Positive Sum Design: Design methods and strategies
ABSTRACT
The act of design determines what relationships are possible between stakeholders in a given context, and the rules within which those relationships function. Frequently, these “rules of the game” are based upon the assumption of zero- (win/lose) or negative-sum (lose/lose) outcomes. Positive Sum Design (PSD) critiques this notion of scarcity, embracing an orientation of abundance through methods that allow individuals, institutions, and societies to recognize and create new forms of value through cooperative strategies and pluralistic values. Achieving Positive Sum Design outcomes that reward collective benefit over maximizing individual self-interest relies on the ability to identify and transcend presumed constraints to develop novel and useful solutions, converting zero sum games into non-zero-sum ones through the use of critical frameworks.
Krishnaswami, L. A., Gonsher, I., Schmidt, R. & Rutter, W. (2024) “Positive Sum Design: Design methods and strategies” in larocchi , A (ed.). Applying Education in a Complex World. AMPS Proceedings Journal Series, Series 33 (2): 92-100. ISSN 2398-9467.