Before taking action, it’s important to first observe. What are the current relations? What is valuable and beautiful? What is needed? What problem are you trying to solve? Does it even require technology? If not, refer to Principle "Not Doing". And if using technology is necessary, what is its unique role in this context, and who will benefit from it being used?

In permaculture, before working on a piece of land, it’s essential to observe it over time, ideally through at least one full seasonal cycle. This process helps reveal insights about what can be done with minimal intervention, using limited resources and energy. Similarly, permacomputing involves carefully observing a problem or situation to create space for evaluating what needs to be done and how.

Observing can also relate to sensing the world, where computing can play a key role in strengthening ecosystems through citizen sensing and science projects. Careful observation—gathering data on air quality, water, biodiversity, local temperatures, and more—can help citizens collect the evidence needed to advocate for a healthier environment. These projects gather data on pollution, biodiversity, weather, and more, which can then be used to push for a healthier environment for both humans and non-humans.

What can YOU do?

With or without a computer

  • Before starting any project, meeting, software development, or action, take time to do nothing and simply observe the situation from multiple perspectives. Ideally, include all stakeholders (human and non-human) in the process.
  • Join or start a citizen science or sensing project.
  • Once data is collected and evidence is gathered, collaborate with others to take action (e.g., file a lawsuit against a polluting factory, data center, or airport).

When creating and maintaining software, digital tools or infrastructure

  • Take time to observe the problem alongside the people you're designing for.
  • Incorporate sensors and data on surrounding environment into support systems
  • Assess whether the problem you're trying to solve genuinely requires computation at all. (See Not Doing principle).

Principle in action & examples

  • varia project 'stock taking sense' https://another.varia.zone/
  • Frisse wind project https://www.frissewind.nu/
  • citizen sensing project, using air quality data to enhance the position of citizens when addressing problems in their environment
  • https://hollandse-luchten.org/ The UAV toolkit, an Android application making use of your smartphone's sensors for airborne science, by Then Try This https://fo.am/publications/grassroots-remote-sensing-toolkit/ and https://fo.am/activities/uav-toolkit/