Dystopian Design
Design Futures/Fiction
A design approach that explores dark and negative future scenarios. Dystopian design challenges assumptions, raises awareness of potential pitfalls, and encourages critical reflection on the implications of emerging technologies.
In practice
In speculative design, dystopian design explores and imagines potential futures characterized by negative societal, technological, or environmental outcomes. Designers engaging in dystopian design use design interventions to provoke critical reflections on the unintended consequences of design decisions, fostering discussions about ethical considerations, unintended consequences, and the responsibility of designers in shaping more desirable futures.
Questions
What is Dystopian Design?
Dystopian design imagines futures where technology has gone badly, using them to expose the risks in decisions being made now.
Why do you use Dystopian Design?
A worst case made concrete is more persuasive than a risk register, and it surfaces objections people would not otherwise voice.
How do you use/apply Dystopian Design?
Extrapolate a current trend without exaggeration until it becomes uncomfortable, and keep the artefact mundane so the horror is in the implication.
When do you use Dystopian Design?
In critical practice, research and public engagement.
Who uses Dystopian Design?
Speculative and critical designers, writers and futures researchers.
