As design researchers dedicated to fostering meaningful and positive changes in future societies, we frequently discuss possible futures with our participants, to help our clients and partners look at the future through the eyes of their customers, users or citizens. In the form of Streetlabs, workshops or in-depth interviews, we ask participants to reflect on future-focused topics such as the evolution of mobility, the transformative impact of AI on job roles, or the dynamics of participatory democracy.
Every generation tends to believe it is living through the most challenging of times. This is a natural tendency that humans have – to focus on the difficulties and uncertainties they face. However, what seems unprecedented more recently is the level of anxiety experienced by people about what the future holds. These fears are broad and deeply rooted, spanning from environmental and geo-political crises to social and economic inequalities. This has major consequences on our mental and emotional well-being, especially for younger generations. Experiencing this type of emotion can be a paralysing experience where the impression that no one realises the urgency of the situation is coupled with a sense of hopelessness given the magnitude of the problem’s scope.
Anxieties people experience as a result of being uncertain about their future can shape their decision-making and aspirations. Understanding how these concerns intersect with how people imagine their future is crucial to developing engagement methods that participants find comfortable and safe.
Let’s look at some techniques design researchers can put in place to navigate this, orientated towards understanding, embracing and coping.
Normalising the anxiety
Every concern is unique to the person experiencing it, and it can vary across different demographics, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. To normalise these feelings, it’s important to communicate to participants that it’s completely natural to feel anxious when imagining the future. By acknowledging their emotions, we can help them feel more at ease and create a space where they can openly share their thoughts and fears. It’s also crucial to emphasise that their concerns are valid and worth exploring.
Let’s look at an example. In a research project focusing on the impact of AI on work, some participants expressed concerns about the future of their jobs in the AI era. These worries are not only valid but also reflect broader societal apprehensions about technological advancements. By acknowledging and validating these concerns, researchers create a supportive environment where participants feel comfortable discussing their anxieties openly
Biting off what you can chew
Break down the process of future thinking into smaller, manageable steps. Instead of asking individuals to think about what the future will look like in 50 years; which can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing, it’s better to encourage them to think about their current experiences so they can gradually extrapolate and imagine possible future scenarios. Providing clear guidance is essential to help participants navigate the challenging exercise of future thinking, in an organised and accessible way.
For instance, let’s take an example from a research project focused on the future of transportation. Participants began by reflecting on their current commuting experiences, modes of transportation they use, and any challenges they face in getting from place to place. Next, they considered how emerging technologies like electric vehicles or autonomous vehicles might shape transportation in the coming years. Finally, they explored various future angles such as the impact of future modes of transport on traffic congestion and emissions or infrastructure development. By breaking down the process of future thinking into manageable steps, researchers guide participants in envisioning potential trajectories for the future of transportation.
Building from concern to opportunity
Another useful design research approach is to focus on reframing the narrative and encouraging participants to reinterpret their anxieties about the future in more constructive ways. This can be done through exercises like storytelling, visioning exercises, and creative writing techniques. By engaging in these types of activities, participants can explore alternative perspectives that help them see a future where they are resilient and capable of overcoming challenges. These exercises help shift the focus from a place of fear and anxiety to one of resilience and empowerment.
For instance, in a workshop focusing on urban sustainability, participants were encouraged to imagine themselves as residents of a city that has successfully implemented sustainable practices. Through roleplay, they explored scenarios where regenerative practices are the norm. By reframing their anxieties about environmental degradation and climate change into visions of cities that prioritise sustainability, participants fostered a sense of hope about the future of urban living.
By Jeanne Renoult