Hi Chuck

While a common message is that we need to make more effort to get off
this unsustainable path, what I was actually trying to suggest was using
the natural 'avoidance of effort', (taking paths of least effort), to
our advantage, by making the unsustainable path require more effort to
stay on than to get off.

Maybe it is a bad exaggerated analogy, but if for example we stopped the
manufacture of cigarettes completely, the 'die hards':) would have to
make their own.

Regards

Kev

Dr. Kev Hilton
Head of Research
The Centre for Design Research
School of Design
City Campus East
Northumbria University
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 8ST
UK

0191 243 7340
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http://northumbria.ac.uk/experts/kevinhilton


-----Original Message-----
From: PhD-Design - This list is for discussion of PhD studies and
related research in Design [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Charles Burnette
Sent: 30 September 2009 15:52
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Social networks feedback

On Sep 30, 2009, at 3:14 AM, Kevin Hilton wrote:

> So should the argument be to increase the effort required to  
> continue on
> this unsustainable path? This would suggest new policies and
> regulations, but they all take time to agree. Time we don't have.
>
> So maybe we need to develop and reinforce social embarrassment within
> the networks as immediate feedback of what is unacceptable.

Kev: I think you meant to say  "increase the effort to get off this  
unsustainable path."
By all means, both as individuals and by influencing social groups.  
While social embarrassment (and local laws) have reduced the number of  
smokers, it doesn't seem to work in many other circumstances. However,  
when the message is clear enough people do change their behavior to  
act for the greater good (Seat belts, handicapped accessibility,  
etc).  Often this is due to promoting the benefits and rewards for  
doing so until a tipping point is reached. Many utilities, for example  
are now leaving the US Chamber of Commerce, because of its denial of  
climate change.  This should encourage other companies to question  
their position. Energy efficient building is now accepted by most  
clients as the way to go. etc. Good things do happen through personal  
initiatives, good leaders (Obama, etc) and changes in economic and  
social values. We just need to be vigorous in our efforts to improve  
the quality of life in whatever ways we can. Often this means going  
against the flow.

Chuck