Design a Worldview for Social Impact: Terry Irwin at TEDxArtCenterCollegeOfDesign

Terry Irwin presents two epiphanies and gives practical take aways for designers to look at problems more holistically.
Terry Irwin is Head of the School of Design at Carnegie Mellon University. She is interested in design for sustainability, and her research explores how living systems principles can inform traditional design process. Irwin sees design as playing an important role in the transition to a sustainable society. Her areas of research interest focus on worldview as the basis for design for sustainability, and examines the aspects of an ecological worldview for designers.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@rr7firefly]

I gave a presentation to a class of 6th graders on their Career Day. After my slide show, filled with shining examples of Design work (architecture, product design and graphics) it was Q&A time. The only thing those kids wanted to know was how rich and famous they could become if they chose one of the design professions. Our national culture is in the trash can.

[@sapphostraphouse]

That sounds like a pretty big generalization based on one anecdotal experience.

[@rr7firefly]

@@sapphostraphouse There are many many other examples of this type of thinking. Although I must admit that this was written four years ago. Since then I have become more optimistic, especially because young people (high school and college aged) are seriously concerned about the environmental crisis that is on the horizon.

[@guardianangel1337]

@@rr7firefly I don't know what artefacts you showed, but when seeing well designed flashy things, money quickly comes to mind.
The association in our society perhaps is more focussed on the monetary value of design. Especially now with designer clothes, where systems aren't considered at all

[@rr7firefly]

@@guardianangel1337 It's nutty how if you tell someone that you are a designer they immediately think of fashion. I tell them, "No, design is a broad category that includes almost all the objects that are used by people every day. Fashion design is only one small part of that." Yes, they need to remember the tractor in the barn, the eggbeater in the kitchen drawer, the tables and chairs in many rooms, wristwatches, etc.

[@guardianangel1337]

@@rr7firefly Very true. I know that feeling. I like to use the quote "Design is basic to human activity" and explain every object/artefact and process in the human world is designed. And every artefact stands in context with our world.
That isn't conceived by many designers too. But we are getting there, I hope...

[@masterdawson6824]

we should understand things according to the worldviews

[@dechevers]

Amazing

[@josephrbarton]

Global Holistic Ethical Consideration Leads to Introspection and Self Sacrifice.