In this class, we learnt about Speculative Design.
A creative and critical approach to designing for the future. Instead of focusing on solving current problems, speculative design imagines possible, probable, and even provocative futures to challenge assumptions and inspire new ways of thinking; ultimately providing me with a framework to design interventions that guide me toward a preferable new reality.
This graph shows the most simplistic way to understand Speculative Design. Each section highlights a different aspect.
Probable - This is where most designers operate. It describes what is likely to happen unless there is some extreme upheaval such as a financial crash, eco disaster or war.
An example of probable speculative design could be the development of wearable health technology in the near future, where designers think it will be around 2030. Through Wearable Health Monitors, a smartwatch that not only tracks heart rate and steps but also monitors blood glucose levels, hydration levels, and stress indicators in real-time is a big thought from designers that could enhance the monitors. Designers could create a prototype showcasing a sleek, comfortable wristband equipped with sensors that collect and analyse data continuously.
Overall, through this probable speculative design, the focus is on enhancing individual health and well-being while also considering the implications for healthcare systems and public health.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1147686136855646
Plausible - The space of plausible futures is not about prediction but exploring alternative economic and political futures to ensure an organisation will be prepared for and thrive in a number of different futures.
Possible - The skill shown here is making links between todays world and the suggested one. They should be scientifically possible, and second, there should be a path from where we are today to where we are in the scenario.
An example of possible speculative design is the concept of ‘smart cities’ in the year 2040. In this concept, designers create a series of prototypes and visualisations that depict how urban environments could evolve with advanced technology. This is through Autonomous Public Transport. There is already advances on self driving cars through taxi service and electric cars, but creating a model of full self driving vehicles that operates on 5 stars of the level of automation, learnt in my AV project in semester 1. The increase on vehicles from cars to busses to trams and much more will aid and expand on optimising routes and reduce waiting times, showcases a possible improvement in design across the world. There is also ideas of Urban Farming in the smart cities, as well as Smart Waste Management, to aid in sustainability and reduced costs, as well as overall improving the climate and reduced carbon emission, maintaining a healthy planet.
Overall, Possible Speculative Design provokes thought and discussion about the future, showcasing what can happen and is most attainable for the world.
https://youtu.be/LcczY0hvh8A?si=mHl_yXXRsmOTks37
Preferable - Not trying to predict the future but using design to open up all sorts of possibilities that can be discussed, debated and used to collectively define a preferable future for a given group of people, from companies to cities to societies.