Design Think

Conceptual impressions surrounding this post are yet to be substantiated, corroborated, confirmed or woven into a larger argument, context or network.

In reference to human consciousness, what we know determines how we think, how we feel and how we respond in a three-dimensional space/time (universe) where the holographic imaginings of duality dominate our perception of the world. Decisions and choices are based upon belief systems, observations and events we experience within the constraints of this dimension by virtue of the situations and circumstances we perceive as being real. We typically respond to these symbolic situations with a desire to challenge the unknown by means of knowing.

Our perceptions appear to be proportional to what we think we know and how we think we feel about what we think we know. Space/time merely creates the context. Design brings a meaning and a purpose to every situation. One aspect of knowing appears to be theoretical and intuitive in nature while the other seems to be quite practical or intellectual. 

Knowing could be described as the result of the relationship between the intellect and the intuition, with the intellect appearing to be more pragmatic while the intuition describes a more empathic kind of knowing. Design thinking represents and is an exercise in, the process that embodies this relationship through symbolic and holographic means.

However little is known or mentioned about the precursor to design thinking and a designed consciousness. This position is based upon the Taoist concept of Wu Wei.

"The message of Wu Wei is to develop exactly such a state of flow and to do it by developing deeper states of inner awareness. The easiest way to invoke a state of flow, therefore, is to go within, attune with your inner being and the intended task, then come out into the world of action and carry out your intuitive guidance every step of the way until the task is completed. In a state of flow, the action is guided from within and the doer virtually vanishes into the deed. The key to creating the desired state of flow is that, because your inner being is fully attuned with the universe, you can then act in a manner, which is perfectly aligned with all other circumstances related to your work. This is how synchronicity happens and coincidences become commonplace in your life. People, ideas and materials all come together at the exact right time and in the right place because flow is an orchestration of the many, not just the one. You can be the main person conducting the work, but the universe responds to your inner connection and brings to you everything that you need with effortless coincidence. The message of Wu Wei is that there is a time and a place for everything to come together for effortless achievement. By intending a goal and connecting with your inner being, you start the creation of that perfect time and place by attracting all the resources you need to achieve the goal. Then, by acting exactly when the energy feels right, you express the flow of ideas and energy, which pours forth from your inner being. Achievement becomes effortless, and the realm of being has become manifest in the world of action. You will have achieved success by alignment with the realm of not doing."

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 Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi 

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Ideas are preconceived imaginings focused about a central concept.

The imagination functions within the realm of the subconscious, a virtual world that symbolically separates 3d space/time from the unconscious. The subconscious is an invisible field (realm) that harbors the symbolic language of the quantum by virtue of design.

The dynamic field established between the mind and heart gives rise to an intuitive “feeling”. A magnetism that surrounds our concepts and brings unity to our ideas. Design is the process by which we shape light, energy and information into their most appropriate configurations.

Our reality is just one shard in a crystal field that refracts and reflects light from an unknown source.

Design allows us to take the position of an active observer and participator in a heart felt phenomenon that cannot be fully explained physically, mentally or emotionally. The concept of the intuition harbors the ability to approach what is beyond comprehension and understanding. The existence of every unknown source can be discovered and found to be both meaningful and purposeful by means of an imaginative design and the desire (energy-in-motion/e-motion) to make it so.  

The intuition in conjunction with design and the imagination allows us to theorize about what exists beyond the objective and material world, i.e. the unknown. Every intuitive urge is patterned about a unique configuration of design units/elements generated by an all-inclusive universe. These arrangements, i.e. patterns, create a fleeting position within the context of this field of virtual energy. All phenomena are patterned about a reality surrounding the current moment and before future waves of interference bring on further reformation.  

The desire to know and to feel is intrinsically linked with the desire to create. The process of knowing by means of feeling and feeling by virtue of knowing is merely one aspect of design thinking.

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"The Buddha referred to awareness as a process. For example, when we hear music our awareness is not separate from the music. The music becomes an object only when we separate ourselves from the music we hear."
Joan Price, The life & Teaching of the Buddha, The Quest, Spring, 1995.

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"To believe is to accept another's truth.

To know is your own creation."

Anonymous

Edited: 10.16.2014, 10.20.2014, 05.12.2015, 04.11.2016, 01.11.2017, 01.19.2018, 02.24.2020, 06.24.2022, 02.25.2023, 03.25.2023, 06.10.2023, 02.07.2025
Find your truth. Know your mind. Follow your heart. Love eternal will not be denied. Discernment is an integral part of self-mastery. You may share this post as long as author, copyright and URL https://designmetaphysics.blogspot.com/ is included as the resource and shared on a non-commercial no charge basis. Please note … posts are continually being edited over time. Copyright © 2022 C.G. Garant. All Rights Reserved. (Fair use notice) AI usage is prohibited. You are also invited to visit https://designconsciousness.blogspot.com/  and https://sagariandesignnetwork.blogspot.com. 

  

Design Consciousness, Kansei and the Tao part 2

2. Method

Now is the time we need to re-examine our understanding and definition of the term "design". The origin of the word stems from the Latin meaning "to mark or mark out", which infers that design relates to the process of making signs and/or symbols. As we know, a design may also be described in the form of an artifact, which is the end result of a series of symbolic gestures, actions and imaginings. But for the most part, the act of designing relates to the active creation and recognition of signs and symbols. The conclusion to those activities results in what we perceive as form. The design process has the capacity to empower its creator through symbolic means and if properly directed, afford the opportunity to know self. Design is the expression of a primordial force that has fashioned for itself a special union with the Tao.

Nature does not act in a linear fashion. Likewise, the human capacity to perceive the world is fundamentally holistic in character. " — our organisms have ways of intelligent understanding beyond words and conscious attention, ways that can handle an unknown number of variables at the same time — "[4]. Because of its symbolic and dynamic nature, design has the capacity to bring to fruition many subjective impressions. Symbols create the foundation for ways of thinking, feeling and perceiving the world. In addition, the structure inherent in every symbolic system dictates the way in which these symbols, i.e. designs, are described and understood.

Design supports non-linearity as it is expressed in nature. Design supports pattern recognition and a holistic interpretation and understanding of worldly events. Design also has the capacity to include and entertain an incalculable number of variables within each and every situation one may encounter; the success of which is dependent upon how many variables can be construed, included and perceived within the constraints of the individual experiencing the situation. Design and design thinking has the capacity to take into account a wide range of variables that together bring relative form to the formless. Design encourages non-linear thinking. Design’s capacity to see-hidden relationships and far-reaching connections between events allows us to give substance to our reality. In this manner symbols work in conjunction with the Tao, gently leading each of us towards our own designation.

It is not easy to distinguish between variables, they are inherently fuzzy elements that when scrutinized support both a Taoist and quantum concept of wholeness. Where one variable stops and another begins is a matter for discussion, and as in most circumstances is determined by the symbolic system, i.e. language, culture, etc. used to interpret it. The truth of the matter is, in reality everything is quite arbitrary. What is important is how we experience each reality and how in turn it contributes towards a growth of consciousness.

In essence, all that we could ever experience, i.e. all thoughts, feelings, forms, dreams, emotions, impressions, images, appear before consciousness in their simplest form as signs. When perceived symbolically these impressions become connected to other signs/symbols, with each possessing their own distinct meaning. [5] This is fundamental to what could be described as "design thinking", which takes the position, and clearly alludes to the fact that, all things are connected. Design reveals the energies that both create life and sustain it, along with the realization that change is an integral part of the universal dynamic. Design thinking brings to life these realizations both in a subjective and objective fashion.

Design both encompasses and precedes the origin of its own definition and interpretation. Design, like the Tao, is inherently paradoxical. Design is a universal process and symbolic system used to give form and recognition to the imaginings emerging from a Mysterious origin or origins. The yin and the yang (Kansei/Chisei) symbolically describe these two qualities found in the universe and are an integral part of the Tao of Design. [6]

If we go forward and apply the Taoist classifications of yin and yang we need also to consider the dualistic characteristics exhibited by a sign and a symbol. Essentially each symbol has both a meaning and a purpose. Relatively speaking, purpose can be compared to the qualities described as the yang force. When referencing design, purpose should be considered to be primarily mental in quality and referenced to Chisei. Whereas meaning (yin) should be considered to be emotional in character in reference to Kansei. Purpose is relative to the mind, and meaning relates to our emotions. When placed in conjunction with each other they allow for, create and give precedence to movement and change. In design change is one of perspective and symbolic interpretation brought to realization through the relationship between the qualities of the mind and the emotions, i.e. purpose and meaning, Chisei and Kansei.

"Change is not meaningless — if it were, there could be no knowledge of it — but subject to the universal law, Tao" [7]. R. Wilhelm

Opinions, forms, beliefs, feelings, facts, emotions, knowledge and reality are in constant flux, as situations we encounter in time often change in reference to earlier interpretations. It is here where we begin to experience the power of both the seen and the unseen forces of nature brought into play. Design’s symbolic nature and dynamic capacity to create associations, supports the Taoist viewpoint that everything is symbolic. Everything has meaning. Everything has purpose.

The Hindu have a wonderful term to describe the relationship between our thoughts and our emotions called "Kama Manas". Kama Manas describes the fact that all thought has an emotion and every emotion a thought. This cohesive partnership is inherent to the way humanity perceives the world. It is inescapable and fundamental to understanding design’s impact upon consciousness, the human spirit and how we fit into the cosmic order.

Design Consciousness, Kansei and the Tao part 3

 

3. Results and Discussions

There are five laws that govern design thinking. These laws are based upon the principle that reality should be described and perceived as a series of design (symbolic) events, situations and experiences we encounter both in our waking and sleeping states. The five laws that govern design thinking are:

First, the fact that everything has two opposing aspects present in every situation; forces that basically struggle with and attempt to control the other. Purpose (Chisei) has a meaning and meaning (Kansei) also has a purpose. A situation may be very meaningful in a purposeful way and visa versa, yet each can appear to want to overcome the other for its own purposes. Human mind is in constant struggle with the emotions, especially when we know that the right thing to do is in conflict with what we also know is true in our hearts. It is a struggle inherent to every situation.

Second, the fact that meaning and purpose can help define each other and in essence, cannot actually exist without the other. Meaning (Kansei) has no meaning if there is no purpose (Chisei), nor does purpose have a purpose without meaning. Each aspect is dependent upon the other for its own identity. When contemplating upon these observations it becomes more and more apparent just how active and energetic the design process is as it perpetuates change and revitalizes our concept of reality with each and every relationship and situation we encounter. The human mind cannot function without an emotional counterpart qualifying our each and every thought.

Third, both meaning and purpose will often nurture and nourish the other. For example, the meaning (Kansei) in support of a particular purpose (Chisei) can bring great support to its struggle. Meaning and purpose give of each other in order to nourish each other. The mind feeds our emotions, while our emotions constantly offer food for thought.

Fourth, both meaning and purpose can transform and become the other. Over time we may begin to better recognize this kinship as mind follows the flow of thought making its transition between the realities of meaning and purpose. All of a sudden what was once meaningful now becomes purposeful and what once had purpose now has meaning. Our emotions (Kansei) can often lead us into some very thoughtful pursuits, as well as the mind (Chisei) bringing to our awareness some very meaningful emotions. Through design and its symbolic influences, meaning and purpose can often become the other.

The fifth point illustrates that there is a little meaning in every purpose and a little purpose in every meaning. This relationship is symbolically demonstrated in each and every form. Meaning and purpose can be subdivided ad infinitum into every form seen or unseen that constitutes the universe. Humanly speaking our mind (Chisei), in conjunction with our emotions (Kansei) has the capacity to create forms and situations that are limited only by the constraints we impose upon our imagination.

What we actually create for ourselves are designed "situations" [7]. Specifically, we respond to each experience with our most appropriate thoughts and emotions packaged into symbolic forms or symbolic responses that best accommodate the situation at hand. As designers we are symbol makers in our own right. Together and in response to the energies expressed in the Tao, we each to bring into manifestation our own concept of reality.

Design is also concerned with maintaining a balance between the qualities of meaning (Kansei) and purpose (Chisei) in the situations we encounter. Life’s forces move naturally towards balance and are based upon the dynamic relationships created between yin and yang. Design too is always adjusting to the shifting flow of the Tao by describing the process through symbolic means, which appear as events that emerge before our consciousness as change.

"The true human holds the power of creation, the poetry of yin and yang, the talisman of life and death and the amulet which holds the essence of life"[8].
Lui I Ming

The Co Existence of Opposites and the True Observer

Conceptual impressions surrounding this post are yet to be substantiated, corroborated, confirmed or woven into a larger argument or network.

The duality of meaning and purpose give structure to the concept of wholeness. Design is symbolic of an interpenetrating singularity where meaning and purpose appear as result of a simple point of view. Nature does not judge. That which exists just is. Typically it is our mind and our emotions that get in the way.

In order to truly observe and understand and phenomenon we must be able to consciously integrate what we observe by learning to transcend the illusion created by the notion of duality. The concepts of meaning and purpose contribute to a form of paradox that declares all phenomenon to be both dualistic in quality yet singular in context. Meaning and purpose categorize and thereby qualify the concept of design. Such qualifications are based upon a subjective, i.e. e-motional, interpretation presented in a symbolic way. Energy presented within the context of a duality describes design as being both mental and emotional in character. Without question the context in which design is considered and/or made apparent is achieved by how we symbolically and metaphorically interpret and in turn respond to the world.

All awareness presents itself symbolically. Design consciousness allows us to make note of the differences. Design affords the opportunity to sense and measure the context, i.e. matrix, that contributes to its substantiation. This situation hints at an important aspect concerning design. Differences demonstrated between how we think and feel about an event or experience provides us the opportunity to expand beyond the boundaries of our own consciousness. By minimizing our willingness to judge we are able to share our awareness without attachment. We expand in consciousness by means of perception and observation, i.e. awareness, of the world. Throughout the design process we learn more and more about what it takes to become a true observer. The design process is symbolic in nature. The process can only be realized by design. Design brings reality to Life.

(Photo J. Vourlis)

Edited: 11.29.2013, 01.30.2017, 01.24.2021

Find your truth. Know your mind. Follow your heart. Love eternal will not be denied. Discernment is an integral part of self-mastery. You may share this post as long as author, copyright and URL https://designconsciousness.blogspot.com/ is included as the resource and shared on a non-commercial no charge basis. Please note … posts are continually being edited over time. Copyright © 2006 -2020 C.G. Garant. All Rights Reserved. (Fair use notice) You are also invited to visit https://designmetaphysics.blogspot.com/, and https://sagariandesignnetwork.blogspot.com and https://www.pinterest.com