Climate change of design thinking
Translated from Turkish.
Originally published on EKOIQ Mag, August 2018.
Is it possible that the same cognitive prowess that has facilitated our adaptation across the world's diverse habitats for millennia, be the key to addressing climate change?
Two notions have recently gained traction in scientific circles, much to my astonishment: the belief that the Earth is flat and the dismissal of climate change as a myth. While the former might be amusing, the latter is a pressing reality. Alarmingly, many of our elected leaders, entrusted with shaping our world's future, dismiss the gravity of climate change. A study from the USA revealed a startling trend: the more scientifically literate self-identified Republicans are, the less likely they are to trust scientific data. Intriguing, isn't it?
Yet, the truth remains steadfast, regardless of belief. The climate crisis intensifies, sea levels rise, and temperature records shatter. Ingeniously, established systems have shifted the onus of global issues like climate change and recycling onto individuals. It's a masterstroke to place the weight of environmental responsibility on individuals while industries wreak havoc on our planet daily.
However, humanity possesses a remarkable trait: adaptability. Our uniquely intricate brain has enabled our survival in diverse environments for hundreds of thousands of years. While it might not convince everyone of the Earth's roundness, this same brain, with its design-centric thinking, can potentially devise solutions to combat climate change.
Why such optimism? There are myriad reasons, which we'll delve into.
When the Problem is Defined, the Solution Must Be Equally Lucid
Firstly, tackling this issue demands the collective intellect of global thought leaders—architects, urban planners, design mavens, politicians, influencers, and scientists—who view design thinking as an essential tool for problem-solving.
Next in line is the seismic shift in our economic landscape and business operations. The last decade has seen a rapid evolution in business models, rendering traditional, monolithic conglomerates increasingly obsolete. This transformation, fueled by both the entrepreneurial zeitgeist and the digitized economy, is inescapable. At the heart of this change lie three principles that are intrinsically linked to us—and by extension, to the climate crisis:
Collaborative Business Models
Impact-Minimized, Result-Driven Management
Agile Production Cycles with Short Iterations
Let's delve deeper into these principles.
1. The Symphony of Collaboration: Amplifying Once-Muted Voices
In the traditional paradigm, design teams would convene for product meetings, brainstorming sessions, and user research before unveiling the final product. However, the last decade's exponential advancements in communication and cloud technologies have democratized the design process. Now, a diverse array of stakeholders—from social scientists and politicians to construction crews and end-users—can weigh in on every design decision. This collaborative ethos ensures that the product's target problem is addressed from the get-go.
Take BioLite's BaseCamp as a case in point. Born from this collaborative process, BaseCamp is a camp stove that not only emits less smoke but also doubles as a battery charger, harnessing the energy from its own fire. Crowdfunded into existence, the product also incorporates feedback from its end-users in its design process. Its efficacy and success speak for themselves.
2. Lean Impact, Robust Efficiency: The Art of Optimized Sustainability
While humanity is the primary driver of climate change, it's not our mere existence that's the issue. Rather, it's the unforeseen consequences of past designs, executed with incomplete foresight, that have led us here. Today, we're armed with cutting-edge tools, sophisticated research methodologies, and unparalleled scientific advancements that allow us to model our design decisions with unprecedented complexity. Whether it's prototyping with 3D printers or running virtual simulations, we can now identify and mitigate unforeseen issues early on, minimizing the negative impact of our creations.
Take the Shanghai Tower, heralded as the world's most eco-friendly skyscraper, as a prime example. Its architects and engineers utilized specialized software simulations to inform their design decisions. By opting for a dual-layered façade, they achieved remarkable efficiencies: capturing rainwater for heating and cooling systems, mitigating wind loads, and optimizing insulation. The end result?
A 35% reduction in material costs,
Over $58 million saved in construction expenses,
An energy efficiency boost of approximately 20%,
Around 40% water conservation.
3. The Power of Iterative Processes: Crafting Solutions One Step at a Time
"In the realm of problem-solving, design thrives on breaking projects into manageable pieces and continually refining them. This iterative approach is not just a luxury but a necessity, given the rapid advancements in technology and the ceaseless flow of information. It's an approach that can—and already does—apply to climate change adaptation.
Take Vantage Power, a London-based startup specializing in electric motor conversions for heavy-duty vehicles. With an iterative mindset, they launched their first prototype in late 2013 and their first operational model in early 2014. They didn't stop there; their technology now powers London's iconic double-decker buses. This iterative process not only increased their production capacity but also yielded valuable data on carbon emissions and efficiency in high-consumption vehicles.
Conclusion: Designing Adaptation in the Face of Climate Change
"In Turkey, there's a saying: 'The future will come one day.' Globally, we see a similar divide: some embrace progress, others cling to the status quo, and yet others find themselves unsteady as the ground shifts beneath them. The world is awash in a mentality driven more by soundbites than substantive dialogue, by polarizing rhetoric rather than reasoned discourse. It's precisely why the solutions outlined in this article haven't yet scaled globally.
The last thing we need is to place this monumental responsibility solely on individuals. What we do need is a collective shift in mindset—clear, immediate, and transformative.
