SADIMET is a structured design framework often used in permaculture education and practice. It provides a simple, logical sequence that helps guide designers from the first stages of understanding a site or situation all the way through to reflection and ongoing care.
It stands for:
Survey – Analysis – Design – Implementation – Maintenance – Evaluation – Tweaking.
SADIMET offers a clear, linear approach that is easy to teach and apply, while still embodying the permaculture ethics of Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share. It helps ensure that projects are well grounded in observation and feedback, rather than jumping straight to solutions.
Historical Background
The SADIMET framework grew out of earlier design systems used in permaculture such as OBREDIM (Observation, Boundaries, Resources, Evaluation, Design, Implementation, Maintenance).
It became popular through the work of UK permaculture educators in the 1990s and early 2000s who wanted a simplified version of the design process that could be easily remembered and taught in the 72-hour Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) course.
Teachers such as Andy Goldring, Graham Bell, and Patrick Whitefield used and shared SADIMET widely because of its practicality. It balances ecological observation with systematic design thinking and has since become a core teaching tool across Europe.
Many designers now use SADIMET as a foundation before moving on to more complex frameworks such as GOBRADIMET or Looby Macnamara’s Design Web.
Step by Step Breakdown
1. Survey
This stage involves getting to know the context deeply. It is about observation and gathering information before making any decisions.
- Observe the land, people, and systems involved.
- Collect data about climate, water, soil, flora, fauna, and existing infrastructure.
- Talk to stakeholders and understand their needs and patterns.
Example:
A farm designer might record wind direction, rainfall patterns, and sun angles throughout the seasons. A community project might observe when and how people use a shared space.
2. Analysis
Once the data is gathered, the next step is to look for patterns and relationships.
- Identify opportunities and constraints.
- Use tools such as sector analysis, zone planning, and needs and yields mapping.
- Understand inputs, outputs, and how elements can support each other.
Example:
In a home garden, analysing how roof water could be diverted into a pond that irrigates nearby fruit trees, saving water and creating habitat.
3. Design
The design stage is where creativity meets practicality. It is the process of turning understanding into a clear plan.
- Use the results of your analysis to create layouts, flow diagrams, or systems maps.
- Integrate diversity and resilience.
- Ensure each element serves multiple functions and that needs are met by multiple elements.
Example:
Designing a garden that integrates vegetables, herbs, compost, and chickens in a mutually supportive system.
4. Implementation
This is the stage where the design becomes reality. Start small, act carefully, and build in feedback loops.
- Create an action plan and timeline.
- Allocate tasks and responsibilities.
- Prototype and test before expanding.
Example:
Building one raised bed to test the soil improvement method before applying it to the whole garden.
5. Maintenance
Every living system requires ongoing attention. Maintenance ensures the design continues to function and adapt over time.
- Plan for seasonal work, repairs, and replenishment.
- Encourage regular observation and care.
- Share responsibility among participants.
Example:
A weekly watering schedule for new trees, or regular check ins in a social permaculture project.
6. Evaluation
Evaluation means stepping back and reflecting on how well the design is performing.
- Review successes, challenges, and unexpected outcomes.
- Ask stakeholders for feedback.
- Use measurable indicators to track progress toward goals.
Example:
Recording crop yields, community participation rates, or water savings each season.
7. Tweaking
No design is ever finished. This stage brings learning full circle by applying insights from evaluation to make improvements.
- Make small, thoughtful adjustments.
- Revisit earlier stages as needed.
- Keep the system evolving rather than fixed.
Example:
Changing the planting pattern after noticing that certain crops prefer more shade or shifting meeting times to suit community availability.
Comparison with Other Frameworks
| Framework | Focus | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| OBREDIM | Detailed observation and boundary mapping | Landscape and site designs |
| SADIMET | Simple and teachable design process | Entry level learning and PDC projects |
| GOBRADIMET | Expanded with goal setting and reflection | Diploma level or complex projects |
| Design Web | Flexible and people centered | Social and personal designs |
SADIMET is valued for its simplicity. It helps new designers avoid the trap of rushing into design without sufficient observation or evaluation.
Practical Examples
1. Land Based Example – School Garden
- Survey: Observe the school grounds, note sun patterns, measure soil depth, and talk to teachers about curriculum needs.
- Analysis: Identify areas with best sun exposure and proximity to water. Consider children’s play routes and safety.
- Design: Create raised beds near the classroom, add a compost area and a small pond for wildlife.
- Implementation: Build one section with the students, plant easy crops like lettuce and beans.
- Maintenance: Assign weekly garden duties to each class.
- Evaluation: Review harvest quantity and how engaged the children are.
- Tweaking: Adjust planting schedule and add more shade tolerant species for summer.
2. Social Example – Community Exchange Network
- Survey: Talk to community members about what they can offer and what they need.
- Analysis: Identify shared interests and possible exchanges such as childcare, repair, or food swaps.
- Design: Create a time bank model where hours are the currency.
- Implementation: Pilot with a small group and a simple digital tool.
- Maintenance: Hold monthly gatherings to encourage participation.
- Evaluation: Track number of exchanges and member satisfaction.
- Tweaking: Simplify the system if it feels too formal, or introduce themed exchange days.
Why It Is Valuable
SADIMET provides a solid foundation for anyone learning to think in systems. It encourages careful observation before action, structured analysis, and ongoing feedback.
Because of its simplicity, SADIMET is an excellent first framework for students and community projects. It can later be expanded into more complex approaches like GOBRADIMET or the Design Web.
It teaches the habit of iterative learning, which is essential in permaculture and any other field that works with living, changing systems.