DesignShifts is a movement, experimental lab, and learning platform where we research and practice non-extractive design methods for times of systemic transition.
Through theory, practice, making, and community we challenge the status quo, imagine better futures, and co-create the DesignShifts needed to aid the transition towards a better tomorrow. The goal is to move design a tool that contributes to division, destruction, and isolation a practice that unites, rebuilds, and reconnects us to our inner selves, each other, and nature.
The work centers on design but touches many fields, including research, ecology, anthropology, social science, economies, culture, and inclusion. We believe that borders are fluid and there are no firm lines where one topic ends and another begins.
Most answers are found at crossroads and intersections. Our approach is intersectional, interconnected, and interrelational, because complex challenges cannot be addressed in isolation.
Who’s it for?
DesignShifts is for anyone who is looking to use their time and talents to improve the world around us and the world inside of us. We’re designers, researchers, teachers, scientists, citizens, etc. from around the world who are tired of business as usual, and committed to working toward systemic, regenerative futures.
Beyond the borders of the professional world, we can see that “design” is something that is done on a day-to-day basis by many different kinds of people. From the policies that guide our social structures to the products, services, and environments we engage with daily, design is everywhere. I hope that this piece of work can inspire and motivate people from all fields and walks of life. I hope that it can Shift WHO is doing the design and how the design is being done. We will not Shift the future for and through design by staying in our bubbles or echo chambers. This is the work of many.
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If you’re working toward a better world, you belong here.
With love and flourishing,
Ida 🌱
