The Futureproof Series.
Postcards
From the Future.
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Futureproof Series
Postcards From the Future
As part of designbivouac’s Futureproof Series, this collection offers a set of visual explorations and concise narratives designed to spark conversation, challenge assumptions, and inspire strategic thinking about what lies ahead.
“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.”
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Methodology
Futurecasting is a creative process where designers explore various social, cultural, economic, political, and ecological factors to envision potential futures. Rather than predicting the future with certainty, futurecasting focuses on imagining possible and preferable scenarios that inform long-term strategies. It helps businesses understand the forces shaping the future, anticipate changes, and create proactive strategies. Preferable futures align technology with human needs while ensuring sustainability from a planetary perspective.
“The best way to predict the future is to design it.”
Frameworks
The Futureproof: Postcards From the Future series draws on frameworks, such as Joseph Voros’s Futures Cone and backcasting, to guide its exploration. By working backward from a desirable future state to our current reality, backcasting helps identify the necessary conditions to achieve a preferred vision. The aim is to encourage thoughtful consideration of our shared future and inspire active participation in shaping it.
Visual and Narrative Approach
The series' visual approach integrates AI tools into the creative process, blending visuals with written narratives that evolve organically as each postcard from the future takes form. The series is designed to inspire deeper reflection on the necessary actions to make our collective preferred future a reality.
Futureproof: AI Powered Woodworking
AI-enabled, precision power tools transform garages into micro-factories. What will the value of future craftsmanship involve in terms of automation? How will the definition of “hand-crafted” evolve?
Future Narrative
I walked into my woodworking shop this morning, and my new tabletop AI-powered wood rendering setup had completed the batch I programmed the night before. There are a few unexpected things I will have to touch up, but this saved me hours of repetitive work. It is almost as good as the one we have at work. Measurements and tolerances are precise, and everything fits together perfectly. Now, I can focus on the details. This one is for the local museum. I might create another one in time for the Fine Arts Fair. Once I dial things in, I’ll try the “print to Etsy” feature. But first, I’ll use this setup to create soundproofing panels so I can run it all night without upsetting the neighbors.
Technology
AI, personal computer interfaces, and motorized precision woodworking tools transform garages into micro-factories.
Implications
What will the value of future craftsmanship involve in terms of automation? How will the definition of “hand-crafted” evolve?
If you are a tool company, what are you doing today to integrate digital and AI capabilities into your offerings?
Early Signals
www.shapertools.com
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.