What the Heck Is Ontological Design? (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)

You’ve probably heard some fancy design terms thrown around—UX design, product design, interior design. But have you ever stumbled across ontological design? No? Well, buckle up, because this one’s a bit of a mind-bender.

Ontological design isn’t just about designing things. It’s about how those things end up designing us right back. Sounds deep, right? Let’s break it down and figure out why it’s more important than you might think.

Ontological What?

First, let’s get the word out of the way: ontology is a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of being, existence, and reality. Basically, it’s about figuring out what things are and how they exist in the world. Now add “design” to that, and we’re talking about how the things we design—products, spaces, technologies—don’t just sit around passively. They shape us.

In simpler terms: Ontological design is the idea that when we design stuff, that stuff starts to influence how we think, act, and live. It’s not a one-way street. There’s a feedback loop between us and the world we create. We make the tools, the environments, the technologies—and then they turn around and remake us.

We Shape Our Tools, and Then Our Tools Shape Us

Let’s start with an example. Think about your smartphone. We designed it, right? Humans created this little device to make our lives easier—communication, navigation, entertainment, all in one. But now, let’s ask a more interesting question: How has that smartphone designed you?

Well, for starters, it’s changed how you interact with the world. You probably look at your phone the moment you wake up. You don’t remember phone numbers anymore because it does that for you. You might feel phantom vibrations in your pocket when you think you’ve gotten a notification. Your attention span? Yeah, it’s probably a little shorter, too.

See what’s happening? The design of the smartphone is actively shaping your behavior, your habits, and even how you think. This is ontological design in action. We designed smartphones, but now they’re designing us.

The Feedback Loop of Design

Ontological design is all about this feedback loop. We design objects, tools, technologies, spaces, and systems—and then those things shape how we live, think, and act. It’s not a one-way street where we just create stuff and move on. It’s an ongoing relationship. We create, and then our creations shape our reality in return.

Take social media, for example. We designed platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to connect people, share information, and build communities. But now, those platforms shape how we present ourselves, how we communicate, and even how we think about our own identities. Likes and comments become metrics for self-worth. The endless scroll keeps us hooked. We made social media, but social media has remade us in its image.

Spaces Shape Us Too

Ontological design isn’t just about tech. It’s everywhere. Think about the spaces you spend time in. Ever notice how a messy, cluttered room makes you feel chaotic, while a clean, minimal space can make you feel calm? That’s not a coincidence. Spaces are designed to influence how we behave and feel.

Architects and interior designers are, in fact, masters of ontological design. They know that the way a space is laid out—its light, its flow, its structure—will affect how we move, interact, and even think. Have you ever felt different walking into a cathedral versus walking into an Apple store? That’s ontological design at work.

The World We Build Builds Us

Here’s the big takeaway: The world we design isn’t neutral. Everything we create—from the apps on our phones to the buildings we work in—comes back to shape how we think and act. It influences our behaviors, our habits, and even our sense of self.

When we design, we’re not just creating products or spaces—we’re creating frameworks for how people will live within them. That means designers, creators, and developers have a bigger responsibility than they might think. Every decision we make in design shapes the future of how people will interact with their world.

So…Why Does Ontological Design Matter?

You might be thinking, "Okay, but why should I care about this?" Well, ontological design matters because it makes us aware of the power design has. It’s not just about creating something that works or looks good. It’s about understanding that the things we design have a deeper impact on society, culture, and even who we become as people.

When you realize that design shapes reality, it makes you rethink what you’re putting out into the world. It makes you pause and ask: What kind of world am I building? And what kind of people will that world create?

For example, if you’re designing a digital experience, are you making something that encourages genuine connection, or something that fosters addiction? If you’re creating a physical space, are you designing something that encourages creativity and comfort, or something that’s cold and impersonal?

Ontological design reminds us that what we put out into the world shapes the people who live in it. And that’s a pretty big deal.

The Takeaway

Ontological design is the idea that the things we create don’t just exist in the world—they shape the world, and us along with it. Whether it’s technology, products, spaces, or systems, everything we design has an impact. And that impact comes back to influence how we think, behave, and live.

So, next time you’re designing something—whether it’s a new app, a piece of furniture, or even just your living room—remember: you’re not just shaping the world. You’re shaping the people who live in it too.

In the end, ontological design is a reminder that design isn’t just about creating things—it’s about creating reality. So, let’s make sure it’s a good one.