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Speculative Design

Speculative Design is a method where you create concepts or prototypes that explore possible futures. For example, you might design a wearable that reacts to climate data to make people reflect on sustainability.

Why is this relevant to you? As a Creative Technologist, speculative design helps you think critically about the impact of technology. It is not only about solving today’s problems but also about questioning what kind of future we want to create.

Starting Points

  1. Start with a “what if” question about the future.
    Example: What if personal data was visible as a public aura?
  2. Design a concept or prototype that makes this scenario tangible.
  3. Share your design with others to start discussion and reflection.

Key Points

  1. The goal is reflection, not only functionality.
  2. Show both opportunities and risks of future technologies.
  3. Connect your speculative design to ethical themes such as privacy, inclusion, or sustainability.
  4. Document the discussion and insights that came out of your design.