Strategy
Powers of Ten
Explore design across scales, from atoms to global systems. Inspired by the Eames film "Powers of Ten," zoom in and out to reveal systemic implications and impacts at micro and macro levels.
Duration
30 mins
Group Size
4-8
Category
Strategy
Difficulty
Easy
Participants will understand design impacts across multiple scales. They will identify systemic implications and consider unintended consequences at different levels. The goal is to think beyond immediate user interaction.
Participants will apply the "Powers of Ten" concept. They will practice zooming in and out on a design. They will gain an understanding of multiple perspectives and scales.
This exercise, inspired by the Eames film "Powers of Ten," reveals unintended consequences at different scales. It often exposes environmental, social, or economic impacts teams hadn't considered. Don't skip the "zoom in" - the atomic level reveals crucial material and energy implications. This works well for sustainability considerations, social impact assessments, and system design. Push teams beyond comfortable scales; global and atomic levels are often neglected. Not all impacts will be negative; teams may discover positive externalities. You can focus on specific dimensions like environmental, social, economic, or technical aspects. It's best used mid-design when changes are still feasible. Sometimes, teams struggle with the atomic scale. Be prepared to offer examples or guide the discussion.
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