Michael Leube

"I think we are innately designers as Homo sapiens. We are problem solvers. Innately, we are born as designers."

Michael Leube received his B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley (Anthropology and Comparative Religion) in 1994. After returning to Europe, he received his M.A. from the University of Vienna (Anthropology and Human Biology) in 1999 and his Ph.D. from the University of Zagreb (Anthropology) in 2003).

For the Wiener Zeitung, Leube worked as a journalist responsible for all topics concerning sustainability. He worked on scientific assessments for development work in Guatemala (1999), India and Nepal (2000) and Kenya (2001.) From 2000 to 2013 he lived and worked as an anthropologist in Madrid and taught at various universities such as Universidad Nebrija, Syracuse University, University of California and Saint Louis University.

Between 2013 and 2018, Leube became fascinated with the interface between Anthropology and Design as a senior lecturer and researcher at the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences. He is convinced that only design well adapted to the needs of Homo sapiens is good design and sees it as a link between the theory of the social sciences and developmental work. At IE, his research focuses on the Circular Economy and Design for Social Innovation.

We were selected in an environment that is now entirely different, why is it different? Because of design. Design has changed, has built the environment.

The Future Designer: Anthropology Meets Innovation in Search of Sustainable Design

Written in English

During periods of environmental and societal upheaval, design has the potential to be a formidable catalyst towards a sustainable future. However, to unleash its full power, significant shifts in both theory and practice are imperative. This book adopts a unique approach, blending anthropological perspectives with philosophy and cognitive science, and advocates for a thorough transformation of the existing design curriculum.

Supported by a vast body of literature in evolutionary science and design research, the book presents a blueprint for fostering more sustainable patterns of production and consumption. This blueprint is grounded in human virtues rather than vices and proposes a new curriculum tailored towards pro-sociality and sustainability. Leveraging his extensive professional background and expertise in the circular economy, Michael Leube offers practical examples, methods and tools for implementing sustainable approaches in the practical work of experienced designers. Showcasing cutting-edge innovations for pro-social and humanitarian design, the book ultimately argues that if we change the objective of design from creating desire to creating value, we can solve many of the most pressing social problems, from the cooperation of citizens to sustainable cities.

The book will be useful for those studying and teaching design and anthropology, and it will also be an important tool for practicing designers and engineers interested in learning how to design for social and ecological awareness.

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