What's the Difference Between BG5 and Human Design?

The Difference Between BG5 and Human Design

If you're wondering, "What's the difference between Human Design and BG5?" then you likely came across one of them first, then found out that the other exists. And you've got questions.

Which one do you invest your time and energy in 

and do you even have to choose?

I'll start with a short answer, which might include what you're mostly trying to find out: 

✔ Yes, they're more than a little related. They're based on the same data and both were created by the founder of the system, yet they have a different focus. This difference includes using different words and phrases for most aspects. Gates in Human Desing are called Traits in BG5, for instance. Channels are Strengths. Centers are Functions. Manifestors are Initiators. And so on.

✔ So, when you study one of them you're learning the same system. 

• Human Design in its original form focuses on transforming or awakening the individual through deconditioning. You can also use it to look at the dynamics between two people or your family unit.

• BG5 aims to make the Human Design system available to more people. After all, not everyone is actively seeking transformation, shadow work, and self actualization. BG5 allows people to acess the same information to leverage their conditioning and strengths on the material plane. It focuses on career and business language. We can also analyse the dynamics of a business partnership and different sizes of teams or businesses to improve communication and individual and team productivity.

In the Human Design System, there are five basic types: 

• Manifesting Generator

• Generator

• Manifestor

• Projector

• Reflector

You may hear people referrring to Manifesting Generator and Generator as being subsets of the same type. We will not dive into this topic here. Yet despite their similarities, since they are around 30% and 35% of the population respectively, it seems very useful to differentiate between them.

BG5, on the other hand, focuses specifically on career and business development. It was created by the same founder of Human Design, and the same organization is the official source. 

So BG5 takes all the same data from your unique Human Design, but it uses a different terminology to describe the basic types. 

The five BG5 career types are:

(in no particular order)

• Express Builder (Manifesting Generator)

• Builder (Generator)

• Advisor (Projector)

• Initiator (Manifestor)

• Evaluator (Reflector)

Each of these types has unique strengths, talents, and strategies for success in the workplace. 

[The Initiator in BG5 was for a long time referred to asthe  Innovator.  In 2022, after consultations with some of the original students of Ra, this was changed to Initiator. As an Initiator myself, I resonate far more with this than either Manifestor or Innovator.]

More About BG5 and Human Design

BG5 is a career and business development system that is based on the principles of the Human Design System. It uses the same source, concepts and tools as Human Design, but it is more focused on applying those principles to the workplace and to conscious business development.

One of the main differences between BG5 and Human Design is their focus. Human Design is a holistic system that provides a deep understanding of an individual's energetic makeup and how that affects their life and relationships. Its use and followers covers a wide range of topics, including relationships, health, spirituality, and more.

BG5, on the other hand, is specifically focused on career and business development. It uses Human Design concepts to help individuals and businesses identify their strengths, talents, and strategies for success in the workplace. It provides practical tools and strategies for applying Human Design principles to the business world.

Another difference is that BG5 uses a slightly different terminology than Human Design. For example, the BG5 career types have different names than the basic Human Design types.

Overall, while there are some differences between BG5 and Human Design, they are both based on the same foundational principles and can be used together to gain a deeper understanding of an individual's strengths and talents, and to support their personal and professional growth.

BG5 and Human Design: Why would someone choose one over the other?

Whether you choose to go with Human Design or BG5 depends on your specific goals and interests.

If you're interested in gaining a deep understanding of your energetic makeup and how that affects all aspects of your life, including relationships, health, and spirituality, then Human Design may be a good fit. Human Design provides a holistic approach to understanding oneself and can be useful for personal growth and development.

On the other hand, if you're primarily questions around work or in bringing this work into you team or business, then BG5 may be more relevant. BG5 provides practical tools and strategies for applying Human Design principles specifically to the workplace. It can help individuals and businesses identify their strengths, talents, and strategies for success in the workplace and can be useful for career development and business growth.

Ultimately, both systems can be used together to gain a deeper understanding of oneself and to support personal and professional growth. The choice between the two may depend on an individual's specific goals and interests.