Models don’t generate sustainability. But they can help us talk about it.

They are reassuring, in that they are simplistic and visual representations of extremely complex issues. This is why they can be a great conversation starter, as long as the subsequent conversation commits to unfolding the nuances of those seemingly simplistic entry points, in the specific context where they are considered.

McDonough and Braungart’s Fractal Triangle could appear as a pretty unimaginative framework for talking about sustainability, using the same three legs as many others, without the wit of some of these alternatives - eg. Kate Raworth’s Donut Economics.
Yet, because it uses those widely accepted legs, because it operates the semantic stunt of the Triple Top Line - as opposed to the triple bottom line -, and because it explores the space opening in between these three poles, it conveys a creative and positive message, campaigning for the generation of holistic and regenerative solutions.

My own subjective attempt at extracting three Design Attractors that could frame a responsible design practice:
- NARRATIVE stands for a sense of purpose and desirability; a criteria for projects to generate positive societal value, to tell inspiring stories
- CRAFT refers to the commitment and passion put into materializing ideas; it stems as much from an experimental, hands-on mindset as from an eye for harmonious and well-made outcomes
- ECOSYSTEM hints at a form of situationnal awareness, both in terms of place and scale; it advocates for place-specific approaches and for cultivating strong ties with surrounding actors

I believe those attractors help characterizing some key values that the Design process should, in my opinion, be pursuing - no matter the scale and form of the system it is addressing.

Alright, we’re good to go.

Let’s start using those few principle and design more purpose-driven companies, more resilient communities, more humane services, more responsible products... Keep scrolling to discover some of my own attempts and explorations.

Or maybe you’d like to read a bit more about my own journey?

You could also have a look at what I find inspiring;

(page under construction)

Or go ahead and get in touch for us to start a conversation - or a revolution.

LR

Circular Reffen

A visualization exercise about envisionning more circularity in the context of Reffen, Copenhagen’s most popular street food.