“When we achieve Self Transcendence we experience connection with significant others, to human beings in general, to other species, to nature, and to the cosmos.”
– Abraham Maslow
What is ZX?
Transcendent Experience (ZX) broadens the focus of UX design from the individual, momentary needs of a task, to the rich and meaningful contexts of belonging.
UX vs. ZX
UX often prioritizes one user in one moment in time. Upstream and downstream impact and critical human relationships can be left out making it more challenging for the user to connect with the world around them.
ZX prioritizes a holistic sense of interconnectedness, helping a user realize gratitude, reciprocation, purpose, and shared cause. This makes it much easier for the user to connect with the world around them.
Source and Inspiration
The Shakers exemplified both the principle and the courage to practice design in a manner that looked after the human experience of life on earth.
Within the rich material culture of the Shakers we see a carefully, and intentionally crafted user experience. The prevailing characteristic of that experience is warmth.
Like the comforting smile of someone we might describe as having a “warm” personality, the experience within a Shaker world is one of trust, support, reciprocation, and belonging.
What is Warmth?
Languages around the world refer to the principles of human connection collectively as “warmth.” Science, religion, and philosophy tell us that warmth is essential to the biological brain and spiritual heart alike.
The Shakers warmed user experience by prioritizing self transcendence and human connection. These same principles were later championed by psychologist Abraham Maslow and put into practice by Fred “Mr. Rogers.”
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ZX Workshop May, 2025
Join us at Esalen in Big Sur, CA!
Our first independent ZX event will be at Esalen, a stunning, radical, and inspirational backdrop for learning about and developing a new design philosophy.
Get Involved
Join an upcoming event and help bring the Shaker’s important principles of warmth to the modern practice of design.
May 2025, Big Sur, CA
Join our first independent ZX event at Esalen to learn about, and help chart the course for ZX.
April 2026
ZX26 will bring together experts in Design and Shaker culture at the stunning Hancock Shaker Village.
May 2025
Lecture on Designing Warmth at California Institute of the Arts, San Francisco, CA. w/Hugh Dubberly
February 2025
Lecture on Designing Warmth for Rosenfeld Community, Rosenfeld Media, w/ Louis Rosenfeld
March 2024
Lecture at Prototyping Utopia Residency, Parsons School of Design, w/ Killeen Hanson
May 2024