Shifting within and beyond: This post is part of a two-part series exploring Shifting Within and Shifting Beyond the current system. We explore how to navigate the realities of the present, moving towards a better while by tackling the here and now.
I dream of a future where everyone has what they need and where design supports human and planetary flourishing. This vision fills me with hope while also making me acutely aware of the reality many designers face today. Our work is done within the dominant capitalist framework that prioritizes financial growth above all else, often at the expense of true flourishing. In this system, design has largely been co-opted as a tool for increasing profits, optimizing efficiency, and driving consumption—rarely questioning the foundations of the systems it serves.
As designers, we often find ourselves caught between:
The practical necessity of working within …
