I describe the essence of design fiction through an exploration of material culture as a lens for envisioning future possibilities. This short essay delves into how everyday objects, from breakfast cereal to speculative artifacts, serve as powerful tools for understanding potential future scenarios without resorting to grandiose predictions. Learn how design fiction creates a bridge between tangible objects and speculative futures, inviting deeper reflection on the implications of emerging technologies and societal trends. Much of this forms the basis for my book It's time to Imagine Harder