UnplugYou is a practice in unplugging from the distractions of notifications, phone calls, and full inboxes. It’s and idea that encourages distance between us and our digital devices, so our minds can wonder and connect disparate thoughts to help with clarity and focus. This is not about being anti-technology, but rather being pro-balance while living in our connected world.
I'm Marc O'Brien, a climate designer using strategy and design to drive climate action
My approach was shaped by a punk rock mixtape in middle school that taught me to:
fight for what I believe in
question authority
and embrace a do-it-yourself ethos
I started making shirts, stickers, and zines as a teen, accidentally discovering design. After earning degrees in Interaction Design and Visual Design, I focused on social impact projects in technology, public education, health, and economic development.
In 2015, I had my climate epiphany. I realized I wanted to level up my work and take on the biggest challenge and opportunity humans have ever faced, our climate breakdown.
Since 2016, I've been working at the intersection of design, climate, and business. I've been focused on building regenerative solutions and approaches by making projects look good, sound awesome, be seen, and get the support they need. I co-founded The Determined (2016-2022), a design consultancy for climate-focused brands, and Climate Designers (2019–present), a global hub for designers taking climate action.
When I'm not working, I'm teaching at California College of the Arts as a Senior Adjunct, leading courses in climate design and social innovation.
I bridge design, climate action, education, and punk rock principles to repair and regenerate the world through design.
A side note
You might notice the older posts refer to my excursions as “Unplug & Ride”, which was the name of the first version of this site. After a few solo bike tours, I realized I wanted to expand my ways of unplugging, so I dropped the “Ride” and renamed the blog to “UnplugYou”.