designfictions

Designfictions are a speculative design practice that uses fictional artifacts, narratives, and scenarios to explore potential futures and their societal implications. Rather than presenting a singular, desirable future, designfictions often inhabit the realm of the plausible or even the undesirable, prompting critical reflection on present-day choices and their potential consequences. The practice draws from disciplines such as science fiction, critical theory, and design research.

The output of a designfiction project can take many forms, including mock advertisements, product prototypes, user manuals, film clips, or even fictional news reports. These artifacts are not intended to be actual products or services, but rather tools for provoking thought and discussion. They aim to make abstract futures tangible and to highlight the values and assumptions embedded within current design and technological trends.

Key characteristics of designfictions include their speculative nature, their focus on the everyday experiences of individuals within these imagined futures, and their critical stance. They are often used as a method to anticipate unintended consequences of emerging technologies, to challenge dominant narratives about progress, and to foster dialogue about the kind of future we collectively want to create. The practice encourages a more nuanced and critical engagement with the relationship between design, technology, and society.