This edition explores the intriguing intersection of technology and human perception through the lens of autonomous vehicles, particularly a Waymo seen in Venice Beach, CA. It examines how robots interact with the world differently than humans, raising questions about their design and operational logic. The discussion extends to applied speculation projects, including a magazine called “Car and Driverless” that envisions a future where autonomous vehicles are commonplace. Additionally, it highlights the Adjacency project, which merges Gen-Z sensibilities with...

A recent tech conference in Palm Springs, PS/NExT, sparked discussions on the tangible impacts of technology on daily life, emphasizing the importance of land, water, and power. The event featured local teams rapidly developing AI-assisted prototypes, showcasing practical applications like a wind-tour Q&A app and a dashboard for zoo waste tracking. Additionally, insights were shared on the generative AI's influence on creative work, with a report from the Future Skills Centre in Canada. The newsletter also highlights the...

This edition explores the implications of autonomous technologies in everyday life, highlighting a playful incident in New Hope, PA where local youth engaged with delivery carts, sparking a broader dialogue on the societal costs of convenience. It reviews the Apple InfraMaximal 6502, a device designed to monitor cognitive exposure to AI interactions, and discusses the trend of towns becoming "robot-unreadable" as communities respond to autonomous nuisances. The newsletter also examines the ethical dilemmas surrounding robot rights and reports...

This week explores the implications of living in a world of just-enough, featuring a conversation with Ian Bogost about his book “The Small Stuff,” which examines sensory life and the value of ordinary objects. It reflects on a recent Futures 2.0 Seminar activity that posed the question of what individuals would do if universal basic income were a reality, encouraging participants to propose meaningful contributions to their communities. The newsletter also highlights various cultural signals, including a design...

Join the upcoming Office Hours The Side Project Edition N°315 on July 3, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:30 AM Pacific on Zoom. This session invites participants to share their side projects, prototypes, and research questions in a collaborative environment. Attendees will engage in a structured format, allowing for a brief introduction followed by a group discussion aimed at providing valuable feedback. Featured in this edition are the Four Design Fiction Books, essential resources for speculative practice, including *The...

This edition explores speculative strategy and the future of hygiene, featuring insights from Ronda Ringfort-Felner, Judith Doerrenbaecher, and Marc Hassenzahl on the quality of speculation in HCI. It discusses the impact of spreadsheets on finance consciousness leading to the 2008 crisis, highlights an important lecture at the ICA, and presents a podcast conversation with Sarah Rothberg and Marina Zurkow. The narrative emphasizes the potential of weak signals and emerging social rituals to inform strategic choices, illustrated by Graeme...