Within design, I care about a set of relationships. These are the relationships between people and artefacts, between people and nature, and interpersonal relationships.

When I talk about the relationship between people and artefacts, I see more-than-human design as an outcome to foster such relationships (Wakkary, 2021). In Western societies, there is often no enduring relationship between users and their products, leading to a “throw-away society” that causes pollution and exploitation of natural resources (McCollough, 2012). I believe design can restore and strengthen the attachment people have to their technological products. For example, the Long Living Chair was inspired by slow design (Pschetz, 2013), fostering preservation over disposal. Indigenous designers, for instance, imbue their artefacts with stories and spirits, creating a preciousness that Western cultures have lost (Page, 2021).

Concerning nature, modern Western societies often view it as an inexhaustible resource to be exploited. Ingold’s concept of “Bringing Things Back to Life” emphasizes the dynamic and ongoing entanglements between materials, makers, and users (Ingold, 2013). Design, in this sense, becomes a process of continuous engagement with the material world. Views like this can shift design towards being a more sustainable practice. Escobar's "Designs for the Pluriverse" advocates for a pluriversal approach that respects diverse ways of living and interacting with the environment (Escobar, 2018). This inspires me to adopt a similar approach when designing. My experiences studying intercultural communication and learning about Australian Indigenous communities have shown me the value of these diverse perspectives.

Therefore, interpersonal relationships are also central to my design philosophy. Design can facilitate meaningful interactions and strengthen community bonds. By integrating cultural narratives and promoting collaborative creation, designers can bridge cultural divides and enhance social cohesion.

Ultimately, my vision for design is to create artefacts that not only serve functional purposes but also change people's values and behaviour by laying out how things could be. By adopting a humble, and ethical approach to design, I aim to contribute to a more sustainable, equal and inclusive future, where diverse cultural perspectives are valued and integrated into our everyday lives. Design, when applied thoughtfully, has the power to transform our relationships and create a more harmonious and resilient world.

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