Invisible Threads: The Unseen Design of Human Interactions & Relationships

All human systems are inevitably designed, which I like to refer to as the “Invisible Threads”. When we consider design, we often visualize architects sketching plans or graphic designers crafting images. However, we're discussing a more expansive and profound concept here - the design of human interactions and relationships.

Imagine this: any time your actions can impact another person, that's a manifestation of design. It doesn't necessarily imply it's executed proficiently or with explicit intent, but it exists nonetheless. The norms and rules that direct our responses to each other's actions are integral to this design. Whether explicit or implicit, they mold our interactions. This concept broadens the conventional understanding of design to encompass the patterns we establish and hold to in our relationships.

In this context design carries significant weight. It implies a degree of intent and awareness in molding human systems, more so than a term like — evolved, would suggest. Human systems are distinct from ecological ones in that we, as participants in these systems, consciously make decisions that influence the system's overall structure and operation. We're not merely passive elements; we're active designers who can assess the results of our actions and adapt as needed.

It's vital to comprehend that a holistic approach to design doesn't equate to controlling every detail. Rather, it involves understanding how various elements interact and the potential cascading effects of our decisions. Holistic design is about recognizing and considering interconnections, similar to how we perceive interactions in nature. It's a mindset that acknowledges the complexity and interdependence of the components within a system.

What’s the key point here? Every human relationship, every interaction we engage in, is part of a wider design. We may not be crafting these designs with the exactness of an engineer, but our decisions and norms are indeed molding the human systems we inhabit. By accepting this concept, we can become more thoughtful designers, consciously molding our world for the better.