3 Things First Manifesto

The first things first manifesto is an act of anti consumerism, by morally condemning consumerism as whole, the first things first manifesto, though striving for change, it will not occur through this method of challenge. Consumerism is needed in a capitalist society, however, over-consumption has brought a dark cloud over some of the world’s countries; with the need for the new and luxurious becoming somewhat of a virus, embedded into our brains. We crave immediate gratification, with the newest edition of everything, constantly yearning for something new, and discarding the old. The first things first manifesto acts as a retaliation of today’s ignorant society.

1. Consumerism has become a distinct problem in many civilized first world

Although consumerism is essentially a negative part of todays societal values, for a designer to be anti consumerism in a capitalist society means that they have no way of effectively surviving. Having such an anti view on the driving factor of todays society does not successfully raise awareness nor does it realistically make sense. For a designer to be anti consumer culture creates the question of who do they work for? After signing the first things first manifesto, these 33 designers have now created a pedestal in which they are unable to get down from; for every company their work for or with must be in some way be design with intent, from ‘shifting focus from creating ever faster novelty for consumers to creating ongoing experiences that engage users across time.’ Anne

most of us like to think that we are reasonable, rational and independent thinkers. Idealistically consumerism is damaging, however, as a designer it becomes your choice as to whether you will take action to prevent consumerism on a small level. For many of us, we are unaware that we are indeed in the depths of consumerism, and it only becomes evident to us when we have to justify to ourselves why we are buying that certain product. With this thought, we are able to see consumerism at the forefront. This allows change. “Today, humanity faces a stark choice: save the planet and ditch capitalism, or save capitalism and ditch the planet.” Fawzi Ibrahim highlights the necessity for change, Adbusters, “Buy Nothing Day” is a driving force in bringing awareness to consumerism, where for one day they ask you to literally, buy nothing. With this, you are supposed to feel a sense of ‘radical