“Future Mundane” is a term coined to describe a Design Fiction approach that focuses on the normal, ordinary, everyday aspects of future scenarios. It involves exploring how emerging rituals, practices, artifacts, devices, technologies might integrate seamlessly into daily life, becoming mundane and almost invisible in their functionality; they become as normal as wheels on luggage, or televisions we talk to. Future Mundane is related to Design Fiction in the sense that both concepts involve speculative thinking about the future, but Future Mundane specifically emphasizes the subtle and unobtrusive integration of technology into everyday routines. It offers a unique perspective on how future innovations could blend seamlessly into our lives, contrasting with more dramatic or disruptive visions of the future often portrayed in traditional speculative design. By highlighting the potential for technology to become an unremarkable part of our daily experiences, Future Mundane encourages us to consider the social, cultural, and ethical implications of emerging technologies in a more nuanced and...

Dad Band Futures Fest: Broadcast from Later 46

This podcast episode with Julian Bleecker discusses design fiction, emphasizing speculative design's role in projecting future possibilities and its influence on current design practices, highlighting the relevance of visual creativity and the intersection with technology.

Normal, ordinary, everyday futures — a futures sensibility and approach to futuring that emphasizes realistic and grounded visions of the future, focusing on ordinary, everyday experiences rather than fantastical, science fiction-inspired depictions. It highlights how future societies will be shaped by the accumulation of past and present elements, showcasing a world that is accretive, filled with familiar objects, routines, and imperfections. By embracing this notion of Future Mundane, designers and futurists aim to create relatable, achievable futures that acknowledge the complexity and flaws inherent in real life.

The Future Mundane concept is a valuable transformation as to how we think about possiblity and possible futures by emphasizing the normal, ordinary, everyday aspects of life that are often overlooked in traditional grand-scale future visions. Unlike these glossy utopian projections, the Future Mundane has us imagine into a future that is relatable and rooted in the familiar rhythms of daily life. By doing so, it creates a bridge between where we are now and where we could be, making future scenarios more attainable and actionable.

the design fiction archetype

The relationship between Imagination in Structure can be antagonistic. How do we bring Imagination and Structure into collaboration rather than confrontation?

In this episode of 'The Futurists,' co-hosts Brett King and Rob Tercik discuss with Julian Bleecker, co-founder of Near Future Laboratory, his unique approach called 'Design Fiction.' They explore the imaginative process of depicting future scenarios through objects, advertisements, and everyday experiences, akin to archeological finds from the future. The conversation delves into the intriguing aspects of AI, social impacts, and the transformative potential of technologies like psychotropics and blockchain. Julian also shares insights into his past work with Nokia and the relevance of iconic brands like IKEA in envisioning future products.

Design Fiction entangles design and fiction to create evocative artifacts that express the contexts and outcomes of change. It integrates design with the principles of narrative, speculation, and fiction.