“Knowledge is power.”

Francis Bacon coined this sizzling term in the 16th century, sparking the rise of the scientific method.

Nowadays, we might say, “information is power.” In design, this is especially true when discussing project rules and norms. These rules shape our collaboration, defining participation and knowledge sharing.

Rules can be straightforward, like how long a co-design session lasts, or subtle, like expected behaviour during critiques. They also cover language, jargon, and participation modes (in-person, video, etc.)

Many rules guide our work, though not all are obvious. Designers often create workshops that suit their preferences. Some love small, unstructured, in-person sessions, while others prefer larger, structured gatherings. These choices influence the project’s direction and stakeholder engagement.

If you set the rules, remember to dial up the empathy to others’ experiences. The gift of self and other awareness allows you to adapt rules to meet different needs. You can’t satisfy everyone, but being mindful makes a big difference. Asking key questions about rules from the start can reveal how inclusive and effective our processes are. From there, anything is possible.

You’ve got this.

Love,

PS. Next week we'll start a new series all about boundaries...

If you like this, please share it.

If you believe in our work and think we can support people in your network, please forward this newsletter on.

PO Box 455
Ashburton, 3147
Unsubscribe · Preferences

Read more from This Human by Melis Senova

🔨 The hard truth about soft skills 🧁

"These skills are not the icing on the cake. They are the cake." We call them soft skills, but they’re anything but soft. These are the human skills; the ones that help us listen deeply, navigate tension, build trust, and get things done with style and grace. In this week’s article, we explore why it’s time to stop treating these skills as optional. In a world of AI, rapid change, and rising complexity, human skills are what truly set us apart. Empathy, communication, adaptability; these...

4 days ago • 1 min read

💓 Here's the kicker about your ticker...

"We cannot lead what we are disconnected from. And we cannot connect unless we slow down enough to feel." We often treat leadership as a cerebral exercise: charts, KPIs, strategy decks. But what if our most profound insights come not from our heads, but from our hearts? This week's article invites us to reconnect with the heart, not just as a metaphor, but as a genuine organ of perception. True leadership arises from attunement, presence, and embodied awareness. When we slow down and listen...

15 days ago • 1 min read

🌏 Want a whole scoop of wholeness in your leadership diet?

"Leadership-real leadership- is not a performance of perfection. It is a practice of wholeness." We’re often taught to aim for perfection; to get it right, to hold it all together, to lead without cracks. But what if that’s not what’s needed? This week's article continues an open invitation to lead differently through the lens of nature. Nature doesn’t strive for flawlessness; it works with what’s real, messy, and alive. And so can we. True leadership isn’t about polish, it’s about presence....

about 1 month ago • 1 min read