Design as a Strategic Force: Redesigning Society for a Better Future
In a world grappling with multifaceted challenges like climate change and social polarization, Sanne Kistemaker, an architect and designer, advocates for a paradigm shift in how we approach problem-solving. Speaking at TEDxEindhoven, Kistemaker champions the infusion of creativity and design thinking into education and societal structures, moving beyond traditional, linear approaches to address the complexities of our time.
The Imperative of Creative Thinking
Kistemaker recounts a pivotal moment when her son had to choose between a classical education emphasizing Latin and Greek, and an academic track that included creative courses. The classical option, while lauded for its rigor, came at the expense of art, music, and crafts. For Kistemaker, this was unacceptable. She argues that creativity is not a mere luxury but a fundamental skill, essential for navigating an era defined by rapid change. Citing Albert Einstein's definition of insanity—doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results—Kistemaker underscores the need for innovative approaches to overcome the limitations of conventional thinking.
Design as a Catalyst for Change
Design, Kistemaker asserts, extends far beyond aesthetics; it is a strategic instrument for societal transformation. Everything around us, from our environment to our economic systems and even our democracies, is designed and, therefore, can be redesigned. This perspective reframes design as a proactive force, capable of envisioning alternative futures and prompting critical questions about the kind of society we aspire to create. Rather than merely solving immediate problems, design encourages us to re-imagine and rethink existing paradigms.
Innovative Solutions in Practice
Kistemaker illustrates the power of design through examples from her own practice in the Netherlands. Confronting the challenges posed by an aging population and the increasing demand for care, she and her team developed the "Informal Care Simulator." This immersive experience allows individuals to experience the realities of being dependent on care, fostering empathy and sparking crucial conversations about future care needs. By creating a visceral understanding of the challenges involved, the simulator prompts individuals and society to confront a topic often avoided until it's too late.
Addressing health disparities in the Netherlands, where individuals in lower socioeconomic neighborhoods experience shorter lifespans and reduced quality of life, Kistemaker's team tackled the issue of smoking. Recognizing the limitations of traditional, didactic approaches, they introduced the "Giant Fluffy Cigarette"—a whimsical prop that sparked curiosity and opened dialogue in a non-threatening way. This innovative approach, coupled with a photo series visualizing the role of cigarettes in people's lives, effectively broke down barriers and facilitated conversations about quitting smoking and accessing professional support.
Embracing a Creative Future
Kistemaker's message is a call to action. By embracing design as a strategic force and prioritizing creativity in education and society, we can unlock possibilities we cannot yet imagine. In her view, a world devoid of creativity is a world without the ability to explore new perspectives. Therefore, Kistemaker urges us to recognize creativity as a fundamental skill, as vital as literacy, and to cultivate it in our children and communities. The future hinges not on rote knowledge of the past, but on the ability to think creatively and shape a better world through design.
Fancy watching it?
Watch the full video and context