As I continue my research into ecocentric solutions to combat environmental crises, I’m realizing the critical importance of methodology. The scale and complexity of these interconnected issues make it very difficult for me to keep my ground and navigate through it all. I am also a person who finds it very hard to close doors on topics that I find relevant or of importance. In this case – I would need years to cover everything of relevance. Another factor that can become an issue is that I am very personally invested in this topic, which can also make me loose structure. Therefore I see it very necessary to create some guidelines for myself on how to keep a red thread throughout my research journey.
A design-centric approach provides the framework I need to navigate this vast topic, as if I am researching the nature and climate crisis with a set of “design-glasses”. Rather than getting overwhelmed by the enormity of climate change and biodiversity loss, I can focus on how design as a discipline contributes to systemic change of all the sub-topics I pass by. Design is not just about creating objects or visuals; it’s about solving problems through innovative thinking and human-centered approaches. By keeping this perspective at the core of my work, I aim to explore where and how design can address the root causes of these crises, rather than simply reacting to the symptoms.
Methodology also helps me set clear goals and define boundaries for my research. It’s tempting to explore every avenue—politics, agriculture, conservation, energy systems—but a design lens keeps me grounded. It reminds me to ask: how can design principles or interventions make a tangible difference here? For example, I am particularly interested in speculative design and behavioral science, both of which have immense potential to influence societal values and inspire change. These methods allow me to imagine and communicate alternative futures, bridging the gap between ecological ideals and practical action.
Moreover, having a structured methodology gives me the guidelines I need to evaluate my findings and ensure consistency. It helps me stay connected to my central research question: how can ecocentric design foster coexistence with nature? By focusing on design as both a process and an outcome, I can turn broad, systemic problems into manageable, design-driven challenges.
In essence, this methodology is my compass. It keeps me from feeling lost amidst the enormity of the issues, ensuring that my work remains coherent, purposeful, and ultimately impactful. With this foundation, I hope to uncover meaningful ways for design to contribute to a more sustainable and ecocentric world.
Speculative Design is a design practice that involves creating hypothetical artifacts and immersive scenarios to explore and critique potential future developments. This approach is a form of critical design, and encourages reflection on the societal, ethical, and environmental implications of emerging technologies and systems (Neeley, 2024).
Behavioral science is an interdisciplinary field that studies human actions, often seeking to generalize about human behavior in society. It encompasses disciplines such as psychology, sociology, and anthropology, aiming to understand and predict human behavior through systematic observation and experimentation (Augustyn, 2020).
Sources:
Neeley, J. Paul (19th June, 2024). What is Speculative Design?. School of Critical Design. Retrieved 10.01.25 from https://www.critical.design/post/what-is-speculative-design
Augustyn, Adam (31st Jan., 2020). Behavioural Science. Britannica. Retrieved 10.01.25. from https://www.britannica.com/science/behavioral-science?utm_source=chatgpt.com