The Nature Centered Design (NCD) Library is an open-source guide and collection of resources to support curious explorers who want to practice expanding their worldview of creativity and problem-solving to include all living things in our known universe.

Designed by ArborRevolutions

• Navigate by Table of Contents

<aside> 🌿 FAQs

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• Who is this Library for?
• Who and what is ArborRevolutions?
• Where should I start?

<aside> 🌲 Top Resources

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• Biomimicry Institute
• AskNature.org
• Nature's Perfect Design (Medium)
• What Happens When We Reconnect With Nature (Greater Good Magazine)
• Introduction to Design Thinking (Stanford's D.School)
• Mastering Design Thinking (MIT)

<aside> 🍏 Support ArborRevolutions & the NCD Community

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• Donate to the Biomimicry Institute or an environmental or science organization that's close to your heart. Some of our favorites include:
  • The Audubon Society
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • The World Wildlife Fund
• Hire ArborRevolutions directly to lead you through the NCD Cycle.

NCD Guide

This field guide to Nature Centered Design is the core of the NCD library – crafted from years of experience, education, and guidance in the many aspects of the Nature Centered Design cycle.

This guide is a gift to those looking to explore the abundant creativity that nature has to offer and awakens in each of us.

We hope you enjoy it!

Nature Centered Design, an Introduction

A. Hello, and welcome!

Welcome [NCD Guide]

B. Land Acknowledgement

A Land Acknowledgement is a traditional practice of respect and honor dedicated to recognizing the original and rightful land rights of indigenous people. This is a grounding ritual of ArborRevolutions, acknowledging the stolen land on which we reside as well as valuing the Earth from which all life grows. Click below to read the Land Acknowledgment section of the NCD Guide.

Land Acknowledgement [NCD Guide]

C. Nature Centered Design (NCD)

In this section we will explain the concept of Nature Centered Design, it's alignment to the Design Thinking process, and what makes it so important to use today. Click below to read the Nature Centered Design section of the NCD Guide.

Nature Centered Design [NCD Guide]

D. NCD Mindsets

Before you jump into the NCD cycle, there is preparation to be done. In this section, we will highlight common and important mindsets for us to be aware of and utilize throughout the NCD process, as well as how to frame your challenge using a "How Might We" statement. Click below to read the NCD Mindsets section of the NCD Guide.

Mindsets [NCD Guide]

The NCD Cycle

Ground

Ground is where the NCD cycle begins, and it is a phase that we recommend revisiting often.

We begin by grounding our feet to the earth and becoming curious about the world around us.

Seed

Seed is focused on e exploring themes, patterns, and insights from what you noticed in the Ground phase.

Here we choose one idea to explore further and add nourishment.

Grow

Grow is the season of expansion. Notice what ideas or solutions have roots.

How might you apply what you’re learning and noticing to amplify ideas and solutions?

Harvest

Finally, we harvest. This is where we celebrate what we learned and created.

Harvest is also a time for reflection and release. However, it’s not an ending. Instead, we prepare to begin again.

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