This series of work was illustrated by rachelle bugeaud. it seeks to transform trends into abstract conversation pieces with the use of visual metaphors inspired by the past.

IMMERSIVE INTERNET

It’s the dawn of a new type of internet that moves away from the screen, being instead characterized by a physical presence composed of a network of tangible actors and ambient sensors. This trend carries with it refinements in the ways we are able to interact with digital services, as well as the ways these digital worlds are able to manifest themselves in our physical environment.

CIRCULAR ECONOMIES

Work is being completed to refashion previously wasteful retail cycles into regenerative consumer loops. We’re seeing the circular economy slowly come to life through initiatives like made to order retail, cradle-to-cradle products, and zero waste stores. The signals are pointing towards a consumer future that’s defined by more sustainability - from production to use and eventual (re)production.

SMART CITY

Smart neighborhoods, new urbanism, and even autonomous cities. Our built environment is keeping pace with innovation in order to deliver higher performing and more sustainable results. We’re seeing new construction methods and materials being used to help reimagine our relationship to the environment and to help further the cause for healthy, resilient structures. 

DISTRUST NATION

Welcome to the post-factual society where (increasingly) nothing can be taken at face value. Thanks no doubt to manipulative tech and manipulated truths, society as a whole is becoming polarized. This is leading to conspiracies, social distrust, isolationism, and even extremism. It’s the worrying trend of the fragmentation of social unity and the growing political divide.

EXTENDED REALITY

We’re seeing the creation of fully virtual spaces for work, socializing, and shopping. Think of digital environments and synthetic spaces accessible through immersive technologies like VR, XR, and AR. This trend is about the blending of physical and virtual spaces opening up the door to a new type of everyday reality.

DISTRIBUTED TRUST

There’s global interest in distributing the power inherent within a legacy system across a new network of independent actors, thereby increasing the system’s ability to withstand corruption and manipulation while improving its transparency. In other words: it’s the fragmentation and democratization of power amongst old, hierarchical, closed systems.

COLLECTIVE LIVING

People are coming together to reduce their ecological footprint while amplifying their impact towards common causes. Through things like the sharing economy, individuals are able to reduce their ecological footprint by sharing tools and spaces with one another. At the same time, digital platforms have allowed crowds to quickly come together to fund projects, raise awareness, and/or elicit backlash together.

IMPACTFUL CONSUMERISM

Also named ethical consumerism, this trend reflects the intentional choices that consumers are making to reflect their values of sustainability, ethical justice, and responsible growth. It’s intentional and mindful purchases being made by consumers and value-driven companies, both in the pursuit of a more responsible economy.

SELF RUNNING SYSTEMS

Thanks to artificial intelligence, sensors, and robotics, autonomous systems are revolutionizing multiple industries. In essence, we’re creating a new type of worker that’s at once invisible and mute. These systems are able to coordinate amongst themselves to effectively deliver round the clock services for our societies.

Synthetic Individuals

It’s the development of digital assistants and synthetic individuals powered by advanced AI and sophisticated visuals and audio. Many of these virtual individuals have fully developed personalities that are able to fool us into believing they are real, empathetic, and emotional human beings. The result is a new type of digital friend, virtual assistant, and crafted influencer.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Collectively, the world is taking a moment to re-evaluate the role of work in one’s life. The meaning and value or work has shifted considerably in the past couple of years, reflecting a stronger work-life balance, the rise of alternative (internet) careers, the dominance of distributed work, the expectation for flexible hours, as well as the growth of gig and contract work. 

These five illustrations were originally created for the Stanford d.school’s K12 Future Lab. They represent five key APPROACHES TO STRONG FUTURES THINKING.

TRACING CHANGE ACROSS TIME

How might the world change, and why? Learn more about this approach here..

SEEING IN MULTIPLES

How can we see a fuller range of possible futures? Learn about this approach here.

WORLD BUILDING

How might we create more vivid worlds? Learn more about this approach here.

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SEEKING VISIONS OF COEXISTENCE

How can we design more inclusive futures? Learn more about this approach.

Empathy for the Future

How might we become better ancestors? Learn more about this approach.

Care Guide

These shirts are made in small batches, with love and by hand using heat transfer vinyls. Take care of your new shirt by washing it inside out in cold water, then hanging it to try. This will ensure maximum longevity for the heat-applied vinyl. If you accidentally wash it in hot water, you may encounter some slight delamination at the edges of the vinyl.