DESIGN AS INQUIRY
Design for Nothing
An as-if stance for non-separation—secular, creative, and field-testable in daily life.
What is Design for Nothing?
This approach reflects my journey through Zen Buddhism, Advaita Vedanta, Taoist thought, A Course in Miracles, and contemporary writing on consciousness. These traditions and ideas point toward a shared hunch: that what appears separate may be held in one field of awareness. Rather than declare that as truth, we use it as a working stance to question the default of separateness.
Drawing on decades in design strategy and the creative arts, Design for Nothing is a secular art of attention. It helps you cultivate peace, freedom, and creativity by shaping perception—discerning inner signal from surface spectacle—and practicing creative subtraction.
The approach offers simple concepts and usable moves for working with mind—psychologically, visually, and practically. The aim is to update your map of “self” (sometimes loosening it), make room for emptiness as a resource, and notice a quieter baseline available in ordinary life.
As these practices settle in, many people report greater steadiness during stress, self-judgment, anxiety, and fear—whether those pressures feel external or internal. The world, your body, and other bodies do appear separate; the five senses and the fact of mortality can make any nondual stance feel abstract. Culture reinforces those habits. To meet that, Design for Nothing includes a move we call positive miscreation.
Positive miscreation is a deliberate reframing: repurposing the scene as if it arises in a shared field. It interrupts the reflex to solidify separation and aligns language and action—mental, verbal, or physical—with what you value. By not over-confirming separateness, you create room for clearer choices, relational ease, and more coherent action. Any benefit is personal and provisional: notice what shifts for you, then keep what proves useful.
Why Design for Nothing?
Design for Nothing draws from nondual lineages—Zen, Advaita, Taoist writings—and contemporary explorations as sources, not authorities. Their gestures inform a working stance: treat non-separation as an as-if lens and notice what shifts in perception and conduct. The aim isn’t to declare ultimate truths; it’s to practice a quieter, more spacious way of seeing while life stays busy and real.
This stance invites a kind of mental negative space. Instead of building a fortress “the ego cannot intrude,” you loosen the grip of automatic wanting and over-identification. You meet experience with less heat and more agency. Nothing essential is left behind—duties, relationships, and care remain intact—yet the reflex to harden separation softens.
Expanding "Design"
Here, design means purposeful attention shaped toward a clear aim. It’s the craft of perception: selecting, subtracting, and arranging how you relate to a moment so action becomes cleaner. The freedom in play is modest and universal—the capacity anyone has to place attention and to test a different stance in real time.
Design belongs to everyone, not just “creative” people. Choosing to design for a steadier mind is a practical way to deepen connection and coherence—first in how you see, then in how you speak and act. If a mind-first lens helps, keep it. If not, set it down.
The Foundation Behind "Nothing"
Many traditions point to “no-thing” as a way to loosen what we take ourselves to be. We borrow that pointer as a design metaphor: the power of negative space. Zazen’s “good for nothing” suggests presence without a project. Wuji in Taoist thought names a fertile openness from which form appears. “Neti neti” in Advaita sketches a subtractive move—not this, not that—that helps unstick identification. None of these are claims you must adopt; they’re inspirations for a secular practice of subtraction that can be tried in ordinary life.
Design for Nothing stays provisional by design. Treat the moment as one field, try the stance, watch for less reactivity and clearer next steps. Keep what helps, return the rest to the shelf. Even the name “Design for Nothing” is a tool, not a truth—it can dissolve the moment it’s no longer useful.
Overview
The Design for Nothing approach is a working stance you can try in three arcs—learn, do, sustain. First, learn by treating non-separation as an as-if lens rather than a conclusion. Next, do by creating a bit of mental negative space so the reflex to harden separation eases and attention can steady. Then sustain by returning, on purpose, to that quieter baseline in the present moment—especially under pressure.
Sources and stance
My study of Advaita, Taoist writings, and A Course in Miracles serves as inspiration, not authority. Methods like neti neti (a subtractive inquiry into identification) suggested practical ways to loosen what I was taking myself to be. In trying them, I noticed shifts—more steadiness, a touch less reactivity—and I offer this as an experiment you can run for yourself.
Design integration
Blending those pointers with the perception craft I use in design and art, I shaped Design for Nothing as a secular practice. Its aim is modest: clarify how you place attention so action becomes cleaner and relationships feel less adversarial. Over time, some people report more ease in conflict, warmer regard for others, and fewer guilt spirals; notice what changes for you and keep only what helps. If this approach proves useful in your home, work, or social life, that’s success enough—and if it doesn’t, set it down.
In a world that rewards performance and future-proofing, it’s easy to build identity around roles, metrics, and imagined arrivals—and to feel strangely hollow anyway. Purpose can thin out even inside “big causes,” while quick hits of comfort—purchases, status moves, specialness—fade fast. Using our native talents for awareness itself—rather than only for markets or acclaim—is rare, and constant adaptation to client needs or industry rules can leave work feeling trapped and self-alienating.
Design for Nothing proposes a small shift of stance: treat non-separation as an as-if lens and notice what changes in attention, action, and care. The aim isn’t transcendence; it’s steadier presence, less heat under pressure, and a quieter kind of freedom that travels with you. Instead of “reawakening to true nature” as doctrine, consider it a practical remembering—a return to a broader field of experience that often carries warmth, clarity, and room to move.
Meditation and contemplative teachings can serve as inspiration, not authority, offering simple ways to test this in daily life. Design for Nothing keeps it accessible—no prerequisites, no belief swap—by organizing practice into a familiar arc: learn the stance, do it in real scenes, sustain it by returning on purpose. Keep what proves useful; set down what doesn’t.
Design for Nothing: A Decision To Make
Some contemporary work in physics and consciousness studies gestures toward deep connectedness, but interpretations differ; rather than claim confirmation, take non-separation as a working hypothesis and see what it does in lived experience. Instead of treating ancient nondual philosophies as proved by science, let them serve as pointers you can test. For me, approaching them this way—as experiment, not doctrine—has clarified how I place attention, lowered reactivity, and nudged me toward choosing union over reflexive separation in ordinary decisions.
Design for Nothing frames the “decision” as a practical move: design the mental negative space where presence can surface, then return to it on purpose while life stays busy and real. It’s an invitation to artists, seekers, and skeptics alike to align daily conduct with a mind-first lens—provisionally, and only insofar as it helps. From where I stand, the stance has yielded more coherence and care; your results are the measure, not my claims. Create a little space—in mind and in time—so what feels indivisible can inform what actually matters, and let the rest fall away without drama. The steps that follow offer ways to practice presence and alignment, but the point remains humble: do less, notice more, keep what proves useful.
DfN for designers.
Apply under pressure.
Design for Nothing Steps:
Toward Positive Miscreation
Design for Nothing works as a three-arc practice—learn, do, sustain—framed as an as-if lens you can test in daily life. First, learn by trying on non-separation as a working hypothesis rather than a conclusion. Then, do by shaping a bit of mental negative space so attention steadies and the reflex to harden separation eases. Finally, sustain by returning to that stance on purpose—especially under pressure—so it becomes usable in real scenes.
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Open to the possibility that experience can be held as one field—not as a belief to defend, but as an experiment to run. Instead of picturing a perfect unity where all differences dissolve, notice small, practical shifts: a touch less defensiveness, a wider view, a cleaner next step. Read social roles, appearances, and habits as surfaces, not essences, and see whether relating from a broader field invites more care without denying facts. If warmth or compassion shows up, treat it as a participant-reported outcome, not proof—use what helps, set down what doesn’t.
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Practice with eyes open where life actually happens—at home, at work, with others—so the stance travels. Imagine a clear “pane” of space just above your brow line; keep it simple, unscented, uncolored—nothing to perform or visualize perfectly, just room to breathe. Let this be your deliberate design move: a light, uncluttered attention that isn’t crowded by grievance, prediction, or self-story. Rest your gaze in that spaciousness for a few breaths, then re-enter the scene and choose one clean action that helps without escalating heat.
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Give the stance brief daily reps—five quiet minutes morning and night are enough—and sprinkle micro-returns through the day. In work, meet goals clearly while checking for unnecessary adversarial framing; in relationships, widen the space to include the other so judgment loosens and listening improves. Treat “emptiness” here as room to move, not as a metaphysical claim; you are subtracting noise so signal can guide conduct. If you notice fewer spike reactions and more coherent choices, keep going; if not, adjust or pause—the measure is your real life, not ideology.
As you go...
Treat this as a secular art of attention—portable, creative, and accountable to how life actually feels and functions.
For Nothing, in Depth.
The Design for Nothing method offers a unique interplay between design and spirituality. This method is primarily a tool for spiritual exploration, inviting individuals to question their perceived reality and delve into their inner consciousness. It especially resonates with those who have undergone various stages of personal growth and introspection and are looking to significantly expand further their spiritual practice into everyday tasks, interactions, and personal endeavors.
This spiritual practice serves dual objectives: On one hand, it aids practitioners in tapping into our shared universal creative intelligence. On the other, it offers designers a fresh realm of possibilities to explore. While understanding ancient Eastern philosophies like Zen Buddhism, Advaita Vedanta, Daoism, or A Course in Miracles can augment the non-dualistic experiences facilitated by Design for Nothing, such knowledge isn't mandatory. However, grasping the interconnectedness of all entities and acknowledging the inner self as the fountain of truth and joy is a plus. Without accepting these principles, one might not unlock the method's full potential.
Design for Nothing underscores the idea that the individual self is inseparably interwoven with the One Mind or Oneness. The method proves invaluable for those who resonate with this philosophy, placing spiritual evolution above worldly pursuits. It fortifies your spiritual journey and enhances your earthly existence by sharpening your discernment of what is false, thus promoting overall well-being. Fundamentally, Design for Nothing is a conduit for spiritual expansion, crafted especially for those intent on probing deeper realms of their consciousness. Through this recognition, one can discover profound contentment and relief from various forms of suffering.
The Essence of Nondual Reality.
Nondual reality reveals that the world we perceive through our senses is an illusion created by the mind's conditioning. This perspective, rooted in ancient philosophies like Advaita Vedanta and texts such as the "Yoga Vasistha," challenges the notion of separateness that dominates our everyday experience. Instead, it presents a vision of an unchanging, everlasting awareness—an ever-present One Mind—that underlies all existence.
In nondual reality, the distinctions we make between self and other, subject and object, are seen as errors of perception. Our true nature is not fragmented but unified, embodying an indivisible consciousness that transcends time and space. By practicing mind training, meditation, and self-inquiry, we can begin to see beyond the illusions of separation and reconnect with this fundamental oneness.
This realization is transformative. It shifts our understanding from a life of perceived separations and transient experiences to one of profound unity and peace. In this state, the mind's creations—thoughts, emotions, and sensory perceptions—are recognized as temporary and without power over our true essence. Embracing nondual reality leads to a deep sense of inner tranquility and a clearer perception of our interconnectedness with all that is.
Martin Lenclos wrote an article on nondual reality delving deeper into these concepts.
Read the blog post →
Reality is Comparable to a Virtual Reality Game
Reality can be likened to a virtual reality game, where the world we experience is a sophisticated illusion crafted by the mind. In this game, we navigate through a series of events and perceptions that seem real but are, in fact, projections of our conditioned consciousness. Just as a virtual reality headset immerses us in an artificial environment, our senses and thoughts create the illusion of a separate, fragmented world.
In this virtual game, the distinctions we make between self and other, subject and object, are akin to the characters and obstacles we encounter in a game. These distinctions are not real but are errors of perception, masking the underlying unity of all existence. Our true nature transcends these illusions, embodying an unchanging, everlasting awareness that connects everything in an indivisible consciousness.
According to nondual teachings from the East, such as Advaita Vedanta, and ACIM, the perceived duality and separation are illusions. Our true essence is an indivisible consciousness, unified with the ultimate reality. Through practices like meditation, self-inquiry, and mind training, we can see beyond these illusions and reconnect with the fundamental oneness of our true nature.
Understanding reality as a virtual game is transformative. It shifts our perspective from one of separation and conflict to one of unity and peace. In this awakened state, we see the interconnectedness of all things and experience a deep sense of inner tranquility. By embracing this perspective, we can navigate the virtual game of life with a newfound awareness of our true, undivided nature.
Embrace your spiritual nature.
Engaging with Design for Nothing three steps allows the universe to unveil its inherent nature within us and awaken our creative power. This method doesn't promise tangible worldly successes or add glittering lines to your professional résumé. It offers transcendental rewards that go beyond material gains and societal acclaim. Embrace this practice, grounding all decisions in the present moment, and you'll unearth personal satisfaction and a rejuvenated sense of life's purpose.
Nondualistic teachings across various traditions, espoused by mystics and sages, consistently champion the inward journey, underscoring the transformative might of unwavering commitment. In Daoism, such commitment revolves around living in synchronicity with the universe's spontaneous rhythms, thereby tapping into an intuitive stream of present-moment guidance. Zen Buddhism stresses that true contentment stems from mindfulness, rather than the relentless pursuit of external milestones. Advaita Vedanta exhorts a fervent quest for truth, where an analytical process helps peel away layers of misidentification with the transient world, leading to the realization that we are, in essence, what we've always sought, bestowing unparalleled serenity, liberation, and joy.
Design for Nothing is not just a philosophical guide; it's a step-by-step pathway to recognizing our true essence, awakening our universal intuition, and unleashing creative freedom. A wholehearted commitment to the Design for Nothing approach assures a means for personal growth that transcends conventional aspirations. It provides a gateway to the vertical dimension—a metaphoric realm of spiritual discernment, granting timely internal creative guidance coupled with indispensable tranquility and psychological sustenance.
Explore the #LeafHead photo/video project →
All or Nothing: Welcoming Various Perspectives
The phrase "Design for Nothing" embraces all interpretations and misinterpretations, benefiting anyone, with or without the introductory practice. Although the phrase is meant to be a call for nondual philosophical and spiritual practice, to design a mindset meant to unveil your true nature, creative thinkers, designers, and makers alike are welcome to extrapolate on it and explore its potential in creative endeavors.
To some, "Design for Nothing" suggests designing without a specific purpose or for no apparent reason. This phrase may also be interpreted as focusing purely on aesthetics or artistic expression without a deeper meaning or functional purpose. To others, it emphasizes immaterial or intangible aspects of design, such as concepts, digital elements, or experiential qualities. It could also imply a critique or rejection of consumerism and the overuse of resources in design practices.
We should all keep an open mind and explore what designing for nothing can be. See the liberation in "nothing" and embrace the provocation; results will follow.
Discover designing things for nothing →
Staying Awake or Falling Back Asleep
When you wake up in the middle of the night, it’s easy to lose the mind to various worries, unable to fall back asleep. At that moment, make the conscious decision to design for nothing. In your imagination, bring about the reality of a spacious, boundless mind that is beyond time and space. Let stillness enter. Let your unified, all-encompassing self enter. Let the One Mind enter.
That which can’t be explained will be experienced in that designed, light-filled mind space of yours. It has no image, no odor, no name, no brand, no role, no specific identity, but it is what you truly and fundamentally are. In that space, you'll find the sanctuary of your innocence, your guiltlessness, and your loving awareness. From that space, you will either fall asleep again, sure of your safety, at rest from the remembrance of your true nature, or you will have fun letting your mind produce a creation that is pure in nature.
Waking up in the middle of the night might not be the right time to find solutions for problems, forgive your grievances, or build a successful plan for your professional career. But it is a time that can be used by the One Mind for creativity, and the next morning you won’t complain, because the inspiration that knows all and sees all in wholeness was there with you.
Where other practices suggest breath work, sensing the buzzing feeling in your hands, or reading a book to fall back asleep, I do not recommend them if you are interested in living and experiencing the benefits of the nondual mindset.
Explore further: visual markers for the practice →
Follow the unconventional path.
Embarking on the Design for Nothing journey calls upon the spiritual designer to assimilate transformative truths: Our sense of separation from the universal consciousness is but a mirage. The illusion of personal identity is often bound by societal conditioning and genetics. The constructs of past and future are irrelevant to our timeless true self.
These concepts challenge conventional views and might seem paradoxical in a world seemingly ruled by critical thinking, executive functioning, and strenuous efforts, but they are crucial in the journey to enlightenment, inner peace, and creative freedom. In choosing to focus on training the Mind, redesigning our life, and wholeheartedly embracing these insights, we put an end to the suffering of an ego-driven world whose purpose seems to be 'seek-but-don’t-find.'
Embrace non-attachment to the physical world, enter the realm of eternal consciousness, float on the ocean of the One Mind, and rejoice as fears about the future become non-existent. Judgments fade to become unconditional Love, and attacks cease to be personal, revealing themselves as simple projections of a Mind asleep. No actual harm has ever been inflicted, nor will ever be internalized for the one whose essence of pure universal consciousness has been realized. Practice the steps of Design for Nothing and join in this awakening. In this transformative journey, accepting what was once deemed unacceptable becomes the new standard, leading to greater freedom, deeper understanding, and a renewed sense of meaning.
Unconventional for designers and makers →
Explore our comprehensive research on Design for Nothing.
This blog post delves into the origins of 'Design for Nothing,' a practice that integrates elements of Advaita Vedanta, Zen Buddhism, Taoism, and 'A Course in Miracles' to loosen ego’s grip and glimpse the possibility of a shared field of mind. Discover the story behind the choice of the term "design" and how it shapes the philosophy. Learn how to create an inner space for 'nothing' and experience profound shifts in perception.