In this session, we discussed about what is the key features of speculative design and what is the strengths/limitations of this mode design.
From my point of view, speculative design has vast similarities to critical design. The biggest difference between the two designs is that critical design is the comparison between current design and previous design. Speculative design focuses on thinking about the direction of future design. Speculative design may break a lot of limitations, which requires us to jump out of the current way of thinking and explore the future design needs from different dimensions.
Speculative design is a discourse practice based on critical thinking and dialogue, questioning design practice (and its modernist definition). However, the speculative design method takes a critical approach one step further, moving towards the imagination and vision of possible scenarios.
In the reading materials, there are some cases of speculative design that opened my eyes. For example, with global warming and rising sea levels, humans have to live at sea, and our land homes have since become ocean homes. There are also new ideas for future cities, and many of the models in it are the projects that we are gradually implementing. The city's name is Akon city, and this sustainable city will become the location of parks, universities, schools, hospitals, stadiums, hotels, and industrial parks. The city will also exclusively use Akoin cryptocurrency. The first phase of the project has begun. By 2024 roads, the main buildings, landfills, and photovoltaic solar power plants will be finish built. Akon City is expected to be completed in 2029.
Now, as a designer, I should take greater responsibility for the future. Some basic software use and reproducing content is more likely to fall into the category of novice designers. For design, there should be different dimensions of thinking. For example, our social systems change all the time, and the content that we design follows the social systems, so we have a limited idea of what's bad for society or what's good for society. In general, the advantage of speculative design is that we need to boldly imagine and try, and more design is the prediction of the future. Speculative design, when used properly, can be a great innovation tool for education, organisations, and even the environment. Of course, success is no accident. Maybe one of the ten thousand designs will become the mainstream invention of the future. But how many Apple companies are there in the world? Design is a process of continuous exploration and breakthrough, so let's take action.
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