Planetary Probe Format
Taking a polycentric approach to design means developing a practice around non-static and holistic ways of thinking—focusing on interrelationships, reflexivity, and integration through actionable next steps. Based on extensive research and collaborative studios facilitated by the Center for Complexity, a series of exercises were crafted to prototype engagement with the pertinent design elements the team and its collaborators have identified. The compilation of activities acts as a flexible tool that can be adjusted and either catered to a particular audience and theme or left open-ended for discovery. It serves as a guide for how to engage with key insights and necessary considerations to address both immediate challenges and long-term struggles on a planetary scale. The compilation helps participants expand their thinking toward a desirable future—learning to let go, adopt, or adapt processes to suit a new reality.
Either through individual reflection or guided teamwork within organizations, institutions, businesses, and social groupings, this collection of suggested engagements aims to introduce critical themes of care, coordination, and mapping. Aimed at assessing awareness, mutual understanding, and future planning, the series flow is geared toward steering both thinking and action toward planetary consciousness. From observing and interpreting to imagining and hypothesizing, the format offered proposes a workflow that can be structured as a multi-day workshop or broken apart into individual exercises that are pulled out and used as needed.
Some exercises have been tested while others require further development. This offering is a work-in-progress—proposing methods of learning to unlearn, grounding perspectives in reality (rather than getting lost in perception), and creating the ability to not only imagine new visions for a better tomorrow but also plan for how to get there. We encourage readers, facilitators, and participants to consider what it means to have ‘a practice’ and how the proposed design elements, ways of thinking, and tools for action can be incorporated into ongoing work. We are eager to hear any feedback you might have after conducting or participating in any of the activities. Please email us at complexity@risd.edu
These exercises are based on collaborative research, discussions, and activities from the Ocean Studio and Designing for Planetarity Retreat in Berlin, with adaptation based on expanded thinking and consideration for prospective engagement.
