Warmth is a connecting principle.
Too often the human in Human-centered Design is really just this one user, just this one time. As a result, our built environments grow individualized, isolating, cold.
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.
Fred Rogers and Francois Clemmons in 1993 re-creating their radical gesture of connection and belonging from 1969, a time of racial segregation and tension in America.
Episode #1065, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood
Cultures around the world refer to principles of human connection collectively with the same word; “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. Later, these same principles were championed by psychologist Abraham Maslow and put into practice by Fred “Mr. Rogers.”
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Transcendent Experience (ZX)
Let’s help users get over themselves.
“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
UX Design
UX often prioritizes one user in one moment. Upstream and downstream impact, and critical human relationships can be left out. This makes is more challenging for the user to connect with the world around them.
ZX Design
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.
Principle One
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.
Principle Two
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.
Principle Three
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.
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.
April 2026
ZX26 will bring together experts in Design and Shaker culture at the stunning Hancock Shaker Village.
CalArts, May 2025
Lecture on Designing Warmth at California Institute of the Arts, San Francisco, CA. w/Hugh Dubberly
Rosenfeld Media, February 2025
Lecture on Designing Warmth for Rosenfeld Community, Rosenfeld Media, w/ Louis Rosenfeld
Parsons School of Design, March 2024
Lecture at Prototyping Utopia Residency, Parsons School of Design, w/ Killeen Hanson
SCAD, May 2024