How Might We Empower Society To Move Rapidly Towards A Cleaner Future? With Constantin Schwaab, Wirelane CEO & Franz Blach, IDEO Alum
Jan 4, 2022
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Design thinking in achieving a circular economy, decentralized energy, challenges in driving adoption of new technologies, transformation of mobility, individual responsibility, and urgency for a cleaner future.
Optimizing personal behavior and reducing consumption is key to achieving a circular economy and addressing environmental issues.
Design thinking provides answers and solutions to multifaceted challenges by asking big questions and thinking beyond conventional approaches.
The transition towards decentralized energy, coupled with digitization, offers the potential for a more efficient and optimized energy system.
Deep dives
Personal Behavior and Consumption Reduction
One of the main ideas discussed in the podcast is the importance of optimizing personal behavior and reducing consumption. The speaker emphasizes that reducing consumption is key to achieving a circular economy and addressing environmental issues. This includes actions like separating trash, using sustainable transportation alternatives, and being mindful of our purchasing habits. The goal is to shift away from the constant desire for tangible goods and instead prioritize sustainable choices and a more minimalist lifestyle.
Design Thinking for Problem Solving
Another main point in the podcast is the power of design thinking in solving complex problems. The speakers believe that design thinking can provide answers and solutions to the multifaceted challenges we face today. They highlight the need to ask big questions and think beyond conventional approaches. Design thinking is described as a way to create transformative teams, develop breakthrough brands and products, and work towards climate-era ways of operating.
Decentralized Energy and Digitization
The podcast delves into the transition towards decentralized energy and the role of digitization in enabling this shift. They discuss the importance of integrating fluctuating energy assets, like solar power, with a digital layer to effectively manage consumption. The speakers highlight the potential for a more efficient and optimized energy system through the convergence of technologies. They see decentralized and digitized energy assets as the future, as they offer greater efficiency compared to centralized systems.
Challenges Faced by the Automotive Industry
One topic covered in the podcast is the challenges faced by the automotive industry, particularly in relation to electromobility and autonomous driving. The speakers emphasize the need for automotive companies to navigate these changes and negotiate with stakeholders to adapt to new standards and technologies. The transition to electromobility requires phasing out combustion engines, while autonomous driving presents the need for a complex machine that requires significant technological advancements. The industry is urged to prioritize long-term goals and embrace design to drive greater adoption and acceleration in these areas.
The Role of Design in Organizational Change
The role of design in driving organizational change is also discussed in the podcast. Design is highlighted as a tool for creating inclusive, purpose-led, and customer-centric organizations. It is viewed as a way to simplify complexity, anticipate human behaviors, and design solutions that are simple and delightful. The importance of aligning values, embracing customer-centricity, and designing the entire organization around them is emphasized. Design is seen as playing a crucial role in redesigning systems, policies, and strategies to thrive in the climate era and create a more circular and inclusive economy.