The relationship between Imagination in Structure can be antagonistic. How do we bring Imagination and Structure into collaboration rather than confrontation?

In this episode of 'The Futurists,' co-hosts Brett King and Rob Tercik discuss with Julian Bleecker, co-founder of Near Future Laboratory, his unique approach called 'Design Fiction.' They explore the imaginative process of depicting future scenarios through objects, advertisements, and everyday experiences, akin to archeological finds from the future. The conversation delves into the intriguing aspects of AI, social impacts, and the transformative potential of technologies like psychotropics and blockchain. Julian also shares insights into his past work with Nokia and the relevance of iconic brands like IKEA in envisioning future products.

Design Fiction entangles design and fiction to create evocative artifacts that express the contexts and outcomes of change. It integrates design with the principles of narrative, speculation, and fiction.

2. I receive emails from earnest folks really wanting to understand design fiction and that's awesome and amazing. I like that people feel they can reach out this way. I want to help, truly.

--- 1. Most times when we hear about something that has no solid meaning, that has no firm arrangements of connected neurons within our brains, or particularly something we have never ‘seen’ or ‘heard’ or have...

1. Where do visions of the future come from?

Here are five practice principles: obtain perspective, maintain a spirit of optimistic contrarianism, embrace the unexpected, protecte creative dreams, and always be curios. These are the things that help keep futures-oriented work vibrant and meaningful.

Here’s a proposal inspired by Richard Powers’ novel "Bewilderment" and his conversation with Ezra Klein. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing expansive imagination, especially in youth, to envision hopeful climate futures. The proposal suggests engaging children in imaginative exercises to foster a richer understanding of possible futures, moving beyond technological solutions to embrace creativity and wonder.

Here I introduce Design Fiction through reflections on jogging’s origins, highlighting Bill Bowerman’s 1967 manual as an imaginative artifact that rehearsed a future where people embraced running for health. It contrasts the mundane acceptance of jogging today with the bold mindset needed to envision change, emphasizing curiosity about ordinary things, the importance of crafting artifacts from possible futures, and the resilience required when facing skepticism while pursuing visionary ideas.