Tool #2: Mapping needs, ambitions, desires and values

Once some of the mechanisms become apparent that put current role models and key figures in place (see Tool#1 in this section), it is easier to look for role models that are closer to the modes of being, acting and designing we personally value. Moreover, it becomes possible to orientate one’s practice around mechanisms, values and ways of doing that prefigure the society one desires.

In order to determine where to take one’s practice, creating a diagram of needs, ambitions, desires and values can constitute a practical tool for navigation.

To start sketching an operative diagram – ideally in conversation with people one cares for and about – the following questions can be useful:

a) What are my urgent needs?
b) What are my long-term needs?
c) What are my short-term ambitions?
d) What are my long-term ambitions?
e) What are my desires in terms of living a good life? In the short-term? In the long-term?
f) Where do these needs, ambitions and desires come from?
g) What would be the effects of fulfilling my needs, ambitions and desires – for myself, the people I care about, my peers and the world more generally?
h) How do my needs, ambitions and desires connect to the bigger picture of where the world is going?
i) What is it that I value? In social relations, in modalities of working and living, in design output?
j) How could I imagine to build my practice around, with and through these values? What apparent and hidden interdependencies could I mobilise?
k) Where would I trace my ultimate choices in terms of modes of working, people to work with, outputs to produce, social relations, choice of place to live , work-life balance?

Last edit: 16.06.2014