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DesignWISE
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14 September 2026

DesignWISE is grounded in a critique of the linear brief-to-solution thinking that is widespread in design practice, namely the assumption that there is a straight path from brief to solution. The book's argument is that this thinking can stand in the way of deeper, regenerative change, because it rarely leaves room to understand the broader consequences of our choices and the complex systemic relations they are part of.
This book introduces DesignWISE as a holistic alternative - a circular decision-making tool grounded in design thinking, systemic leadership, and indigenous wisdom traditions. Rather than moving linearly from step to step, DesignWISE invites designers, leaders, and teams into a cycle of reflection, evaluation, and renewal.
Its underlying premise is that meaningful change begins from within, in the coupling between inner intention and outer action. By cultivating presence and curiosity, we can unlock new sources of insight and move beyond conventional design approaches.
DesignWISE is both theory and method. It offers thinking models and conceptual frameworks for practicing planetary design thinking, as well as concrete tools for translating them into design decisions, whether working alone or in teams.
DesignWISE is for anyone seeking to design with greater wisdom, depth, and a heightened awareness of the planetary relations we are part of. For every design decision is, ultimately, a decision about the planet's future.
ARCHITECTURE / Sustainability & Green Design, Individual designers or design groups, ARCHITECTURE / Design, Drafting, Drawing & Presentation, ART / General, Design, Industrial and commercial arts, illustration, Disruptive innovation, Sustainability
Ida Engholm is a Professor of Design History and Theory at the Royal Danish Academy and author of several books, including the influential Design for the New World: From Human Design to Planet Design (Intellect Books, 2023).
Lotte Borg is an architect, design facilitator, and Senior Consultant at South Denmark Health Innovation.
Brian Frandsen is a strategic designer, design facilitator, and External Lecturer at the Royal Danish Academy.
Christina Funder is a rhetorician and Senior Lecturer at the Royal Danish Academy.
Henriette Melchiorsen is a designer and Senior Lecturer at the Royal Danish Academy.
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PREFACE
INTRODUCTION From Human to Planet
CHAPTER 1 A New Paradigm in Design and Design Thinking
CHAPTER 2 System Acupuncture and Planetary Dreams
CHAPTER 3 DesignWISE – How Do We Create to Regenerate?
NOTES