A Journey Through Creativity and Justice

Design is more than a craft; it’s an act of deep intuition and trust in our inner wisdom. It thrives on magic, radical listening, humility, and risk-taking. The sacred nature of design stems from its ability to channel creativity, which many believe comes from a divine source or a higher power, however you may define it. This creative process is rooted in a profound understanding of people, plants, and places.

Writers like Elizabeth Gilbert speak of their muses, and music producers like Rick Rubin refer to their Source. Since time immemorial, artists and creatives have connected their work to the divine, and designers should do the same. Design devoid of this sacred connection lacks an appreciation for life’s mystery and complexity. It misses out on relationships, conversations, and the small moments of connection.

To design for social impact, we must see beyond the surface and recognize the sacredness in every individual.

This means acknowledging the divine aspect of our humanity, despite our struggles and daily challenges. Designing for societal good requires us to look deeper, to find the soul and center in our work. People are inherently complex, with varied desires and frustrations. To truly see someone’s longing is to connect with their humanity. This is holy work, blending the fully human with a touch of the divine.

Curiosity, creativity, and strategy thrive in this sacred space.

Whether we’re aware of it or not, we are all magic, mystery, and wildness. Effective design confronts these elements head-on rather than shying away. To truly listen to others, we first need to understand our own inner voice. Without recognizing our own longing and knowing, we can’t empathize deeply with others. Design demands personal introspection and growth before we can effectively serve others.

Empathy for ourselves allows us to extend empathy to others. Trust in ourselves fosters trust in others. Self-love translates to love for others. Recognizing our own longings helps us hear them in others. Design is a blend of the divine and the mundane, requiring openness to experimentation, failure, and a balance of confidence and humility. Faith in humanity remains crucial, even when we face setbacks.

Designing often feels like conjuring magic—assembling various elements, creating connections, and forming meaningful patterns.

Sometimes this process leads to breakthroughs, and sometimes it illuminates what doesn’t work. Both outcomes are valuable and purposeful. Design should not be overly serious or prestigious; it needs room for messiness, mystical occurrences, and moments of profound meaning. It should embrace the full spectrum of human experience, including emotions and movement.

In addressing complex social issues, we must move beyond traditional practices that have marginalized voices and perspectives. Social design should integrate physical, spiritual, and mental practices—curiosity, creativity, and strategy.

At its core, social design is about justice.

Without a commitment to justice, the process of social design loses its direction and impact. Designers, activists, social workers, and ecologists are united in their dedication to creating a just world, aware that systemic change often takes decades. Justice involves being in right relationship with the Creator (or higher power), ourselves, our neighbors, and the land.

By “neighbor,” I mean anyone affected by or impacting our actions. This includes everyone from migrant farmers in California to factory laborers in Bangladesh. Our daily choices—from the clothes we wear to the food we eat—interconnect us with others. Justice means being in right relationship with people, places, plants, and the Creator.

Those of us in the social sector dedicate our lives to justice. Some work on the frontlines of activism and crisis response, others support frontline workers with resources, and some fund projects at higher levels. Each of us has unique skills and strengths to contribute, but our common goal is justice. This work requires a community and should not be undertaken alone. It’s challenging, often exposing us to trauma and burnout. Knowing the signs of trauma and practicing self-care and community care is essential.

As Parker Palmer wisely notes, “We need not carry the whole load but can share it with others, liberating us and empowering them… The great community asks us to do only what we are able and trust the rest to other hands.” This emphasizes that justice involves maintaining a healthy relationship with ourselves.

Design is both divine and deeply human.

It intertwines magic and mystery with empathy and strategy. By embracing this holistic approach, we can create designs that are not only functional but also profoundly just and meaningful.