> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.societalthinking.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.societalthinking.org/what-is-st/the-design-principles.md).
# The design principles
Design principles ensure every design decision is intentional, consistent and aligned with the larger purpose of inducing positive exponential change. Designing for exponential change with the Societal Model is a co-creative process. It engages many ecosystem actors such as designers, architects, influencers and more. Design principles offer a shared language for these actors to harmonise their efforts and decisions.
Design principles are core propositions to help bring to life the key elements of the Societal Model such as societal networks, co-creation ecosystems and open infrastructure. These will be introduced and applied at relevant stages of the design journey.
---
# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:
```
GET https://wiki.societalthinking.org/what-is-st/the-design-principles.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.