Psychedelics Design Philosophy

Rooted in the ethos of exploration, connection, and transformation, a philosophy that seeks to integrate the principles of psychedelics—into design.

Philosophy encompasses a wide-ranging exploration of fundamental inquiries into existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Through various sub-disciplines like metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, logic, and aesthetics, philosophers engage in critical thinking, analysis, and argumentation to delve into complex concepts and uncover profound truths about the nature of reality, human existence, and the world—much like artists exploring their craft.

Design philosophy refers specifically to the principles, beliefs, and ideologies that guide the practice and approach of design. It encompasses the foundational frameworks and guiding principles that influence how designers conceptualize, create, and evaluate their work. Design philosophy shapes decisions regarding aesthetics, functionality, usability, sustainability, and ethical considerations.

The “Psychedelics Design” philosophy is rooted in the ethos of exploration, connection, and transformation, a philosophy that seeks to integrate the principles of psychedelics—such as expanded consciousness, heightened perception, and interconnectedness—into the design process.

We hypothesise that by integrating these principles into the design process, designers could be inspired to create solutions that foster deeper connections and positive change in the world. The design philosophy of psychedelics design advocates for a mindful and intentional approach to creativity

Overall, we will continue to iterate and evolve our philosophy based on ongoing reflection and feedback. We are open to new ideas and perspectives–get in touch!

The First Attempt at the 4 Principles of Psychedelic Design

Consciousness Expansion

Embracing a mindset of openness and exploration, designers strive to expand their consciousness and challenge conventional thinking patterns. Psychedelics are viewed as tools for unlocking new perspectives and fostering creativity.

Intuitive Connection

Designers aim to cultivate a deeper connection with their intuition and subconscious mind, tapping into the inspiration that lies within. Psychedelics are seen as catalysts for accessing subconscious insights and fostering a more intuitive design process.

Interconnectedness

Recognizing the interconnectedness of all things, designers seek to create designs that honour and reflect the unity of the natural world. Psychedelics inspire a sense of interconnectedness and empathy, guiding designers to create solutions that prioritize harmony and sustainability. 

Transformation and Growth

Designers embrace the transformative potential of psychedelic experiences, viewing them as opportunities for personal and creative growth. Psychedelics are seen as agents of change, catalyzing innovation and evolution.

Further Thoughts

We recognise this is a theory and we have to further refine and develop this design philosophy:

  1. Clarify Terminology

    What do we mean by "expanded consciousness," "intuitive connection," "interconnectedness," and "transformation."We are working on providing clear definitions that will ensure everyone involved in the design process understands the guiding principles.

  2. Research and Case Studies

    We are looking into existing design projects or movements that align with our philosophy. We analyze how they incorporate similar principles and what impact they have had. This can provide valuable insights and inspiration.

  3. Practical Application

    For example, how might designers cultivate expanded consciousness or foster interconnectedness through their work? Offering specific techniques or methodologies could help translate abstract concepts into actionable steps.

  4. Feedback and Collaboration

    We love to engage with other designers, creatives, and experts in related fields to gather feedback and refine this philosophy. We are hosting events, workshops, and discussion sessions plus have a podcast to exchange ideas and perspectives.

  5. Ethical Considerations

    It is very important to not forget the ethical implications of psychedelic-inspired design. How might these principles intersect with issues such as cultural appropriation, sustainability, or inclusivity? How can we address these considerations upfront?

  6. Education and Outreach

    We share our philosophy with a wider audience through writing, events, speaking engagements, the Substack newsletter, etc. By raising awareness and sparking dialogue, we hope to contribute to the broader conversation around the role of design and psychedelics in promoting positive change.