Designing for a 'More-Than-Human' World
Designers must consider the broader ecological and non-human systems impacted by their creations, moving beyond a purely human-centric approach.
Exchanges The Interdisciplinary Research Journal · 2023
Key Findings
- 01The terms 'multispecies' and 'more-than-human' highlight the complex and interconnected nature of ecological systems.
- 02Addressing planetary challenges requires a shift away from anthropocentric design thinking.
Application
Design takeaway
Designers should actively seek to understand and mitigate the impact of their work on all living systems, not just human users.
How to apply
When designing any product or system, consider its lifecycle impact on biodiversity, resource depletion, and pollution, and explore how it can positively contribute to ecological health.
Project actions
- 01When defining the scope of your design project, consider including non-human stakeholders.
- 02Research the ecological impact of materials and manufacturing processes.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Highlights a critical gap in traditional design thinking.
- +Encourages interdisciplinary collaboration.
Limitations
It can be challenging to quantify the needs or impacts on non-human entities.
Reliability & validity
The findings are based on conceptual discussions and may lack empirical reliability and validity in terms of direct design application.
Think critically
How can we ethically and practically represent the 'needs' of non-human entities in a design process?
Design Principles
"Design with ecological interdependence in mind."
In an era of significant environmental challenges, traditional design practices that prioritize human needs exclusively can inadvertently harm ecosystems. Embracing a 'more-than-human' perspective encourages the development of products and systems that are more integrated with, and less detrimental to, the natural world.
What This Means for Your Design
Think about how your design affects animals, plants, and the environment, not just people.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this research to justify a broader scope for your design project, including environmental impact assessments.
- 2.Incorporate 'more-than-human' considerations into your design brief and evaluation criteria.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
(2023). Multispecies, More-Than-Human, Nonhuman, Other-Than-Human. Exchanges The Interdisciplinary Research Journal. https://doi.org/10.31273/eirj.v10i2.1166 Retrieved from https://designdex.org/study/15851af6-bf3c-4034-8d21-89dc515b6c9f/designing-for-a-more-than-human-world
Paragraph starter
This research highlights the necessity of moving beyond anthropocentric design frameworks. By considering 'more-than-human' entanglements, designers can develop solutions that are more ecologically responsible and contribute to the well-being of all life forms, which is essential for addressing contemporary environmental challenges.
Source
Exchanges The Interdisciplinary Research Journal
Multispecies, More-Than-Human, Nonhuman, Other-Than-Human
journal · 2023
View sourceQuestions about this research
- What does the research say about designing for a 'more-than-human' world?
- Designers should actively seek to understand and mitigate the impact of their work on all living systems, not just human users. Evidence: Exchanges The Interdisciplinary Research Journal (2023).
- Why does "Designing for a 'More-Than-Human' World" matter for design?
- In an era of significant environmental challenges, traditional design practices that prioritize human needs exclusively can inadvertently harm ecosystems. Embracing a 'more-than-human' perspective encourages the development of products and systems that are more integrated with, and less detrimental to, the natural world.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Designers should actively seek to understand and mitigate the impact of their work on all living systems, not just human users.
- What were the main findings?
- The terms 'multispecies' and 'more-than-human' highlight the complex and interconnected nature of ecological systems.. Addressing planetary challenges requires a shift away from anthropocentric design thinking.
- What research method was used?
- Conceptual exploration and discourse analysis.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2023 journal from Exchanges The Interdisciplinary Research Journal.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing any product or system, consider its lifecycle impact on biodiversity, resource depletion, and pollution, and explore how it can positively contribute to ecological health.
- What are the limitations?
- The terms are complex and can be difficult to operationalize in concrete design decisions.
- Is there evidence that more-than-human affects design outcomes?
- The study emphasizes that understanding and designing for a world that includes non-human life is crucial for addressing environmental crises. In an era of significant environmental challenges, traditional design practices that prioritize human needs exclusively can inadvertently harm ecosystems. Embracing a 'more-than Source: Exchanges The Interdisciplinary Research Journal (2023).
- Where does this world research apply?
- Interdisciplinary environmental humanities and design research It sits within classic design research on designdex.org.
Related research topics
more-than-human design research · evidence on more-than-human · does more-than-human improve design outcomes · world studies for designers · more-than-human and world findings · classic design research evidence