Design has always driven how we think about transformation at Awaken Group. So it was a privilege to participate in the Design Futures Forum organized by the Design Singapore Council as part of Singapore Design Week to discover the latest in design.
The forum shared the latest, innovative perspectives on the key themes of emerging tech, sustainability and care. The sessions explored cutting-edge AI and its implications for humanity, delved into ‘regenerative futures’ in sustainability, and examined how we can heal the planet by adopting a ‘beyond human-centered’ view. It also investigated how purposeful design interventions can democratize and empower individuals in healthcare, promoting health and well-being as the default.
I would like to offer 3 takeaways in the context of transformation here.
1: In the age of AI, humans can still dream, while machines cannot
In the age of AI and rapidly changing technology affecting every facet of our lives, it is more important now than ever to be human-centered, enhancing the boundless creativity and imagination that makes us human, which is hard to replicate by AI. Instead of an ‘either-or’ perspective (i.e., either adopt or avoid AI), I learned here that a ‘both-and’ perspective, where we use AI as a valuable tool to enhance both our creativity and human potential as the way forward to minimize the negative implications of AI and other emerging tech.
Interestingly, the speakers noted that the implication on education and the skill sets needed to navigate an AI world is perhaps a shift in focus in humanities and the arts that encourage creativity, imagination and critical thinking. Humans can dream, while machines cannot, for now.
2. Step on the balcony to get a better view of root causes
Like the case with many client transformation journeys, the forum felt overwhelming at times, as I had to grapple with many issues all at once and the practical implications of the choices we have already made e.g., ecological harm to the environment and the impact of microplastics to our health due to our overconsumption. In the same way, our clients come to us with multiple issues they face, e.g., lack of leadership alignment, poor performing teams, out-dated HR practices, laggy systems and the negative implications that are felt simultaneously by the organization.
How can organizations navigate and unravel these complexities in an organized way? One possible approach is to step on the balcony, revisit the purpose of the organization, understand the root-causes of these ‘symptoms’ of dysfunction and have a prioritized roadmap that is aligned across and properly engaged with (not just communicated to) the different organization. This is the approach we take to help clients navigate the complexities and implications of business transformation.
3. Use non-human perspectives to solve human problems
During the segment on ‘DESIGN FOR THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABILITY’, I was enthralled first by the notion of taking innovative steps to heal and regenerate the planet, instead of just mitigating the damage to our ecology. Second and more interestingly, we discussed this perspective of ‘beyond-human’ to include non-human perspectives e.g., nature and animals in the decision making and solutions design in organizations. The Nieuwe Instituut in Holland is pioneering the concept of Zoöp, a concept which aims to “contribute to a liveable world in which humans have an equal relationship with animals, plants, microbes and other life forms.” This is done by appointing a ‘Speaker for the Living’, a dedicated, independent advisor who actively represents the interests of the ecosystem in decision-making and organizational processes. Some examples have included how buildings are designed and built to allow nature and animals to flourish. More info on Nieuwe Instituut here.
I am fascinated by how this ‘beyond human’ concept can augment the human-centered approach AG has been taking and challenging what we conventionally understand as ‘holistic solutions’.
- How might a supply chain problem be reframed if the views of the ecology are represented and have an equal seat at the decision-making table?
- How might the design of buildings and workplaces change if nature is allowed to flourish?
To conclude, the Design Futures Forum has really challenged my current viewpoint and painted a picture of hope and optimism that we can collectively design a better future but that transformation is needed now.
Did we miss you at Design Week Singapore? Reach out for a conversation.
