Wondering how to sell speculation in an organization that is driven by analytics, measurements, and outcomes? Wondering what are the KPIs of speculative work? How can we measure the impact of speculative design? What are the indicators of success for speculative projects? Rather than fixating on predictions, organizations should focus on creating 'functional fictions'—tangible artifacts that embody possible futures. These artifacts serve as conversation starters, helping teams explore new possibilities and define the future actively. In this third post in a series on speculative design, I explore how to measure the value of imagination in organizations. It's not about quantifying creativity, but about recognizing its impact on the organization's ability to navigate uncertainty and seize opportunities.

Once, the internet came in a box. It was a tangible artifact that made a possible future something you could see, touch, and use. There was also a time when jogging itself — yeah, I know! jogging! — did not exist. So Bill Bowerman — co-founder of Nike and legendary track coach — wrote a book called "Jogging" in 1967 to make that future tangible. Today, organizations need similar artifacts — 'functional fictions' — to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of AI and technology. By building these tangible probes quickly, teams can explore new possibilities and define the future rather than just reacting to it.

The Design Research Observatory is a curated collection of exemplary Design Research projects presented through an accessible online platform. It exists to help anyone, from curious newcomers to seasoned experts, discover what Design Research is, understand why it matters, and explore the diverse ways it creates value in our rapidly changing world. The long-term vision is ambitious: they want to help Design Research become as valued, understood, and accepted as any other type of scientific research. It's a big objective, and the Observatory is just a small piece in that puzzle, but an important one.

Most organizations know how to prototype a product. Far fewer know how to prototype a future. That’s what speculative prototyping makes possible: tangible artifacts that prototype possibility; things that let teams rehearse tomorrow instead of waiting for it. These tools surface risks, reveal opportunities, and align leadership around what’s coming next. I build and lead teams that do this work. Not just decks, but artifacts that turn imagination into a competitive advantage. What does a team that embrace speculation look like? Can such a team exist in these times help shape the visions of possible AI futures? To build armor against uncertainty, organizations need to embed speculative design functions inside their teams — to prototype future products, anticipate emerging markets, and navigate uncertainty with conviction. Low cost, high value speculative prototyping sprints can yield strategic insights and tangible artifacts that help teams rehearse and invent the future, rather than merely react to it.

Roadmaps are shrinking. AI is accelerating. And most teams? Still optimizing what used to work. Here’s the shift I'm talking about: Imagination isn’t a luxury — it’s operational strategy. Prototyping as the primary mode of futures design — exploring actively, materially rather than just thinking about it or writing another framework about it. Or, even worse perhaps — another book about it. Time to go kinetic. Building. Making. Prototyping. Ontological furniture crafting. Making the future tangible to where you are actually making the future you will inhabit. In a time of rapid change, your team’s ability to speculate with intent in a hands-on way is what keeps innovation alive. Organizations that invest in disciplined imagination aren’t just ready for the next shift — they’re already inventing it. In this series of posts, I’ll share how to embed speculative design functions inside your team — to prototype future products, anticipate emerging markets, and navigate uncertainty with conviction. All of this drawin from my on-the-ground experiences working on innovation teams, the...

Is the cautionary science fiction tale actually a playbook? What happens when dystopian fiction becomes a showcase for fascinating possibilities rather than outcomes to avoid? This got me wondering: what happens when cautionary tales become sources of inspiration rather than warnings? When dystopian fiction becomes a showcase for fascinating possibilities rather than outcomes to avoid? What if we focused more on stories that don't just show us what could go wrong, but actively explore what could go right? What would hopeful speculation look like? How do we tell stories about technology that inspire us toward better outcomes rather than just more advanced ones?

This is a rebroadcast of a chat with Dave Gray from a couple years back that got taken down by Spotify! Listen back to the edit to find out why — but mostly listen back for Dave's dulcet baritone reminding us all of the existential power of imagination and visual storytelling. The simple beautify of translating feeling and ideas into images is a powerful way to see the world differently, to make sense of complexity, and to envision new possibilities. Dave is a long-time friend and collaboratory. We met many years ago when he was running XPLANE, a pioneering visual thinking and visual storytelling company. He invited me to this retreat he was hosting called “The Overlap” at Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove, California. It was a small gathering of about 25 or so people from various disciplines and backgrounds, all interested in design and creativity. I was the only person there who worked in technology and futures design —...

MobZombies, a project blending playground-style physical play with digital gaming, is now featured on Processing.org. This is like a step toward games that mix real-world activity with screen-based fun. Inspired in part by people like David Elkind...

Imagine being 15 and standing at the threshold of the future, eager to understand what's ahead. That’s exactly what Vikram did after my keynote. His questions were not just about facts but about possibilities. We talked about how futures thinking isn’t just forecasting; it’s about expanding our imagination—seeing worlds that don’t yet exist. When young people like Vikram participate actively in envisioning the future, they bring fresh energy and new ideas that challenge the status quo. It’s a reminder - the future belongs to those who dare to imagine it. We often view youth as passive consumers of information, but they are potent creators of possibility. Engaging them means more than teaching; it’s about empowering them to lead. Vikram’s energy to blog is a testament to that spirit. Supporting young voices isn’t an option. Rather, it’s a necessity for a more habitable, innovative world. Are we listening enough to the next generation’s dreams and visions?