In a May article in Psychedelics Today, Alexandra Plesner and Floris Wolswijk explore how psychedelics are influencing modern design. Psychedelics and creativity have a long-standing connection, with many visionary figures such as Aldous Huxley, Yoko Ono, and Steve Jobs attributing their innovative work to psychedelic experiences. While the impact of psychedelics on art is well-documented, their influence on design remains largely unexplored. In 2024, designers are increasingly using psychedelics to foster unconventional problem-solving, inspire new empathic design systems, and create designs that reconnect people with each other and the planet…
Beyond enhancing individual creativity, psychedelics can inspire life-centric design, where designers create products and systems that are innovative, beautiful, and good for the planet. Psychedelic experiences often evoke a profound sense of unity and interconnectedness with nature, encouraging designers to use earth-friendly methods and prioritize nature in their work. This shift from human-centered to life-centered design holds promise for addressing complex global issues and creating harmonious, sustainable solutions that resonate with the interconnectedness of all life.
