At a recent TED talk, Tim Brown called on designers to evolve their capacity beyond the creation of “things” to systems and creating lasting value. The full video is below. He calls this a shift to “design thinking.” It is a rediscovery of how, collectively, we can create positive value in the world. It is integrative, collaborative and thrives on seeming contradiction and apparent limitations
At the time the 19th century was turning toward the 20th century we were fully engaged in what he calls “design getting big.” Roebling was designing the Brooklyn Bridge, Brunel was designing railways, across the US commerce was being redefined, first by steam locomotion and, later, through gasoline power.
Though grand, many of these designs stood out in isolation to the people and places they were affecting. They were not integrative. We are now at a time where integrative, collaborative partnerships across sectors and industries are possible. The opportunity to design for sustainable, abundant communities is possible, right now.
In a recent conversation with Tom Osdoba, Director of the University of Oregon Center for Sustainable Business Practices, we explored how to create the conditions for rethinking and redesigning the ways we use, produce, capitalize, monetize and build energy systems and infrastructure. It is possible, right now.
Abound members are pushing the boundaries of business to make their organizations not just profitable but, also, prosperity generating in the communities in which they operate. They are asking: how can we move beyond the co-operative model of “giving back?” How can we design and lead organizations that create well-being. This is happening, right now.
And it is happening because, As Tim Brown states, we are beginning to ask the right questions.
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