Collective Intelligence
Faculty : Jessica Guy, Sally Bourdon, Jorge Munoz
Last updated
Faculty : Jessica Guy, Sally Bourdon, Jorge Munoz
Last updated
Our course began by diving into the concept of design as not just a product but a broader practice and attitude that influences how we engage with the world. We reflected on historical design approaches, such as the Bauhaus, and explored more contemporary ways of thinking about design knowledge-sharing. We discussed the differences between centralized, decentralized, and distributed systems, with a particular focus on the power of distributed systems to foster collective intelligence. These systems encourage collaboration, openness, and resilience, creating a space for shared practices to thrive.
A prime example discussed was the Distributed Design Platform, which offers an alternative to traditional linear production models like PITO (Product In, Trash Out) by adopting a DIDO (Data In, Data Out) approach in Fab Labs, shifting the focus to data-driven, sustainable production.
In an exercise, our group reflected on the core values that define our community in the MDEF program. We concluded that humility, kindness and integration are essential to fostering collaboration and trust within the group, recognizing how personal connections can significantly enhance our collective work.
Building on the themes of collaboration and shared values, we moved on to the Tragedy of the Commons, a theory by Garrett Hardin that warns about how shared resources can be overused when individuals act out of self-interest. We then explored alternative governance models for commons, focusing on the importance of local context, collaboration, and accountability in maintaining sustainable systems. The discussion highlighted that effective commons management is not about top-down control but about fostering collective stewardship through trust, shared knowledge, and participatory decision-making.
In the second part of the day, we revisited the idea of humility within our community, brainstorming practical ways to strengthen these bonds in the MDEF cohort. Ideas included creating spaces for informal gatherings, collaborative projects, and sharing personal stories, activities that build deeper connections beyond academic work and support a stronger sense of belonging.
Our final session took us online to connect with the School of Digital Arts (SODA) in the UK, where we learned about Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), a powerful tool for transparent, trust-based governance. DAOs operate on blockchain technology, where participants can collectively decide on rules, vote, and track contributions, even through mechanisms like tokens and smart contracts. One of the most intriguing aspects discussed was how DAOs allow for the tracking of invisible labor and decision-making in a decentralized manner, giving everyone an equal say in governance.
We also explored Decentralized Autonomous Communities (DACs), alternative systems of exchange that challenge conventional economic models. One thought-provoking example was the Rai stones of Yap Island, where large stone discs symbolize wealth without ever needing to move physically. Transactions are recorded on a collective mental ledger, showing how value can be based on community consensus.
Likewise Time-based currency systems like "los Bancos de Tiempo" emphasize service exchanges and mutual support over monetary transactions, fostering a more community-centered approach to value creation.
This session left me reflecting on how decentralization in both governance and economic systems can create more inclusive, resilient, and community-driven structures. These concepts challenge traditional power dynamics, offering new pathways for collaboration and shared responsibility in solving global challenges.
