Abstract
This study explores holistic system design rooted in Japanese cultural philosophy and its implications for service design (SD). Focusing on concepts such as aidagara (relationality) and pure experience, the research examines how traditional practices including Washoku and Makunouchi bento, embody interdependence, contextual sensitivity, and non-dualistic perception. These philosophies offer an alternative to Western design paradigms, which emphasize linearity, objectivity, and reductionism. Through case studies, this paper analyzes Japanese aesthetic and social practices as models for inclusive, sustainable service ecosystems. The study contributes to the Pluriverse by broadening the epistemological foundations of SD and highlighting culturally grounded strategies for sustainability.
Keywords
Service design norms, Aidagara, Pure experience, Pluriverse, Culture
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/servdes2025.34
Citation
Sakaguchi, K.(2025) Designing from Aidagara: A study of cultural philosophy and service design norms, in Mahamuni, R., Onkar, P. (eds.), ServDes 2025: Empowering Diversity, Nurturing Lasting Impact, 6–10 October, Hyderabad, India. https://doi.org/10.21606/servdes2025.34
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Designing from Aidagara: A study of cultural philosophy and service design norms
This study explores holistic system design rooted in Japanese cultural philosophy and its implications for service design (SD). Focusing on concepts such as aidagara (relationality) and pure experience, the research examines how traditional practices including Washoku and Makunouchi bento, embody interdependence, contextual sensitivity, and non-dualistic perception. These philosophies offer an alternative to Western design paradigms, which emphasize linearity, objectivity, and reductionism. Through case studies, this paper analyzes Japanese aesthetic and social practices as models for inclusive, sustainable service ecosystems. The study contributes to the Pluriverse by broadening the epistemological foundations of SD and highlighting culturally grounded strategies for sustainability.