The Oratio de hominis dignitate (Oration on the Dignity of Man) is the never-held speech by Giovanni Pico della Mirandola (1463–1494). Although it was banned by the Catholic Church at the time, it is his most famous work posthumously. The work can be seen as one of the first humanist manifestos in Europe. Both Mirandola and his Oration have fallen into oblivion over the years. That is a pity because human dignity is still at stake every day. Maybe it's time to dust off Mirandola and give it a more modern look. Mielwerk brings you the Oratio de hominis digitalis (Oration on the Digitality of Man).
Everyone shares the basic need to make connections. We see that our collective capacity to really experience these connections is in flux. We need to nurture and support those living connections in our design, in both the digital and physical worlds.
Design is a way of life and of improving life. A timeless process of observing and adapting. By recognizing and embracing proven examples from nature and human experiences, we find new solutions for the digital world.
The real values of digital social experiences will increasingly be found in more nuanced worlds; Platforms that put the individual at the center and address the subtle but important differences between small communities. There is less need for social networks and more for idea networks.
Local is no longer expressed in geographical terms. The new local is a metaphor for like-mindedness. Without the constraints of closeness, we come closer together through shared interest, behavior, and belief.
Every day we are bombarded by a relentless stream of consumer goods. We constantly run into the paradox in which we can make choices but choose not to choose. We need better filters.
The world is filled with very simple problems that demand very simple solutions; enormous in scope and impact, simply because anyone can understand and be gripped by them. We have to look for very simple problems.
Computers and the things we design for them have to adapt to the natural environments in which they are used. The context is subject to continuous change and therefore extremely complex. Our digital solutions must respond to this. Technology is only a means to enhance interaction and behaviour. It should never be regarded as an end in itself.
I believe in technological possibilities and understand that digital worlds are made for people. We have a common responsibility to create things that are both useful and meaningful.