As designers, we are uniquely empowered to create change.
We must expand our goal from design-making to change-making.
In doing so, we design change, and we change the world for good.

The usual approach to design limits our role and stunts our impact.
This matrix offers the next two opportunities for growing ourselves as designers and growing our positive impact in the world.

	common design the beginner level normally/basically	uncommon design the advanced level skillfully/resourcefully	change design the next level spiritually/masterfully
approach	uninspired The designer applies the same routine to every challenge, without consideration of suitability.	inspired A curated interplay of disciplines and inputs yields design solutions of expansive breadth and depth.	inspirational A transdisciplinary, informed, and deeply felt approach transcends the sum of its parts.
cooperation	collusive “Me”: Designer and design process are alienating. Only “creatives” can create; clients are a problem; processes and results are hidden.	collaborative “We”: Community input is valued as highly as that of any “designer.” The process is open and transparent so others can learn and benefit.	harmonic “All”: Collaboration yields to full cooperation by involving, valuing, and unifying all voices across all octaves.
impact	unaccountable Accurate or meaningful measurement of impact is impossible and undesirable.	measurable Design goals are established, and impact is quantifiable.	revelatory Preset goals or paths only limit. Instead, design unfolds organically, revealing impact beyond measure.
understanding	convoluted The designer’s lack of understanding begets ineffective, unnecessary complicated design.	clarified A high level of understanding of the design challenge and goals enables immediate, clear communication.	realized The designer’s deep understanding generates rich expression. Structure and context relate meaning and truth.
capacity	mundane Design is just a job, devoid of ethical consideration or meaning.	meaningful Design that taps into personal causes is meaningful to both designer and audience.	essential Design connects to the truth and love that always emerges from work that is authentic and deep.
locality	distant Design is placeless and faceless.	local Design has a sense of place and investment in its home community.	radiating Instead of being absent of place or tied to place, design is infinitely connected.
reach	anonymous The designer is absent and the design lacks vitality.	compelling Design draws the viewer in, demonstrates possibilities, and lights the path for others.	resonant Design transcends any single voice and reverberates as truth.

common
design

the beginner level

normally/basically

uncommon
design

the advanced level

skillfully/resourcefully

change
design

the next level

spiritually/masterfully

approach

uninspired

The designer applies the same routine to every challenge, without consideration of suitability.

inspired

A curated interplay of disciplines and inputs yields design solutions of expansive breadth and depth.

inspirational

A transdisciplinary, informed, and deeply felt approach transcends the sum of its parts.

cooperation

collusive

“Me”: Designer and design process are alienating. Only “creatives” can create; clients are a problem; processes and results are hidden.

collaborative

“We”: Community input is valued as highly as that of any “designer.” The process is open and transparent so others can learn and benefit.

harmonic

“All”: Collaboration yields to full cooperation by involving, valuing, and unifying all voices across all octaves.

impact

unaccountable

Accurate or meaningful measurement of impact is impossible and undesirable.

measurable

Design goals are established, and impact is quantifiable.

revelatory

Preset goals or paths only limit. Instead, design unfolds organically, revealing impact beyond measure.

understanding

convoluted

The designer’s lack of understanding begets ineffective, unnecessary complicated design.

clarified

A high level of understanding of the design challenge and goals enables immediate, clear communication.

realized

The designer’s deep understanding generates rich expression. Structure and context relate meaning and truth.

capacity

mundane

Design is just a job, devoid of ethical consideration or meaning.

meaningful

Design that taps into personal causes is meaningful to both designer
and audience.

essential

Design connects to the truth and love that always emerges from work that is authentic and deep.

locality

distant

Design is placeless and faceless.

local

Design has a sense of place and investment in its home community.

radiating

Instead of being absent of place or tied to place, design is infinitely connected.

reach

anonymous

The designer is absent and the design lacks vitality.

compelling

Design draws the viewer in, demonstrates possibilities, and lights the path for others.

resonant

Design transcends any single voice and reverberates as truth.

v 2013.04.02

common design

uncommon design

change design