Need typology

Discover the thirteen fundamental human needs

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Purpose

Having a clear sense of what makes your life meaningful and valuable, rather than lacking direction or meaning in your life.

Purpose is about having a clear sense of why your life matters and what gives it direction. It's the deep conviction that your existence has meaning beyond just getting through each day, and that your actions contribute to something worthwhile.

This need shows up when you feel energized by work that aligns with your passions, when you make sacrifices for causes you believe in, or when you invest time in relationships and activities that feel genuinely important. It might be raising children with intention, pursuing a career that serves others, creating art that expresses something meaningful, or dedicating yourself to environmental conservation.

Purpose often emerges through major life questions: What legacy do you want to leave? What problems do you care about solving? What would make you feel like your time was well-spent? For some people, purpose comes through spiritual beliefs or religious practice; for others, it's found in family, creativity, or social change.

When purpose is absent, life can feel directionless or hollow, even when everything else seems fine. When it's present, you have an internal compass that guides decisions and helps you persevere through difficulties, knowing that your efforts serve something larger than immediate comfort or convenience.

Sub-needs

Engaging in activities that are meaningful to you

Having aspirations and life goals

Undergoing personal growth

Engaging in spirituality or religion

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.

As a result of your efforts, your island community is healthy, close-knit, and productive. Is that all there is? Not coincidentally, this is precisely the question that pops into the heads of people who become aware of the fundamental need for Purpose. Even though their lives are relatively good, after a while, the islanders may start to ask, “What are we doing here? How much longer will we be on this island?”

Fundamental Needs in Overview

What does purpose 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 purpose? Click the image to find out!