ʻŌiwi Design Thinking Deck
What if design wasn't about innovation—but about reconnection? Backed by research, this deck is an invitation: to slow down, to reflect, to design with integrity. To move beyond extractive practices and toward regenerative ones. To remember that all design is cultural—and that reclaiming our own ways of knowing is both an act of resistance and an act of love.
The Research
Design Isn’t Universal—It’s Cultural
This project began as a challenge: what would it mean to redesign the design process itself? Rooted in academic inquiry and cultural practice, the ʻŌiwi Design Thinking Deck emerged from a multi-year capstone project exploring the intersections of Indigenous Hawaiian epistemology and Western design thinking.
The research draws on sources from Hawaiian studies, design theory, and Indigenous knowledge systems—critically examining how mainstream design often reinforces values like speed, mastery, and individualism. In contrast, this framework honors Hawaiian ways of knowing—like kilo (observation), moʻolelo (storytelling), and hana noʻeau (skilled practice)—as valid and powerful tools for creative work.
More than a critique, this project offers an alternative: a place-based, relational, and regenerative design model grounded in six Hawaiian values. The deck is both a response to extractive creative practices and a contribution to the broader movement of Indigenous innovation.
The Research
Design Isn’t Universal—It’s Cultural
This project began as a challenge: what would it mean to redesign the design process itself? Rooted in academic inquiry and cultural practice, the ʻŌiwi Design Thinking Deck emerged from a multi-year capstone project exploring the intersections of Indigenous Hawaiian epistemology and Western design thinking.
The research draws on sources from Hawaiian studies, design theory, and Indigenous knowledge systems—critically examining how mainstream design often reinforces values like speed, mastery, and individualism. In contrast, this framework honors Hawaiian ways of knowing—like kilo (observation), moʻolelo (storytelling), and hana noʻeau (skilled practice)—as valid and powerful tools for creative work.
More than a critique, this project offers an alternative: a place-based, relational, and regenerative design model grounded in six Hawaiian values. The deck is both a response to extractive creative practices and a contribution to the broader movement of Indigenous innovation.
The Process
The Thinking Behind the Cards
"Design grounded in ancestry, relationship, and rhythm." Each card in the ʻŌiwi Design Thinking Deck was shaped by six guiding principles that challenge Western design norms. These principles helped reframe not only *what* gets designed, but how and why we design in the first place.
The Process
The Thinking Behind the Cards
"Design grounded in ancestry, relationship, and rhythm." Each card in the ʻŌiwi Design Thinking Deck was shaped by six guiding principles that challenge Western design norms. These principles helped reframe not only *what* gets designed, but how and why we design in the first place.
Story is method
Moʻolelo carries theory, practice, and memory across generations.
Story is method
Moʻolelo carries theory, practice, and memory across generations.
Knowledge is cyclical
Creation is never linear; it spirals through reflection, iteration, and renewal.
Knowledge is cyclical
Creation is never linear; it spirals through reflection, iteration, and renewal.
Context is everything
There is no such thing as a neutral process; every act of design is positional.
Context is everything
There is no such thing as a neutral process; every act of design is positional.
Accountability is creative
Good design is rooted in pilina, kuleana, and the long view.
Accountability is creative
Good design is rooted in pilina, kuleana, and the long view.
Surprise is part of learning
Reflection and play are essential to shift rigid ways of seeing.
Surprise is part of learning
Reflection and play are essential to shift rigid ways of seeing.
Making is remembering
Hana noʻeau connects us to lineages of skilled, purposeful, and beautiful creation.
Making is remembering
Hana noʻeau connects us to lineages of skilled, purposeful, and beautiful creation.
The Process
The Thinking Behind the Cards
"Design grounded in ancestry, relationship, and rhythm." Each card in the ʻŌiwi Design Thinking Deck was shaped by six guiding principles that challenge Western design norms. These principles helped reframe not only *what* gets designed, but how and why we design in the first place.
Story is method
Moʻolelo carries theory, practice, and memory across generations.
Knowledge is cyclical
Creation is never linear; it spirals through reflection, iteration, and renewal.
Context is everything
There is no such thing as a neutral process; every act of design is positional.
Accountability is creative
Good design is rooted in pilina, kuleana, and the long view.
Surprise is part of learning
Reflection and play are essential to shift rigid ways of seeing.
Making is remembering
Hana noʻeau connects us to lineages of skilled, purposeful, and beautiful creation.
The Deck
A Cultural Tool for Creative Transformation
The Deck
A Cultural Tool for Creative Transformation
The ʻŌiwi Design Thinking Deck is a 80-card system designed to support reflection, creativity, and design rooted in Indigenous values. Rather than following a rigid process, the deck invites users to move fluidly through themes, prompts, and provocations inspired by ʻŌiwi worldviews.
What's inside:
54
Practice Cards
54
Practice Cards
2
Framing Cards
2
Framing Cards
6
Portals of Practice Cards
6
Portals of Practice Cards
6
Navigational Cards
6
Navigational Cards
6
Huli Cards
6
Huli Cards
6
Holo Shift Path Cards
6
Holo Shift Path Cards
The Deck
A Cultural Tool for Creative Transformation
The ʻŌiwi Design Thinking Deck is a 80-card system designed to support reflection, creativity, and design rooted in Indigenous values. Rather than following a rigid process, the deck invites users to move fluidly through themes, prompts, and provocations inspired by ʻŌiwi worldviews.
What's inside:
54
Practice Cards
2
Framing Cards
6
Portals of Practice Cards
6
Navigational Cards
6
Huli Cards
6
Holo Shift Path Cards
The Workflows
How to Use the Deck
There’s no one “right” way to use this deck. Whether you’re a student, solo designer, educator, or community leader, the deck adapts to your intentions. Here are four common ways to activate the cards:
The Workflows
How to Use the Deck
There’s no one “right” way to use this deck. Whether you’re a student, solo designer, educator, or community leader, the deck adapts to your intentions. Here are four common ways to activate the cards:
The Workflows
How to Use the Deck
There’s no one “right” way to use this deck. Whether you’re a student, solo designer, educator, or community leader, the deck adapts to your intentions. Here are four common ways to activate the cards:
01
Use Case
01
Solo Reflection
Start your day or design session by pulling a single card. Sit with its value, metaphor, or prompt. Use it as a journaling or sketching tool to guide clari
01
Use Case
01
Solo Reflection
Start your day or design session by pulling a single card. Sit with its value, metaphor, or prompt. Use it as a journaling or sketching tool to guide clari
01
Use Case
01
Solo Reflection
Start your day or design session by pulling a single card. Sit with its value, metaphor, or prompt. Use it as a journaling or sketching tool to guide clari
02
Use Case
02
Project Phase Mapping
Working on a specific project? Map out each design phase (Understand, Research, etc.) and pull 1–2 cards from each category to explore that phase with cultural integrity.
02
Use Case
02
Project Phase Mapping
Working on a specific project? Map out each design phase (Understand, Research, etc.) and pull 1–2 cards from each category to explore that phase with cultural integrity.
02
Use Case
02
Project Phase Mapping
Working on a specific project? Map out each design phase (Understand, Research, etc.) and pull 1–2 cards from each category to explore that phase with cultural integrity.
03
Use Case
03
Group Facilitation
Use the deck in workshops or classrooms. Let each participant pull a card and explain how it speaks to their role, challenge, or vision. Use Nā Huli and Huli Paths for team recalibration.
03
Use Case
03
Group Facilitation
Use the deck in workshops or classrooms. Let each participant pull a card and explain how it speaks to their role, challenge, or vision. Use Nā Huli and Huli Paths for team recalibration.
03
Use Case
03
Group Facilitation
Use the deck in workshops or classrooms. Let each participant pull a card and explain how it speaks to their role, challenge, or vision. Use Nā Huli and Huli Paths for team recalibration.
04
Use Case
04
Creative Breakthrough
Feeling blocked or unsure? Try the “Reframe” Huli Path: ask a question, pull 2–3 cards at random, and read them as if they’re responses from your kūpuna or from ʻāina.
04
Use Case
04
Creative Breakthrough
Feeling blocked or unsure? Try the “Reframe” Huli Path: ask a question, pull 2–3 cards at random, and read them as if they’re responses from your kūpuna or from ʻāina.
04
Use Case
04
Creative Breakthrough
Feeling blocked or unsure? Try the “Reframe” Huli Path: ask a question, pull 2–3 cards at random, and read them as if they’re responses from your kūpuna or from ʻāina.
The Creator
About the Designer
The Creator
About the Designer
This deck was created by Tre Zamora, a Native Hawaiian designer, researcher, and cultural strategist committed to reclaiming space for Indigenous knowledge in design.
As a student, storyteller, and kapa practitioner, Tre has worked at the intersections of graphic design, multimedia storytelling, curriculum development, and ʻŌiwi design thinking. This project is part of his Creative Media Capstone at UH West Oʻahu, but lives beyond the classroom as a tool for community use, cultural restoration, and creative resistance.
Card Gallery: Explore the Deck
Use this digital archive to preview, browse, or interact with all 80 cards. You are welcome to use the cards for personal growth, teaching, design work, or co-creative sessions. Please use them respectfully, credit their source, and recognize that they carry both cultural wisdom and responsibility.
Want to Learn More or Provide Feedback?
Interested in bringing the ʻŌiwi Design Thinking Deck into your classroom, organization, or creative space? Have feedback, questions, or want to collaborate on expanding this work?
Reach to me via email!
The Creator
About the Designer
This deck was created by Tre Zamora, a Native Hawaiian designer, researcher, and cultural strategist committed to reclaiming space for Indigenous knowledge in design.
As a student, storyteller, and kapa practitioner, Tre has worked at the intersections of graphic design, multimedia storytelling, curriculum development, and ʻŌiwi design thinking. This project is part of his Creative Media Capstone at UH West Oʻahu, but lives beyond the classroom as a tool for community use, cultural restoration, and creative resistance.
Card Gallery: Explore the Deck
Use this digital archive to preview, browse, or interact with all 80 cards. You are welcome to use the cards for personal growth, teaching, design work, or co-creative sessions. Please use them respectfully, credit their source, and recognize that they carry both cultural wisdom and responsibility.
Want to Learn More or Provide Feedback?
Interested in bringing the ʻŌiwi Design Thinking Deck into your classroom, organization, or creative space? Have feedback, questions, or want to collaborate on expanding this work?
Reach to me via email!
The Feedback
Voices from the Deck
Real reflections from early users, educators, and community collaborators.
“The cards gave our student group a shared language for how we wanted to collaborate. It made us slow down and reflect instead of just rushing into ideation.”
O. Thinker
Hōkū Ventures
“Nā Huli cards are my favorite. They helped me know when it was time to pause, rethink, and honor what wasn’t working.”
Mark Graphic
M.D. NorthStar Technologies
“This deck helped me return to purpose. When I was lost in deliverables, one card reminded me to reconnect to my moʻokūʻauhau before continuing.”
Design Johnson
CEO, HI Co
The Feedback
Voices from the Deck
Real reflections from early users, educators, and community collaborators.
“The cards gave our student group a shared language for how we wanted to collaborate. It made us slow down and reflect instead of just rushing into ideation.”
O. Thinker
Hōkū Ventures
“Nā Huli cards are my favorite. They helped me know when it was time to pause, rethink, and honor what wasn’t working.”
Mark Graphic
M.D. NorthStar Technologies
“This deck helped me return to purpose. When I was lost in deliverables, one card reminded me to reconnect to my moʻokūʻauhau before continuing.”
Design Johnson
CEO, HI Co
FAQ
Top of Mind Questions You Might Have
FAQ
Top of Mind Questions You Might Have
What is the ʻŌiwi Design Thinking Deck?
What is the ʻŌiwi Design Thinking Deck?
Who is this deck for?
Who is this deck for?
Do I need to be Hawaiian or Indigenous to use this deck?
Do I need to be Hawaiian or Indigenous to use this deck?
How do I get started with the deck?
How do I get started with the deck?
What are Nā Huli cards and how do I use them?
What are Nā Huli cards and how do I use them?
Can I use this deck in my classroom or workshop?
Can I use this deck in my classroom or workshop?
How can I provide feedback or get involved?
How can I provide feedback or get involved?
FAQ