Connecting Industrial Society with Nature

Key Points

• Believe in Connection: Connection between people, society, and the planet.
• Distorted Modern Society: Current society thinks in straight lines (buy, use, throw away).
• Natural Cycles: Nature works in cycles; waste becomes new life.
• Integration: Future lies in integrating industrial society with natural roots.

Biodegradable Blooming Shoes

• Post-University Project: Created world’s first biodegradable shoes that bloom.
• Functionality: Worn like regular shoes, planted to grow wildflowers after use.
• Concept: Products can offer new perspectives and connect us to a bigger reality.

Product Dimensions

1. Utilitarian Function:
   • What the product does, its performance, comfort, durability.
2. Emotional Attitude:
   • How a product strikes us emotionally (modest, elegant, aggressive).
3. Cultural Style:
   • The style we identify with (e.g., British aristocrat vs. breakdancer).
4. Belief System:
   • Psychological basis, founded on Clare Graves’ work.
   • Represents how we see the world and the purpose of our actions (life as power, hard work, self-expression).

Meaningful Products

• Belief System: Aligning product design with a belief system people identify with.
• Empathy: Purpose of products should induce empathy.
• Dominant System Issues: Criticism of current Western society focused on profit and efficiency leading to low-quality products.
• Sustainability: Growing attention for sustainable products based on subconscious choices.

Sustainable Design Example

• Belief System’s Role: Choice of materials, production location, and fair wages.
• Natural Materials: Benefits of using natural materials in products (better for feet, environment, workers).
• Supply Chain Considerations: Ensuring fair pay and safe working conditions.

Company and Consumer Responsibility

• Consumer Choices: Influence companies by choosing sustainable products.
• Corporate Evaluation: Companies need to evaluate their actions based on belief systems.
• Purposeful Products: Companies should communicate their purpose clearly to connect with consumers.
• Shared Environment: Responsibility towards the planet.

Conclusion

• Root of Sustainability: Focus on belief system when discussing sustainability.
• Key Question: “What is life about for you?”

Thank you: (Applause)