---
title: From the Archives - Applied Empathy
---

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# From the Archives - Applied Empathy

23.Jun.11  
 by [Jon Follett](https://yes.goinvo.com/articles/author/jon-follett)

At Involution, over the years, we've been lucky enough to count among our team a number of designers and strategists who are also industry thought leaders. In this new and regular blog feature, "From the Archives", we'll highlight articles from the past, written by our Invo colleagues that have stood the harsh test of Internet time and still have something to say to us today.

Almost 5 years ago, beginning in September, 2006, Dirk Knemeyer wrote a three-part piece for user experience magazine [UXmatters](http://www.uxmatters.com), entitled "Applied Empathy: A Design Framework for Meeting Human Needs and Desires." In this series of articles, Dirk was particularly concerned with addressing how we approach designing for the whole person, in ways that extend beyond the typical UX practice.

[Part One: Applying Empathy to Design](http://www.uxmatters.com/mt/archives/2006/09/applied-empathy-a-design-framework-for-meeting-human-needs-and-desires.php)

[Part Two: Dimensions, Needs, and Desires](http://www.uxmatters.com/mt/archives/2006/12/applied-empathy-a-design-framework-for-meeting-human-needs-and-desires-1.php)

[Part Three: Real-World Applications](http://www.uxmatters.com/mt/archives/2008/02/applied-empathy-a-design-framework-for-human-needs-and-desires.php)

Since Dirk wrote these pieces, we've seen an increase in the general acceptance of the business value of right-brain activities such as creativity, innovation, and empathy. It will be interesting to see how the next five years treat this framework.

 Topics: [Design](https://yes.goinvo.com/articles/topic/design), [Blog](https://yes.goinvo.com/articles/topic/blog)

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