Abstract
This theme track seeks papers that establish foundational understanding of Regenerative Design as an emerging paradigm in design research and practice. Moving beyond sustainability approaches focused on harm reduction and consequences, regenerative design actively fosters ecological and cultural renewal through relational, more-than-human perspectives. Recent work across biodesign, materials research, and ecological design demonstrates growing interest in regenerative approaches, yet the field lacks conceptual coherence and metrics of success. Existing papers span diverse domains—living materials, Indigenous design methodologies, multispecies interaction design, and data practices that challenge extractive digital economies and ecological restoration—often using inconsistent terminology and theoretical frameworks. This fragmentation limits knowledge exchange and risks appropriating Indigenous concepts without proper attribution or understanding. We invite practical or theoretical contributions that: - Help distinguish regenerative approaches from related paradigms (sustainable, circular, transition design) - Develop methodologies for respectfully engaging with regeneration, both in terms of biodiversity and Indigenous knowledge systems - Present case studies demonstrating regenerative principles in action (successes and failures) We're particularly interested in: Temporal scales and ecological rhythms More-than-human design approaches Regenerative material ecologies Post-anthropocentric design methodologies Design for multispecies flourishing Circular and regenerative economic models Accountability frameworks This track aims to create a meaningful research agenda that deeply engages with regenerative concepts. We seek explorative approaches that can inform practice while respecting the complex knowledge systems from which regenerative thinking emerges. Successful papers will contribute to defining regenerative design's theoretical foundations, methodological approaches, and practical applications within design research, supporting the field's development toward ecological and social responsibility.
Keywords
regenerative design, sustainable design methods, Indigenous knowledge systems, systems thinking
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2026.196
Citation
Kilford, A., Panneels, I., Nicenboim, I., Withers, S., Phillips, R., and Speed, C. (2026) What is Regenerative Design, anyway? Foundations, Lexicons, and Interdisciplinary Intersections, in Simeone, L., Gray, C. M., Verhoeven, A., de Götzen, A., Bakırlıoğlu, Y., Zohar, H., Stead, M., and Buwert, P. (eds.), DRS2026: Edinburgh, 8–12 June, Edinburgh, United Kingdom. https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2026.196
Creative Commons License
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Included in
What is Regenerative Design, anyway? Foundations, Lexicons, and Interdisciplinary Intersections
This theme track seeks papers that establish foundational understanding of Regenerative Design as an emerging paradigm in design research and practice. Moving beyond sustainability approaches focused on harm reduction and consequences, regenerative design actively fosters ecological and cultural renewal through relational, more-than-human perspectives. Recent work across biodesign, materials research, and ecological design demonstrates growing interest in regenerative approaches, yet the field lacks conceptual coherence and metrics of success. Existing papers span diverse domains—living materials, Indigenous design methodologies, multispecies interaction design, and data practices that challenge extractive digital economies and ecological restoration—often using inconsistent terminology and theoretical frameworks. This fragmentation limits knowledge exchange and risks appropriating Indigenous concepts without proper attribution or understanding. We invite practical or theoretical contributions that: - Help distinguish regenerative approaches from related paradigms (sustainable, circular, transition design) - Develop methodologies for respectfully engaging with regeneration, both in terms of biodiversity and Indigenous knowledge systems - Present case studies demonstrating regenerative principles in action (successes and failures) We're particularly interested in: Temporal scales and ecological rhythms More-than-human design approaches Regenerative material ecologies Post-anthropocentric design methodologies Design for multispecies flourishing Circular and regenerative economic models Accountability frameworks This track aims to create a meaningful research agenda that deeply engages with regenerative concepts. We seek explorative approaches that can inform practice while respecting the complex knowledge systems from which regenerative thinking emerges. Successful papers will contribute to defining regenerative design's theoretical foundations, methodological approaches, and practical applications within design research, supporting the field's development toward ecological and social responsibility.