This article overviews an indigenous culture's design approach: New Zealand Māori.

I contrast and compare this cultural and spiritual approach with a typical Western World Design approach. It sheds light on the Māori (New Zealand's indigenous people) way of design and shows their interpretation of the world. Furthermore, I compare Māori Design Principles with General Design Principles. Then, I look at patterns - specifically the Flounder Fish (diamond shape) pattern - and some modern NZ buildings that reflect this specific pattern. I also touch on abstract design concepts and ideas for architecture - using Māori abstract art as inspiration. Lastly, I touch on using AI for design ideas (Playground AI). See the stunning design images created by Playground AI with the Māori Flounder Fish pattern (diamond shape) as the focus. The AI prompt included 'a modern contemporary house with many Māori shapes, forms and patterns.' This resource concludes and culminates with a spectacular design at the end! Don't miss it.

For Designers, artists, architects, and Design and Visual Communication (DVC) students.