Hi Reader,

A few weeks ago, we quietly launched something that’s been on my mind for years—a global Human Centered Design Directory of practitioners. On the surface, it’s a simple idea: a space where human-centered design practitioners can add their name, their expertise, and their location so others can find them. But it’s not just a directory. It’s a statement of intent.

In the world we live in now—where war is again a daily reality, where ideology pulls us apart, and where the digital spaces we inhabit are increasingly polarised—there’s something radical about simply making yourself findable. About saying, “Here I am. This is what I care about. Let’s connect.”

We created this directory because we believe that connection should not be left up to luck—or to algorithms. It should be intentional.

And if you’re someone who’s independent, or operating on the fringes of larger systems, this kind of visibility isn’t just nice to have. It’s essential.

Why this matters to me

Years ago, I worked at Myspace. It was a wild ride—buzzing with energy, hype, and the feeling that we were shaping the future of the internet. Millions of dollars were being invested. Millions of hours were spent perfecting profiles, promoting ideas, and growing communities. But then, almost overnight, it all began to vanish. When I joined, there were around 900 million active profiles. By the time I left, that number had dropped to about 450 million. And no—before you ask—it wasn’t because they hired me. 😂

At the time, people would laugh at the idea of building their own website. “Why bother? I’ve got a Myspace profile.” You don’t hear that much anymore.

That experience left a deep impression on me. It showed me the fragility of centralised systems—especially when they’re driven by profit and popularity, not purpose. Since then, I’ve been committed to building tools and spaces that don’t rely on someone else’s algorithm to be seen.

That’s why this directory lives on This is HCD. It’s not someone else’s platform. It’s ours. It’s yours.

We don’t track engagement to sell you ads. We’re not gamifying your profile or pushing you to post more to stay visible. This is about long-term value, not short-term reach.

What the directory is (and isn’t)

This isn’t LinkedIn. It’s not a ranking engine. It’s not another platform demanding your attention.

It’s a quiet infrastructure to support micro-communities of practice. It’s a way for researchers in New Zealand to find collaborators in Finland. It’s a way for teams inside governments to find independent coaches or trainers. It’s a way for curious practitioners to know they’re not alone. It's there for all of you wonderful people who listen, refer work to me and have supported me in growing This is HCD since 2017.

And it’s just the beginning.

We’d love you to be part of it.

So if you identify with this—if you care about human-centered design and want to be visible to others who do too—I’d love for you to add your name and details.

📌 Add your profile to the directory now​

It’s completely free. And if you’d like, you can even share the link with others in your local community who you think should be listed too.

Because connection doesn’t happen by accident. We have to design for it.

Until next week,

Gerry

​

Gerry Scullion​ Founder & Designer Connect with me on LinkedIn | Join our Directory​

​