Near Future Laboratory Newsletter Index
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May 2026 — May 2026
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Hand cranked AI prototype with a crank on the side
This edition examines the evolving relationship between art and technology, highlighting a citizens' assembly in Italy focused on future societal structures, and the launch of a new speculative impacts unit at OpenAI. It reflects on the historical context of art+tech through influential books, including MoMA's *Talk to Me*, and discusses the implications of Matt Webb's Poem/1 clock, which generates poetry in real-time, raising questions about AI's role in creativity. The newsletter also features insights on local AI developments,...
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This edition explores the concept of Everyday Intelligence, examining how AI integrates into daily life beyond mere automation, influencing rituals, devices, and decision-making. It discusses the Future Mundane, emphasizing the importance of tangible representations of the future in products and experiences. The TBD Catalog is highlighted for its role in making future concepts accessible and relatable. A review of the ORACULATOR illustrates how everyday objects can embody intelligence in practical ways. The newsletter also features the Relational Citation...
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Futuristic control room with retro chairs and wall-mounted screens.
This edition highlights the upcoming Office Hours event, scheduled for May 22nd, featuring open discussions on design, culture, futures, and creative practice. It introduces a thought-provoking design fiction dispatch titled "Corporate Superintelligence," which explores a future where an AI named Mark replaces traditional corporate hierarchies, streamlining decision-making processes. The narrative envisions a workplace where an AI Chief Executive Officer governs based on the preferences of a single executive, fundamentally altering the dynamics of organizational structure and strategy. Additionally,...
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Exploring the intersection of wonder and deployment reveals the complexities of creative processes in the age of AI. The Rhizome 7x7 livestream showcased collaborations between artists and scientists, emphasizing the excitement of experimentation before understanding its implications. The discussions highlighted the tension between creative exploration and the deployment logic that seeks to extract value from these innovations. As AI tools reshape music creation, the conversation shifts to the implications of agency, authorship, and the evolving role of human...
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This edition explores the importance of imagination in modern organizations, emphasizing that while they excel in planning and forecasting, they often struggle with the creative aspect of imagining future possibilities. It highlights Joshua Rothman's essay from The New Yorker, which argues that the future is a historical invention shaped by various tools and cultural practices. The newsletter also discusses the upcoming Denver premiere of BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions, featuring a panel discussion with notable figures in film and...
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Banksy Flag Man
A reminder for the upcoming EPIC Learning Week fireside chat with Jay Hasbrouck on May 5, 2026, focusing on the importance of cultivating imagination within organizations. This discussion emphasizes that imagination is not merely a vibe but a critical capability for maintaining strategic awareness in a rapidly changing environment. It highlights the role of anticipatory research in translating weak signals into tangible artifacts, enabling teams to explore implications and make informed decisions. The conversation will also address how...
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Join nearly 21,000 members connecting art, product, design, technology, and futures.
May 2026 — May 2026
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