ABOUT NATURE X DESIGN
Nature X Design is a Pro Bono initiative of TEALEAVES with the mission of exploring environmental and social issues. As a collective, we are seeking to solve intractable problems through the lens of design principles.
In designing the perfect environment for connection and reflection in this virtual time, we draw inspiration from our roots: the philosophy and ritual of sharing a humble cup of tea. As a natural vessel designed for connection and learning, not only does tea have a deeply rooted history of bringing people together, it intentionally cultivates a moment of pause and mindfulness.
This metaphor is imbued in our stories, films, and explorations. Our intention is to create a community that replicates this feeling of openness, reflection, and sharing of one's time and one's passions in pursuit of a brighter future for people and the planet.
Much like tea blending is an art in which the final cup is an expression greater than the sum of its parts, the impact we can have together far outweighs that of a lone actor.
"It is incredible to think that a cup of tea serves as a crux of these most fundamental issues of our time."
Part I: Nature
OUR PURPOSE
The art of tea blending is a carefully honed craft of designing palate to share a story.
As a parallel, Nature X Design is similarly propelled to share stories of great importance to our future wellbeing and that of the planet. With issues spanning the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we uphold the perspectives of a diverse cast of academics, activists, conservationists, and practitioners.
We are building a global movement for Biodiversity Design.
Meet the signatories, sign the pledge, and learn more about Biodiversity Design.
Part II: Design
OUR APPROACH: GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
We are proud to share the outcomes of our explorations through the lens of design principles and in doing so pay tribute to our dear friend, August de los Reyes. As a pioneer of inclusive design, his legacy of impactful methodologies challenges the use of design for substantive change.
In envisioning the future of design, de los Reyes saw a trajectory of three essential intertwined and independent principles: Inclusive Design, Sustainable Design, and Equitable Design. In wholehearted agreement, we have shaped the exploration of our work to mirror this path. We encourage you to learn more below:
Inclusive Design
Inclusive Design is about ensuring that a design works well for as many people as possible, especially excluded communities.
Sustainable Design
Sustainable Design is about the durability of an idea. A design that will endure and serve multiple generations of people, while also minimizing any harm on the ecosystems that sustain life.
Equitable Design
Equitable Design is about understanding historical iniquities as a way to rebuild systems that ensure social justice.
NATURE X DESIGN TEAM
Managing Editor — Madeline Macdonald
Art Director — Nathalie Attallah
Graphic Designer — Joyce Aquino
Filmmakers — Nathalie Attallah, Carly Williams
Podcast Editor — Carly Williams
Program Manager — Madeline Macdonald
Staff Writers — Christina Black, Shylean Jarraha, Kate Morsink, Carly Williams
Strategic Oversight — Ezgi Emiroglu
DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
UX Team — Eldrin Banares, Jenn Liv, Kiana Romeo, Aghavni Vardanyan
Illustration — Jenn Liv
Design Strategy — Joyce Aquino, Nathalie Attallah, Madeline Macdonald
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Nature X Design and TEALEAVES are located on the unceded ancestral lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
