Designing to reconnect to the natural world

We as designers have a great strength: a strong ability. Designers are the translators and creators who are specifically trained to give purpose and shape to objects, environments, and experiences. Whereas in the past our expertise may have had less influence, our potential is now much greater: Whatever type of designer you are, together we shape our entire physical and digital environment. We transform how people on a daily basis interact with these environments and even have the ability to influence and direct behavior.

The world we have created seems to be moving faster and faster. There are more stimuli and everything can, no, must be faster, more efficient and easier. We facilitate that. We don’t take the time anymore to stop and look around. Either because we don't have the time and space for it, we don't have to think about it anymore, or because it just "has always been that way". Wherever you're reading this, looking around, there's a good chance that almost everything is adapted to you. Adapted to you, the human being; by us designers.

#2 Focus on naturalizing people,
not humanizing nature

The general alienation of nature and naturalness is not very strange, in my view. If almost everything around you has been meticulously designed, it is not surprising that as creatures of habit we get annoyed by all that seems otherwise. Nature is at odds to our lifestyle and planned convenience, because it goes its own way and will not change itself to fit the mold that we desire. But those who don't adapt, must give way. Unfortunately, this also extends into how we should behave as human beings. Just like the straight rows of planted trees, whose roots and branches are no longer allowed outside the straight and square stone borders, toddlers are no longer allowed to color outside the lines. 'Doe maar normaal, dan doe je al gek genoeg’ (‘Just act normal, that’s already crazy enough') has unfortunately become the norm.

Originally meandering rivers, have to make way for dikes and our boats, canalized into perpendicular unnatural systems. While we are up to our ankles in flooded water more and more often, biodiversity is declining by leaps and bounds. The world around us is increasingly planned and controlled. But that makes all things around us, just like ourselves, less and less natural. My hope is that the unruly dandelion that has penetrated the asphalt inspires you to persevere and not to take the easy road. Or the enormous downpour that soaks you down to the bone finally lets you move through the streets no longer cursing but rather dancing in the rain. As designers, let's stop dominating nature and our environments by ordering and humanizing it; let's focus on making things so that we as humans can finally be a bit more natural again.

#3 Incorporate the beauty of nature, but not just for the beauty

Aesthetics are important. In fact, according to research, the aesthetic quality of nature is one of the main motivators for its protection and preservation. You would rather watch a beautiful stretch of river where fish swim peacefully, with green riverbanks where butterflies flutter peacefully around the flowers, than a polluted canal where rusty bicycles color the water, dead fish are floating and seagulls are trying to swallow a plastic bag. The degradation of an environment is directly linked to the decrease in its determined aesthetic value. “From beauty to duty”. Extrinsic motivation perhaps, but if this is one of the main reasons for people to finally commit themselves to the conservation and protection of nature; I'd rather have people doing it for that, instead of just standing by and doing nothing.

As a designer, “use the beauty of nature, but not just for the beauty” may sound contradictory. However, unfortunately you see this all too often in practice, as for example companies that integrate this beauty just in order to be able to market it; only thinking about increasing their own revenue or image. Using the beauty of nature should serve the preservation and inclusion of nature instead of greenwashing. As designers, we can be inspired more often to integrate the beauty of nature. Not to pretend to be inclusive or ‘green’, but to show people the unmistakable splendor. To make people feel and experience again why preserving and including nature would be important to them.

#5 Collaborate with nature,
instead of just using it

On a daily basis, people are confronted with a lot of challenges and obstacles which we designers try to mitigate or solve. We can learn a lot from nature; by looking at how nature deals with similar challenges and obstacles, which can translate it into resilient designs. Why should we try to reinvent the wheel when nature has already done that during millions of years of evolution? For example, take buildings that regulate their own temperature, inspired by termite mounds. Airplanes inspired by birds, and more efficient windmill blades inspired by whale fins. They show us how nature is a leading example. Unfortunately, just using biomimicry doesn't make something nature-inclusive or friendly. The remaining green lands, blue waters and clear skies from which we draw inspiration often give way to gray masses of stone, tarmac runways and swinging blades. In addition, the use of living organisms in design can almost be called a trend nowadays. Driven by curiosity, organisms are used to create something aesthetic, innovative, and interesting. Unfortunately, what may look like a collaboration is often anything but. Our objectification of nature has made it an instrument. An instrument to achieve a desired and positive result for us, often to the detriment of others.

Using organisms as inspiration, or as co-designers, should serve to increase our appreciation for nature; not just to make our lives more efficient, easier, or more interesting. It should show us that a healthy cooperation is possible. Let's look for a symbiotic relationship, a respectful relationship where it is not just about taking, but also about giving. And who knows? Maybe we can find a specific answer if we learn to look and listen to nature again.

FFor quite some time everyone has been pointing at who should take the first step or who should do anything at all to work towards increasing our synergy with nature. It is high time that we as designers hold ourselves and our others accountable for our design choices and products. We are translators and makers in the service of the user, customer, and human beings. This gives us the perfect opportunity and role to speak out against the ethically irresponsibility’s of certain desires and needs. We have the ability to learn from and reflect on the potential impact that our work entails, and how it Affects our surroundings on a larger scale than just us as humanity. As a collective, let's think about how we can do our part to make a more inclusive world. Not just for us humans; but for everything and everyone. Design to reconnect to the natural world.