“The project exists to shine a light on what design can do for psychedelics and what psychedelics can do for design.”
Psychedelics Design is a pioneering platform at the intersection of psychedelics and design, exploring how these two fields can synergize to create more sustainable and regenerative futures.
Psychedelics Design offers a unique perspective on the psychedelic realm – examining it through a design lens.
We explore the potential for psychedelics to drive new design methodologies. Additionally, we offer insights and resources into design for anyone looking to stack their creative skills.
Podcast, newsletter, events, exhibitions and design research at the intersection of psychedelics and design.
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Our mission is to reimagine design by creating powerful channels for exchanging insights and cross-pollinating ideas among diverse communities of thinkers and creators.
We aim to provide tailored education and training that promotes psychedelic experience-inspired design principles rooted in exploration, connection, and transformation, ultimately supporting the creation of sustainable and regenerative futures.
Mission
Vision
It's not just design; it's a new way of thinking.
We envision a world where humanity doesn't just exist on this planet - we're part of it. Completely integrated with the biosphere. Now, we know what you're thinking. ‘We already know we're part of nature.' But do we really? Do we design and create with that knowledge?
What if we create products that aren't just beautiful or functional? They're going to be thoughtful. Kind. Respectful to our world. And we're going to use some unconventional methods to get there. Imagine if we could tap into expanded states of consciousness - yes, even carefully guided psychedelic experiences - to unlock new realms of creativity. To remember ancient wisdom and pair it with cutting-edge technology. Our ultimate vision is a world where human ingenuity aligns seamlessly with nature's genius, ushering in an age of thoughtful, kind, and harmonious innovation.
Rooted in the ethos of exploration, connection, and transformation, we made up a philosophy that seeks to integrate the principles of psychedelics into the design process.
At its core, the design philosophy of Psychedelics Design builds on the following principles:
Overall, we will continue to iterate and evolve our philosophy based on ongoing reflection and feedback. We are open to new ideas and perspectives–get in touch!
The 4 Principles of Psychedelics Design
Consciousness Expansion
Embracing a mindset of openness and exploration, designers strive to expand their consciousness and challenge conventional thinking patterns. Psychedelics are viewed as tools for unlocking new perspectives and fostering creativity.
Intuitive Creativity
Designers aim to cultivate a deeper connection with their intuition and subconscious mind, tapping into the inspiration that lies within. Psychedelics are seen as catalysts for accessing subconscious insights and fostering a more intuitive design process.
Interconnectedness
Recognizing the interconnectedness of all things, designers seek to create designs that honour and reflect the unity of the natural world. Psychedelics inspire a sense of interconnectedness and empathy, guiding designers to create solutions that prioritize harmony and sustainability.
Transformation and Growth
Designers embrace the transformative potential of psychedelic experiences, viewing them as opportunities for personal and creative growth. Psychedelics are seen as agents of change, catalyzing innovation and evolution.
This initiative aims to:
Explore Psychedelics Through a Design Lens
How might psychedelic experiences inform new approaches to visual communication, user experience, and product design? By examining psychedelics from a design perspective, can we uncover novel insights into perception, cognition, and creativity?
Enhance the Creative Process
In what ways can psychedelic-inspired techniques amplify ideation, problem-solving, and artistic expression? Could microdosing or integration practices become valuable tools in a designer's creative toolkit?
Benefit Society and the Planet
How can design principles inspired by psychedelic experiences contribute to more sustainable, empathetic, and nature-centered solutions? Can we leverage expanded consciousness to address complex global challenges?
Foster Community and Collaboration
Can psychedelic-inspired methodologies facilitate meaningful connections between different cultures, professions, systems, etc? How might interdisciplinary collaboration lead to groundbreaking innovations?
Develop Nature-Inspired Design Solutions
How can biomimicry and psychedelic-induced nature connectedness inform more harmonious and regenerative design practices? What new materials or structures might emerge from this synthesis?
Craft Psychedelic-Inspired Design Philosophies
Can we distil core principles from psychedelic experiences to create new design frameworks? How might concepts like interconnectedness, ego dissolution, or non-linear thinking reshape design theory?
Speculate the Integration of Psychedelics into Design Processes
What ethical considerations and best practices should guide the incorporation of psychedelic experiences into professional design workflows? How can we responsibly explore altered states for creative enhancement?
Facilitate Cross-Pollination of Ideas
How can we create effective channels for sharing insights, resources, and methodologies between the psychedelic and design communities? What mutual benefits might arise from this exchange of knowledge?
By addressing these questions, Psychedelics Design seeks to catalyze a new era of conscious creativity and transformative innovation.
Founder
Alexandra Plesner
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Alexandra Plesner is a multifaceted creative professional and entrepreneur. As the founder of Psychedelics Design, she explores the potential of psychedelics through a design lens to benefit people, society, and the planet.
Her career includes roles as Lead Brand Manager at independent agencies Method Inc. and Normally Ltd., as well as Lead Digital Manager at Karla Otto PR. Throughout her career, Plesner has worked with a mixed roster of clients, including Nike, Spotify, Habitat, Manolo Blahnik, MAC Cosmetics, H&M, Victoria and Albert Museum, Mercedes-Benz, and Swarovski.
Strategic Advisors
Jalen Salazar
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I am a seasoned leader specializing in human-centred innovation for Consumer, Technology, and Life Science industries. After a successful tenure leading design at LUNAR - the renowned creative agency that received the Cooper-Hewet National Product Design Award and that was acquired by McKinsey & Co. in 2015 - I’ve helped build and scale McKinsey’s design capability to 300+ designers globally.
As a Partner at McKinsey, I’ve honed my skills in strategically integrating design capabilities within the firm to ensure that results are highly desirable and drive tangible business value. I bring a unique blend of creativity and business acumen; aligning design initiatives with broader organizational strategies to drive effective outcomes at scale.
I am passionate about helping shape a future where organizations elevate their ability to deliver holistic impact that drives responsible and sustainable growth.
Raad Seraj
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Raad Seraj is a Bangladeshi-Canadian entrepreneur and founder of Mission Club, a global angel investor syndicate targeting innovative startups in the psychedelics and mental health nexus. Beyond mere capital, Mission Club promotes a seamless development trajectory of the budding yet dispersed psychedelic ecosystem by injecting the domain with expertise, strategic network, and conviction. Prioritizing early-stage ventures, Mission Club targets both core psychedelic solutions as well as surrounding infrastructure such insurance, software, clinical network, telehealth, media, and retreats. As part of Mission Club’s mandate, Raad also hosts the Minority Trip Report podcast, which spotlights under-represented leaders in psychedelics and mental health.
By day, he spearheads growth at Affinity, a San Francisco startup developing purpose-built AI tools for private capital with global clients like Bain Capital Ventures, Softbank, Techstars, a16z and Bessemer Ventures.
Natalie Lyla Ginsberg
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Natalie Lyla Ginsberg (MSW) is the Global Impact Officer at the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, (MAPS), and the co-founder of the Jewish Psychedelic Summit. Natalie joined MAPS in 2014, founding the Policy & Advocacy department, and serving as its director for 5 years. At MAPS, Natalie initiated and co-developed MAPS’ Health Equity program, including MAPS’ first MDMA Therapy Training for Communities of Color, and co-authored the first study interviewing Palestinians and Israelis who have shared ayahuasca ceremonies.
Before joining MAPS, Natalie worked as a Policy Fellow at the Drug Policy Alliance, where she helped legalize medical cannabis in her home state of New York, and worked to end race-based marijuana arrests. Natalie was born and raised in New York City and currently lives in Los Angeles, CA. She received her B.A. in history from Yale College, and her master’s of social work (M.S.W.) from Columbia University.
Sigward Moser
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Proactive investor in social impact ventures with a special focus on the clinical application of medical-grade psychedelics for end-of-life anxiety and demoralization.
Sigward is an entrepreneur, investor, and strategic advisor to impact ventures.
He co-founded several companies including Domini Impact Investments, a pioneering sustainability and social justice fund with $2 billion in assets, a branding and communications company based in New York City; and a community-based broadband provider in the San Francisco Bay Area. With his firm Communication House International and the Austrian and German government offices in NYC, he launched 20+ companies in the US market. Earlier in his career, he worked for international branding companies including WPP for Unilever, Procter and Gamble, and Amnesty International.
His angel investing activities focus on social impact ventures, mostly in biotechnology and the development of medical-grade psychedelics for treatment-resistant depression, trauma, and end-of-life anxiety.
As an adjunct lecturer, Sigward teaches entrepreneurship for a master's class in computer science at the MCI, an Austrian University. He also serves on the board of the Metta Institute, a progression of the Zen Hospice Project in San Francisco with a focus on end-of-life care training for doctors and caretakers.
Sigward studied mechanical engineering before receiving a degree in communication and marketing from the University of Economics in Vienna. He also received a certification in farming and agriculture in Austria and is a certified massage therapist (end-of-life care) in the state of California.
Currently, he lives in NYC and San Francisco and spends some time in the Austrian Alps biking and backcountry skiing.
