Core77

As technology gets faster and we get busier, it's hard to find time for the small things in life. The Slow Movement's been battling this for a while now, notably in the food world. Recently, they took a huge bite and went, gulp, global! Founded by Carl Honore, Geir Berthelsen, and Dale+Bang, the BETA version of SlowPlanet has big plans to grow into a multi-faceted resource for all things un-speedy. They've got some interesting things to say about design, notably a framework of six principles for slow design from their friends at the SlowLab. Here are a few; more after the jump:

1. Reveal: Slow design reveals spaces and experiences in everyday life that are often missed or forgotten, including the materials and processes that can easily be overlooked in an artifacts existence or creation.

2. Expand: Slow design considers the real and potential 'expressions' of artifacts and environments beyond their perceived functionality, physical attributes and lifespans.

3. Reflect: Slowly-designed artifacts and environments induce contemplation and 'reflective consumption.'

4. Engage: Slow design processes are 'open source' and collaborative, relying on sharing, co-operation and transparency of information so that designs may continue to evolve into the future.

5. Participate: Slow design encourages users to become active participants in the design process, embracing ideas of conviviality and exchange to foster social accountability and enhance communities.

6. Evolve: Slow design recognizes that richer experiences can emerge from the dynamic maturation of artifacts and environments over time. Looking beyond the needs and circumstances of the present day, slow design processes and outcomes become agents of positive change.