Weniger mehr? Gestaltung im Akkumulozän

We live in an age of boundless accumulation. This is characterized not only by the unrestrained accumulation of capital by a select few, but also encompasses the hoarding of private data, the concentration of power, and the overexploitation of natural resources.

For this reason, we derive the expanded metaphor of the accumulocene from the metaphorical term capitalocene, which can be applied to different areas of society. Many of the current global problems—social inequality, the dissolution of privacy, migration, and flight—can be traced back to phenomena of accumulation. This goes hand in hand with a global power regime of a minority of human profiteers over a majority that includes not only humans but all species.

It would be too simplistic to view “much” as negative per se – a great deal of knowledge is certainly just as desirable as the health of many. In addition to the phenomenon of accumulation itself, it is therefore primarily about the possibility of shaping systems and thus sustainability: Who accumulates what, at what cost, and under what conditions?

This question led to the development of the concept for the transdisciplinary discussion series “Design in the Accumulocene.” In five discussion rounds in 2026, a changing group of invited experts will explore the nature of the problem area and possible solutions. 

Jochen Denzinger is a strategic designer for complex digital products. His studio, Denzinger Gestaltung, focuses in particular on medical technology and capital goods.

Stephan Ott is an author and journalist. He is co-founder and head of Design Research and Appliance at the German Design Council.