centric and sustainable manner, emphasizing that designers have the power to shape a more equitable and sustainable future.
