A Toolbox for the Future
In envisioning the toolbox for the future, I am drawn to focus on elements that embody my core values and passions. This toolbox is not merely a collection of skills or technologies but a reflection of practices that enrich our lives with meaning, connection, and well-being.
Ritual Design: Infusing Daily Life with Meaning
Rituals, whether in the workspace or daily living, have consistently captivated my attention. My inspiration partly comes from the book Rituals for Work, coupled with my experiences at IDEO. IDEO's culture, particularly its emphasis on rituals surrounding food, has been influential. An annual event where everyone shares a dish from their family tradition is a vivid example of how rituals can transcend mere transactions, fostering a sense of community and shared meaning. This understanding led me to advocate for integrating Yoga practice at our Chicago office's terrace, offering a space for mindfulness and reflection amidst our busy lives.
Rituals, by their nature, invite us to step beyond the ordinary, marking moments with intention and significance. The absence of rituals is profoundly felt, as they are the threads that weave the fabric of our social and personal identities.
Social Connection: The Urgency Lab
The Urgency Lab is a testament to the belief that addressing complex challenges requires a multidisciplinary approach. Launched in 2019 in the Italian countryside, this collaborative residency surpassed our initial expectations, providing a vibrant space for creativity, innovation, and collective problem-solving. The success of Urgency Lab underscores the potential of bringing diverse minds together, and plans are underway to expand and continue these enriching gatherings.
Mindfulness: Embracing the Present
Mindfulness, a practice close to my heart, offers a profound way to navigate our fast-paced world with grace and awareness. My journey into mindfulness, deepened through the study and practice of traditional Japanese tea ceremony at the Urasenke School, highlights the transformative power of ritual and presence. This practice has not only been a source of personal growth but also a foundation for my professional endeavors, influencing my approach to design and collaboration. Future projects will further explore how mindfulness can be integrated into digital experiences, promoting well-being and conscious engagement.
Art: The Lens of Creativity
Art has always been a conduit for expressing the inexpressible, allowing us to explore the depths of human experience. My engagement with art, both as a creator and a consumer, informs my work by encouraging a creative and exploratory mindset. Future projects will aim to blend art with technology, creating spaces where art becomes a medium for social commentary, reflection, and connection.
Nature: A Source of Inspiration and Renewal
Nature, with its inherent rhythms and cycles, offers endless lessons in balance, resilience, and beauty. My connection to nature deeply influences my work, especially in promoting sustainability and mindfulness. Upcoming projects will focus on leveraging design to foster a closer relationship between individuals and the natural world, emphasizing the importance of conservation and mindful interaction with our environment.
Completing the Toolbox
To complete this toolbox for the future, I envision projects that seamlessly integrate these elements, creating experiences that are not only innovative but also deeply human and reflective of our interconnectedness with each other and the planet. Whether through digital platforms that promote mindfulness, collaborative initiatives that address global challenges, or designs that celebrate the ritualistic beauty of everyday life, my goal is to contribute to a future where technology, art, and nature coalesce to enhance our collective well-being.
This vision for the future is an invitation to explore the vast potential of design as a tool for positive change, grounded in the principles of mindfulness, art, social connection, and a deep reverence for nature.