I am an Industrial Designer (focus on interactive products), I live in the Netherlands and I love to travel around the world to see the exiting things that are hidden all over our planet.

From my professional point of view I believe efficiency has taken over too much of our society, even the more meaningful moments in our daily life are cut down in order to be more "efficient". I think it is time for a new focus in our lives, meaning and "slowness", when you are not efficient time does not matter and therefore it does not constrain the activity you are engaged in. The result is a better experience and the emergence of more meaningful activities.

Why would you microwave your food in 10 mins if you can also enjoy cooking dinner together with family or friends? Yes, it takes longer, but the experience is better and those 2 hours you spend extra are worth spending. They are more meaningful than the way you would have used those 2 hours otherwise..

Why would you send a quick email/SMS to tell somebody you miss him/her? This efficient communication is meaningless and even though the message is meaningful the impression it will have on the other person is very small compared to for example sending a letter or having dinner together. Yes, it takes longer and is more expensive, but think about the meaningful experience you get as a result. Whatever you would have spent that money on otherwise, it will hardly ever be more meaningful than when you do invest it in this purpose.

And I can continue for hours with such examples..