Deep Systems: Designing for Introspection, Focus, and Care
Donovan Dynamics – Dimension Eleven: In
Not all systems want attention. Some are built for reflection, absorption, or solitude. These aren’t products that shout—they listen. They focus. They hold space.
In Donovan Dynamics, In is the first dimension of the Membranes. It’s about introspection, containment, and inner experience. While so many systems fight for visibility and engagement, In asks: How does this system protect the user’s focus?
In Is About Inner Gravity
The In dimension shows up in quiet ways:
A meditation app that honors silence
A journaling tool with no feed or likes
A museum website that feels like a portal, not a billboard
A thoughtfully spaced form that makes you think as you fill it out
In design, “engagement” is often mistaken for success. But In systems don’t chase clicks—they hold attention by being emotionally generous and cognitively clear.
Case Study: Guggenheim Web Design Internship
While interning at the Guggenheim, I helped with their digital presence. One of the most striking aspects of the museum is its inward spiral—a literal architectural gesture toward introspection.
We leaned into that metaphor online:
Clean, quiet layouts with minimal distractions
A rhythm of content that encouraged slow exploration
Generous spacing, soft tones, and focused entry points
Design that invited attention inward, not outward
It wasn’t about excitement. It was about reverence. A system that helps people sink in.
Where In Shows Up in Design
Calming visual language
Absence of gamification or social pressure
Deep work tools and “do not disturb” modes
Systems that support thoughtfulness, care, or privacy
Environments where clarity and calm are more valuable than speed
In is about what’s held in place—not just what’s put on display.
Questions to Ask in the In Dimension
Is this system demanding attention—or respecting it?
Where do we allow for quiet, pause, or reflection?
What’s the emotional temperature of the space?
Are we designing with care, or just output?
Closing Thought: Design That Listens
Some of the most meaningful experiences aren’t loud—they’re deep. They hold space for the user’s own thoughts, feelings, and shifts.
In Donovan Dynamics, In invites us to design systems that don’t just perform—but support presence.