Feminist Futures
Design Futures/Fiction
A perspective in speculative design that considers and challenges gender norms, power structures, and inequalities in envisioning alternative futures. Feminist futures explore how design can contribute to more equitable and inclusive societies.
In practice
In speculative design and social justice, feminist futures involve envisioning and designing for futures that prioritize gender equality, inclusivity, and the dismantling of oppressive structures. Designers engaging in feminist futures consider the impact of design decisions on diverse gender identities and experiences, challenging gender norms, and promoting social equity. This approach fosters a design mindset that contributes to a more inclusive and equitable future, addressing power imbalances and supporting the well-being of all individuals, irrespective of gender.
Questions
What is Feminist Futures?
Feminist futures is futures work that questions whose experience the default future is built around, and imagines alternatives centred on care, equity and bodies that are usually designed past.
Why do you use Feminist Futures?
Most technological futures are extrapolated from the priorities of the people funding them. Naming that produces different, often more useful, scenarios.
How do you use/apply Feminist Futures?
Change who is in the room and whose needs anchor the scenario, then follow the consequences honestly.
When do you use Feminist Futures?
In research, policy and strategy work, and as a check on any scenario set that feels unanimous.
Who uses Feminist Futures?
Futures researchers, critical designers and scholars.
