Need – Universal Principles of Design for Bodies and Time

Fundamental Human Needs	Being (qualities)	Having (things)	Doing (actions)	Interacting (settings)
subsistence	physical and mental health, equilibrium, adaptability	food, shelter, work	feed, procreate, clothe, rest, work	living environment, social setting
protection	care, adaptability, autonomy, equilibrium, solidarity	insurance systems, savings, social security, health systems, rights, family, work	co-operate, plan, take care of, cure, help	living space, social environment, dwelling
affection	self-esteem, solidarity, respect, tolerance, sense of humour, generosity, sensuality	friendships, family, partnerships, relationships with nature	share, take care of, make love, express emotions, take care of, cultivate, appreciate	privacy, intimacy, home, space of togetherness
understanding	critical conscience, receptiveness, curiosity, astonishment, discipline, intuition, rationality	literature, teachers, method, educational policies, communication policies	analyse, study, experiment, educate, meditate, investigate,	settings of formative interaction, schools, family, universities, communities,
participation	receptiveness, dedication, solidarity, determination, respect, passion, sense of humour	responsibilities, duties, work, rights	become affiliated, cooperate, propose, share, interact, dissent, express opinions	associations, parties, churches, neighbourhoods, family
leisure	curiosity, receptiveness, imagination, tranquillity, spontaneity, sensuality	games, spectacles, clubs, parties, peace of mind	day-dream, brood, dream, reminisce, fantasize, remember, relax, have fun	privacy, intimacy, spaces of closeness, free time, landscapes, intimate spaces, places to be alone
creation	passion, determination, intuition, imagination, boldness, inventiveness, curiosity	abilities, skills, work, methods, techniques	invent, build, design, work, compose, interpret	productive and feedback settings, cultural groups, spaces for expression, workshops, audiences, temporal freedom
identity	sense of belonging, self-esteem, consistency, assertiveness, differentiation	symbiosis, language, religions, work, habits, customs, values, norms, sexuality, historical memory, work	get to know oneself, grow, commit oneself, integrate oneself, decide on, get to know oneself, actualize oneself	social rhythms, places one belongs to, everyday settings, maturation stages
freedom	autonomy, passion, self-esteem, open-mindedness	equal rights	dissent, choose, run risks, develop awareness	anywhere

A broad and well-structured concept of need can be found in the work of economist Manfred Max-Neef. A key aspect of Max-Neef’s organization includes the existential aspects of human need: being, having, doing and interacting.

Max-Neef’s model includes the concept of synergistic satisfiers, or satisfiers that fulfill needs across two or more aspects of need. For example, a small group of amateurs playing folk music from their country of origin might satisfy needs of creation/interacting, and identity/being. Creation/interacting as they each contribute to the collective process of making, and identity/being as they each experience a significant symbol of belonging.

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