Design for Longevity
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Design for Longevity (D4L) is a designer’s mindset that proposes a circular, continuous, and purposeful view of time, evolving across life stages. Rather than designing for moments, it considers decades of engagement, addressing shifting needs and transitions over time.
The D4L Unclock Framework, a research-driven ideation tool that helps participants rethink time as a continuous, fluid, and relational concept. D4L examines the dimension of time in design throughout the human lifespan. Rather than designing for single moments, D4L envisions urban and city systems that adapt and mature over decades.
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Book ​
D4L: Explorating Design for Longevity
Sheng-Hung Lee, edited by Ingrid Maria Pimsner
In: Springer (planned for Spring 2026)
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Featured Articles ​
Design Future Longevity: Unclocking Time, Age, and Society
Sheng-Hung Lee
In: Design Management Institute (DMI): Review Issue, Vol. 36, No. 2 [ pdf ]
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Design for Longevity: People, Process, and Platform
Sheng-Hung Lee and Andreas Sicklinger
In: diid disegno industriale industrial design, No. 82, 2024 [ journal | pdf ]
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Longevitytech: Bridging Immersive Media and Design for Longevity
Sofie Elana Hodara
In: diid disegno industriale industrial design, No. 82, 2024 [ journal ]​​
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Workshops
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MIT Museum (March 5, 2026) [ link ]
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Dubai Design Week (November 4, 2025) [ link ]
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Massachusetts College of Art and Design (September 29, 2025)
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How might we use the D4L Unclock Framework to envision longevity-friendly cities and services?
Photogrammetry
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Smartphone photogrammetry can be used in ethnographic research, alongside design research tools such as mind maps (Buzan, 1993;1974) and service blueprints (Shostack, 1984), to document and analyze environments related to longevity challenges.
Photogrammetry is the process of creating 3D models from multiple 2D photographs. Specialized software analyzes spatial information, such as depth, measurement, and position, to reconstruct physical objects or environments.
Design researchers can methodically scan a selected site to generate a 3D model of the environment by using photogrammetry. Through this “slow” and evidence-driven observation process, design researchers can reflect on longevity-related challenges present in the space and identify design opportunities and propose a design intervention.​
Design for Linearity
treats time as a linear, straight line. In product design it highlights optimization and single use, often ignoring long-term consequences or opportunities for adaptability.
Design for Circularity
reimagines time as a loop. Materials and value cycle through repeated phases, extending usefulness and minimizing waste. It designs with past, present, and future in constant dialogue.
Design for Longevity
embraces time as continuity. It supports evolving needs, life transitions, and long-term relationships—designing not just for moments, but for decades of meaningful, sustained engagement.
D4L Collaborators
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The Design for Longevity (D4L) study is an ongoing evidence-based initiative. We extend our sincere thanks to collaborators worldwide for their invaluable ideas, case studies, methods, and sponsorship.​​​
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Core Team ​
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Designer: Sheng-Hung Lee and Sofie Hodara
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Photographer: Jake Belcher
