Joe Macleod: Endineering - Designing Ends

This episode was recorded at the end of 2023 just before we took a hiatus in publishing. It is as relevant now as it was then but you may find references to current events of 2023. Our apologies but we did have some sound issues which we weren’t able to rectify - it doesn’t alter the content but you will hear a few seeming glitches in the matrix :-)

Introduction:

In this episode of Being Liminal, we are joined by Joe Macleod, author of Ends and Endineering. Together, we delve into the fascinating and often overlooked world of designing for endings. Joe shares insights on how businesses and consumers can rethink their relationship with product lifecycles, focusing on creating meaningful and sustainable endings. From circularity to corporate responsibility, this conversation explores how endings can drive innovation, transform industries and connect across different levels of system thinking. We particularly like how the consideration of Ends challenges standard Business and Product Model operating systems.

Key Takeaways:

• The Art of Ending: Businesses are great at onboarding customers but often fail to design meaningful offboarding experiences, missing opportunities for loyalty and brand equity.

• Consumer Responsibility vs. Corporate Accountability: Joe highlights how companies subordinate the responsibility of product endings to consumers, creating challenges in recycling and waste management.

• Circularity and Innovation: Examples from companies like Patagonia and Fairphone illustrate the power of integrating sustainability and endings into design processes.

• Cultural Perspectives on Endings: Western consumerism’s disconnect from natural cycles contrasts with traditions in cultures like Japan, where endings are honored.

• Future of Leadership: Understanding the impact that not addressing Ends is having, systemically in our world critically challenges business and institutional leadership to collaborate at a systems level to address shared challenges like sustainability.

Guest Information:

Joe Macleod is the founder of AndEnd and a pioneer in the field of end-focused design. As the author of Ends and Endineering, Joe’s work challenges traditional views on consumption, encouraging businesses to think beyond product lifecycles. His expertise has influenced global brands and sparked important conversations on sustainability and responsibility in design.