Need typology

Discover the thirteen fundamental human needs

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Community

Being part of and accepted by a social group or entity that is important to you, rather than feeling you do not belong anywhere and have no social structure to rely on.

Community is about feeling like you belong somewhere and have people you can count on. It's the reassuring sense that you're part of something larger than yourself, whether that's a family, workplace, neighborhood, or any group that shares your values or interests.

This need shows up when you feel at home in your local coffee shop where the barista knows your order, when your coworkers rally around you during a tough project, or when you wear your team's jersey and feel connected to thousands of other fans. It's about shared rituals, inside jokes, and unspoken understandings that come from being part of a group.

Community isn't just about big gatherings—it can be as simple as having neighbors you trust to water your plants, colleagues who celebrate your promotion, or friends who show up when you need help moving. It's also about contributing back: volunteering at local events, mentoring someone newer to your profession, or simply being the person others can rely on.

Without community, people often feel isolated and adrift, like they're facing life's challenges alone. With it, you have a support network that provides both practical help and emotional grounding, making life's ups and downs more manageable.

Sub-needs

Identifying with a group, team, subculture, or culture

Feeling that you are part of and accepted by a group

Having a sense of your roots and traditions

Seeing others share your sense of community

Needs on a Desert Island

Imagine you're shipwrecked on a desert island with a group of survivors. You're responsible for fulfilling everyone's fundamental needs to create a thriving community.

In addition to relationships with individual people, each islander also wants to be in good standing with the group at large. You must make sure that every person feels included in the community. As social beings, humans rely on group support for much of their happiness. This need to belong is strong enough for people to willingly change their behaviors, beliefs, and even logic to conform with the group.

Fundamental Needs in Overview

What does community look like in the House of Needs? Click the image to find out!

Is it possible to design a chair that specifically fulfills the need for community? Click the image to find out!