Key Insights

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  Physical warmth activates the same brain regions as interpersonal warmth, linking tactile and social experiences.

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  The 18th-century Shaker communities designed with intentional warmth that supported belonging and self-actualization.

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  Fred Rogers scaled warmth into a designed experience for children that emphasized respect, trust, and connection.

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  Abraham Maslow’s concept of self-transcendence encourages designing experiences that connect users to something bigger than themselves.

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  Modern UX often focuses too narrowly on problem solving and usability, missing opportunities to foster true human connection.

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  Users vet expert advice through their communities, revealing the importance of interconnectivity even in enterprise contexts.

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  Digital experiences can and should be designed to create ongoing, respectful conversations between users and designers.

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  Dunbar’s Number suggests optimal group sizes for true social warmth and connection, illustrating the role of scale in design.

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  Warmth in design acts as social glue that reduces loneliness and promotes societal cohesion and health.

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  Transparency about product sourcing and impacts can foster consumer trust and sense of purpose in capitalism.

Notable Quotes