M.A. Design Management students from Macromedia University Munich were asked to support Dr. Martin Jansen from Senckenberg Naturmuseum Frankfurt with ideas and tools to address an urgent ecological crisis.
In 2015, Bolivia ranked among the 10 countries with the greatest loss of primary forest, particularly in the eastern lowland Chiquitano region, where forests were shrinking at an alarming rate. This region, rich in diverse habitats, fauna, and flora, still harbors many species likely unknown to science. In 2009, the Senckenberg Research Institute had founded the Centro de Investigaciones Ecológicas Chiquitos (CIEC) on the “San Sebastián” farm and private reserve. Since then, the station had been frequently used for biodiversity research and capacity building, including the installation of camera traps and a citizen science project led by Martin Jansen to analyze wildlife footage—allowing the public to observe jaguars and other species via WildLIVE!
By 2019 and 2020, deforestation in the Chiquitano dry forests had increased substantially, causing dramatic habitat loss. The students’ challenge was to help prevent further destruction and contribute to a new vision for the region, fostering stronger connections between people and nature, and raising awareness of the value of local wilderness for the surrounding communities.
Project Outcome
The student project explored human-induced biodiversity loss in the eastern lowlands of the Chiquitano region in Bolivia. There, forests were severely threatened by the continuous expansion of the livestock industry, leading to large-scale deforestation and the consequent loss of habitat for jaguars and many other species. The students applied a combined approach of life-centred design and design thinking to communicate knowledge in ways that could be understood cognitively, as well as experienced individually and socially. Their aim was to identify opportunities for creating lasting resonance with local communities and inspiring them to take action.
Project title as created by the participating students. Involved students from the Master’s programme M.A. Design Management at Macromedia University of Applied Sciences: Dana Johnston, Avanti Dhobale, Oliver Fleck, Kristina Schmid, Vincenz Vorderwülbecke.
Methodology:
The life-centred design methodology builds on human-centred design, a problem-solving approach commonly used in design and management to develop solutions that prioritise the human perspective at every stage. While human-centred design balances human desirability with business viability and technical feasibility, life-centred design expands the focus to include environmental, social, and sustainable economic considerations.
A life-centred design methodology addresses the impact of design on both society and the planet.
The double-diamond design method with its four phases, combining both divergent and convergent information processing modes.
The overarching framework of the life-centred design methodology uses the double-diamond method with its distinctive creative process consisting of four key phases: discover, define, develop and deliver. The method is based on J.P. Gilford’s seminal work on creativity and its two information processing modes, divergent and convergent thinking (Guilford, 1950). Divergent thinking refers to the human ability to solve a problem by exploring multiple, diverse directions and new procedures. In contrast, convergent thinking is usually described as the ability to find only one correct answer, focusing on speed, logic and accuracy on the one hand, and the integration and synthesis of differing information and ideas on the other. Both ways of thinking are necessary for creativity and are part of the double-diamond method to tackle complex problems. ( Guilford, J.P. (1950). Creativity. American Psychologist, 1950, vol. 5, pp. 444—454)
Stakeholders and their key drivers
The government has its past in the region. Previous decisions show that, at least in part, power and profit determine its actions. Of course, the economic situation of the country must not be disregarded. So the government has good reasons to be interested in growth. The private sector also has an interest in financial growth. To achieve this goal as efficiently as possible To achieve this goal as efficiently as possible, the sector increasingly relies on low-cost labour, such as the local population. The local population is in contact with all other actors, and the main driver of the population is survival. Academic researchers strive to gain a deeper understanding of the local ecosystem through their research in the region. These findings can in turn be used for the protection of these ecosystems. The various NGOs and civil society organisations in the region also pursue similar goals. They, too, are committed to preserving the environment. But they are also increasingly providing social support. Since NGOs are usually heavily dependent on the values of their donors, it is naturally worthwhile for them to act in accordance with these values.
Solution Proposals
Using the life-centred design methodology, the students developed three proposals to address ongoing deforestation in Bolivia’s Chiquitano region. Their aim was to create strategies that include local voices and foster long-term awareness and commitment among all stakeholders.
The proposals include citizen science activities, a film competition and a student leadership programme. If implemented, these measures could foster inclusive, long-term and future oriented local community participation in Senckenberg’s biodiversity research and sustainability efforts in the region.
The complete project documentation is avalaible for download (PDF, 4 MB)
