Transcendent Experience (ZX) broadens the focus of UX design from the individual, momentary needs of a task, to the warm and meaningful contexts of belonging.
“The harmful consequences of a society that lacks social connection can be felt in our schools, workplaces, and civic organizations.”
—Vivek H. Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General
“90% of a product’s environmental impact is determined at the design stage.”
—Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia
In order to thrive, people need to experience the interconnectedness between themselves and the world around them.
Too often, the user in user-centered design is just one user, just this one time.
prioritizes one user in one moment
upstream and downstream impact hidden
critical human relationships ignored
UX Design
ZX Design
a holistic sense of interconnectedness
supports gratitude and reciprocation
engages purpose and shared cause
ZX nests a user’s task in the context of their unique potential to serve something bigger than themselves, creating a scaffolding for human connection.
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