Ecological thinking is a way of operating while attending to all options, opinions, circumstances, etc. to achieve the end result. That being said, it does not try to make all parties equally happy, but decide what the best course of action is considering the input involved. This is very much like the Holistic or Holism view of things we (in this case) create. Ecological thinking asks us to “branch” out and explore options within new territory, gain knowledge of what we find or experience or understand and build upon those experiences into our end result, what ever it may be. While doing so, you weigh the balances of each option as to how it will affect the end result, positively or negatively. Much of ecological thinking considers a responsibly for the environment and future generations in the design of something, ultimately crafting its end result.
There are two schools of thought when it comes to ecological thinking: adapting and responsibility. Responsibility to ones own environment is determined through balancing the possibilities and coming to a conclusion that best suits that particular situation. Adapting to an environment is going along with the changes that occur and determining a solution or path from this flux. Ecological thinking is very important in the world of design today. The popularity and concern for a cleaner, healthier balance to everyday life and the environment has grown tremendously, and gains much publicity in our everyday lives. People are concerned that they respect their local balance, and so demand products and services that are backed with ecological thinking.
Ecological thinking is shifting the way we consume and create our everyday products, but I believe in a positive way. Things become less expensive to make and therefore cheaper, a smaller carbon foot print is left per product/service, etc. Hopefully this form of decision making, ecologic thinking, will take over a larger audience and have an even greater impact on societies.
By merging the efficiency of technological thinking with the nature of ecological thinking, products could become less of an impact on the environment, yet not loose its accessibility to humans. That being said, one cannot have everything in one package, but a suitable balance with some sacrifice is nothing too great to ask. People must be willing to accept this fact and eventually change life styles but not necessarily drastically. It simply seems like the most practical way of life for promising future.
Sources
http://reptitude.com/creativity/dualistic-and-holistic-thinking/
http://www.psywww.com/intropsych/ch07_cognition/analytic_vs_holistic_thinking.html
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