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: Sea Level Rise and eVTOLs Reshape Coastal Cities
When they started modifying the city’s coastline in 2021 to accommodate rising sea levels, I knew it was just the beginning. The continued rise of the seas redefined our streets, and the rise of EVTOL travel has reshaped the roofscape of our metropolis.
Future Narrative
When they started modifying the city’s coastline in 2021 to accommodate rising sea levels, I knew it was just the beginning. The continued rise of sea levels has redefined our streets, and the increase of EVTOL travel has reshaped the urban landscape of our metropolis. Today, innovative, adaptable street-level structures are helping to futureproof the city against rising sea levels. At the same time, our building's upper floors extend outward and are increasingly interconnected by new skywalks.
Height-adjustable highways are now appearing across many coastal cities, futureproofing ground traffic infrastructure against future sea level rise.
EVTOLs are reshaping the skyline as landing platforms become vital transportation hubs, providing new opportunities to interlink buildings above street level.
Technology
Breakthroughs in concrete are reshaping our cities. Permeable concrete is used at street level, where things are still above ground, to allow water to drain between high-water events. Lightweight and strong carbon fiber-embedded concrete empowers architects to create more robust, lighter structures, increasing the square footage in our skyline.
Implications
Advances in building technologies, aerial mobility, and climate change may dramatically reshape our city skylines. Coastal cities must begin implementing plans to mitigate sea level rise and enhance the resilience of their infrastructure.
Related Concepts and Research
The Financial District and Seaport Climate Resilience Master Plan
New York City Is Sinking Under The Weight Of Its Own Buildings
Skyportz: ‘Waterfront vertiports are the future for advanced air mobility’
Future Flight: The Rise of Advanced Air Mobility
How Flying Taxis Revolutionize Urban Transit
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: 21st Century Balconies
Well, here it is, right on time. Many debated the merits of allowing aerial delivery by drones within city limits years ago, but now it is commonplace. Breakthroughs in drone safety and making them much quieter were key to growing acceptance. Now, units with balconies in New York command a premium over those without them due to the convenience of balcony delivery.
Future Narrative
Well, here it is, right on time. Many debated the merits of allowing aerial delivery by drones within city limits years ago, but now it is commonplace. Breakthroughs in drone safety and their increased quietness were key to growing acceptance. Now, units with balconies in New York command a premium over those without them due to the convenience of balcony delivery. Our city streets are much quieter and safer, with fewer delivery trucks double-parking to unload packages in the middle of the street. There seems to be a bit more shade at street level, too, offering more relief on hot summer days.
Technology
As drone technology becomes more efficient and quiet, companies like Amazon, FedEx, and Google will work with others to deliver packages directly to customers’ addresses via balconies or rooftop package locker facilities in cities.
Implications
Historically, approximately eighty-six percent of Amazon’s packages weigh less than five pounds. The FAA must work with various delivery companies to effectively stratify airspace for safe drone delivery. Municipalities will also have a hand in setting delivery and architectural amendment policies for those wishing to add balconies to their properties.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Cinema Pro Drone Companion Package
I’ve ridden some epic long-distance motorcycle journeys and always captured key moments in my mind. I never wanted to pull over to fumble with a camera or nurse GoPro batteries and miss out on the true essence of a ride. Now, I capture memorable stretches of trips and spirited riding sessions with a simple button press.
Future Narrative
I’ve ridden some epic long-distance motorcycle journeys and always captured key moments in my mind. I never wanted to pull over to fumble with a camera or nurse GoPro batteries and miss out on the true essence of a ride. Now, I capture memorable stretches of trips and spirited riding sessions with a simple button press. Cinema Pro launches up to four drones that track with me, automatically capturing stunning, high-resolution video from multiple perspectives. Videos can be easily edited, and I even use them as a training aid to analyze my riding style. I am a better rider and cinematographer today, thanks to Cinema Pro.
Rider Benefits
The FAA finally stratified the airspace a few years ago and approved Close Vehicle Coupled Proximity (CVCP) drone use standards that build upon V2X standards. Thankfully, vehicles and drones will never come into contact with each other. Drivers and riders can capture their journeys while staying focused on the road and taking in memorable moments.
Technology
The Cinema Pro Package is available in several configurations. Riders can specify up to four drones deployed from side or rear storage cases. When stowed, drones are protected by covers and charged by batteries at the base of the cases. A streamlined, urban commuter pannier allows for lane splitting in states where it is legal and accommodates smaller drones with flight times of up to 30 minutes. The standard side pannier accommodates two small drones or one larger drone capable of sustained filming for up to 60 minutes between charges.*
During extended remote trips, riders can use regen mode to recharge batteries. Regen mode exposes the blades of two motors on the master drone. While on the go, airflow spins the motors, regenerating the drones' and case batteries' energy. Larger rear-mounted cases can accommodate two small drones or one larger drone. Extended-range booster antennas are available for motorcycles with larger cases. Drones are on a “virtual leash” and will never exceed their “bingo” battery range point for returning to their host vehicle.
* Flight times are dependent upon speed and weather conditions. Estimated flight times assume a speed of 65 miles per hour and fair weather with winds of 15 miles per hour or less.
Indicators and Implications
Lynk & Co. recently released an update for its LYNK OS N vehicle, 06 EM-P, which includes the ability to control DJI drones inside the vehicle.
The FAA will need to formalize altitudes and regulations for drones operating with vehicles. FAA Advisory and Rulemaking Committees: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) Operations Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC).
Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X technologies and standards must mature to ensure that vehicles remain coupled with drones and that no vehicles or drones impede or intersect with one another or any other objects.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Preventative Wildfire Seed Globes
The wildfires have been devastating over the past decade in our county. In the paper last week, I read that new wildfire seed globes will be used during this fire season. They come in various sizes and contain water and seeds of plants native to our area.
Future Narrative
New wildfire seed globes containing water, seeds of plants native to our area, and fruit to support wildlife will be used during this coming fire season. The shell is as hard as a bowling ball until exposed to light or extreme heat. After a few days, the biodegradable material breaks down naturally and becomes more like a gel. Eventually, the globes burst, depositing seeds, water, or fruit on the soil.
My friend Jesse, a hotshot in Oregon, said they used them last year. She sent me some photos of seed globes dropped by a drone near a firebreak they had prepared. They worked remarkably well, and last Spring’s new growth in the burn areas was significant. Seed globes can even be used as emergency drinking water if supplies run low for crews on the line. Overall, it is great to see new wildfire-fighting tools co-existing with the forest while providing safety for wildland firefighting crews and our communities.
Wildfire seed globes can be dropped from drones or larger aircraft to form firebreaks and slow the spread of wildfires.
Within weeks of being exposed to the sun, seed globes break down naturally to deposit water and seeds on soil.
Technology
A dense, impact-resistant, biodegradable shell encapsulating seeds and water that breaks down upon exposure to extreme heat or light over time.
Implications
New ecosensitive wildfire-fighting tools will need to be developed to counter the increasing instances of wildfires, which are exacerbated by global warming, inadequate electrical grid maintenance, and irresponsible forest management.
Related Concepts and Research
This concept is somewhat of an inverse of this idea: education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/drones-shoot-fireballs-help-control-wildfires/
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Aerial Fire Rescue
Wow! It’s been a long night! It could have been a lot worse without our new jet rescue kits. Since September 11th, 2001, companies have been striving to make skyscrapers safer.
Future Narrative
Wow! It’s been a long night! It could have been much worse without our new jet lift rescue kits. Since September 11th, 2001, companies have been striving to make skyscrapers safer. Our jet lift kits made it possible to respond to the fire tonight on the 24th floor of the Easton complex. Using our new double harness system, 13 people were safely lifted off two balconies on the structure's west side. Three were transferred directly to ambulances on the ground. The others were lifted to the roof of a building across 3rd Avenue to conserve fuel, allowing us to make more runs. I tried the toddler protective harness setup for the first time tonight, too, and it worked well.
Technology
Jet pack and double harness system can lift two people and the pilot to safety. Maximum loaded flight time of 20 minutes.
Flight controller with programmable repeatable flight path memory.
Auto return to landing zone navigation feature.
Auto object avoidance sensors.
FlyRight auto stabilization feature.
Rapid refueling valve for in-the-field refueling.
Implications
As our buildings continue to rise, what systems must we implement to ensure the safety of occupants from fire or other threats?
Early Signals of Possibility
designbivouac blog post: www.designbivouac.com/blog/defying_gravity
Learn more about Gravity’s jetpack technology at www.gravity.co
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: ThinLane Autonomous People Movers
Our visit to Austin last weekend was great. There was so much to do, and it was easy to get around. The ThinLane electric people movers can accommodate up to four people in the bike lanes that run all over the city. We downloaded the app and used them all weekend to get around town.
Future Narrative
Our visit to Austin last weekend was great. There was so much to do, and it was easy to get around. The autonomous ThinLane electric people movers can accommodate up to four people in the bike lanes that run all over the city. We downloaded the app and used it throughout the weekend to navigate around town. The city has established a micromobility strategy and policies. A few repurposed parking spaces in front of downtown businesses now serve as ThinLane loading and unloading zones. This keeps bicyclists happy as the ThinLane vehicles either keep pace or are out of the way. There are fewer cars downtown, and the streets seem smoother, too.
Technology
Autonomous, narrow, electric vehicles provide easy-on/easy-off mobility utilizing dedicated bike lanes. Occupants are safely transported up to 20 miles per hour and use an app to set pick-up and drop-off locations and make payments.
Implications
Many areas within a city require moving people in core areas at consistent but lower speeds or shifting them along a loop. These narrow electric vehicles provide significant bandwidth to the overall mobility system and use existing infrastructure.
Cities' policymakers must collaborate with businesses to understand the optimal flow of pedestrian traffic in dense areas.
Policies that allow a diverse micro-mobility ecosystem to thrive have to be adopted.
How can utilization fees offset some or most infrastructure costs associated with micromobility solutions?
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Autonomous Undersea Resource Explorer
Thanks to the new fleet of autonomous undersea resource explorers, we’ve found ten times more lithium and other rare minerals for use in electric vehicles. We’ve analyzed far more ocean floor per week than we ever could using the old system.
Future Narrative
Thanks to our new fleet of autonomous undersea resource explorers, we’ve found ten times more lithium and other rare minerals for use in electric vehicles. We’ve analyzed far more of the ocean floor per week than we ever could using the old system. It is impressive how well the 20 units follow a detailed grid search pattern. At this rate, we will have paid for the entire system within two years and helped migrate away from fossil fuel-burning engines.
Technology
Autonomous grid-following technology is made possible by consumer-grade ultra-low frequency GPS broadcasting.
Solid aluminum fuel combines with filtered seawater to produce hydrogen for the system’s fuel cell.
Implications
New fuels can provide remote, autonomous systems with long-lasting power, ensuring reliable operation.
Largely unexplored seabeds are expected to yield more precious metals and minerals, which are needed to meet the demands of new industries in the coming decades.
Early Signals of Possibility
Learn more about aluminum as a possible fuel cell fuel via this MIT news article.
Wired article on the potential and dangers of deep-sea mining. www.wired.com/story/deep-sea-mining-electric-vehicle-battery/
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Autonomous Rescue Crew Members
This was a bad one. After working earthquakes for 30 years worldwide, the big one hit Los Angeles this month. Thank God we had help from Danno and the other autonomous search and rescue members. Their strength is remarkable, and their sensors are invaluable. They have saved so many lives.
Future Narrative
This was a bad one. After working on earthquakes for 30 years worldwide, the big one hit Los Angeles this month. Thank God we had help from “DANNO,” or Disaster Assistant Non-Native Operator, and the other autonomous search and rescue members. Their strength is remarkable, and their sensors are invaluable. They have saved so many lives. They hear and see using acoustic, IR, thermal, and other high-resolution visual hardware. Once they find someone, it's incredible how they articulate and maneuver into small spaces to shore things up so we can reach them. DANNO has experienced five significant earthquakes. We have noticed him taking more breaks lately due to reduced on-board power stores, so the department is considering retiring him with merit. He will still be of use around our HQ, fixing vehicles and the like, and knows all our favorite recipes.
Technology
AI-enabled semi-autonomous mobility sensors, full vision camera array including thermal sensors, acoustic sensor array including heartbeat sensors, air quality measurement and alert system, onboard structural analysis AI synthesis, hydraulic lift capability, diamond blade cutter, spot fire suppression, emergency rescue comms package, and geo-positioning system.
Implications
How will human-robot partnerships evolve?
What rights will android and assistive robotic systems have?
How will these systems function in ways that are emotionally intuitive to humans, such as using body language or other non-verbal ways of communicating?
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: USGS Monitor
Future USGS locations may be supplemented with Monitor technology that collects data related to weather, vegetation conditions, wildfire management, wildlife migration, and more.
Future Narrative
On a recent cross-country motorcycle trip, I stopped north of Moab, Utah, to bivouac for an evening. The dry creekbed and a nearby rock formation protected me from the gentle overnight breeze. I took a short hike at sunrise and came across one of those new USGS markers with a solar-powered camera Monitor kit anchored next to it. I scanned the badge to access the viewpoint later. It was strange to have felt so alone and isolated the evening before, only to discover a Monitor station a quarter of a mile away. It is beneficial that these resources are available for those who need assistance. I can also view the camera feed from this location remotely, which is excellent as it is now one of my favorite bivouacking sites. Still, I wonder what it takes to get off the grid for a while.
Technology
AI-enabled, solar-powered image monitoring for fire prevention, weather forecast augmentation, vegetation monitoring, and remote assistance services
Implications
With new off-grid support infrastructure in place, what does getting away from it all mean?
How might this seldom-seen support network impact the human spirit?
How might USGS Monitor technology save lives and communities as we see more significant weather and wildfire events?
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Crowdcasting AI Sports Coverage
Seeing the Tour de France through the eyes of so many who attended this summer was amazing! Crowdcasting AI technology provided unprecedented opportunities to view riders through the thousands of Crowdcast spectator cameras lining the race route.
Future Narrative
Seeing the Tour de France through the eyes of so many who attended this summer was amazing! Crowdcasting AI technology provided unprecedented opportunities to view riders through the thousands of Crowdcast spectator cameras lining the race route. Crowdcast AI instantly parsed together images from thousands of cameras, passing off the feed to the next spectator camera as riders passed by. It works kind of like an inverse zoetrope. The larger the crowd, the better the results tend to be. We have full course coverage this year, and Crowdcasting has made the routes much safer. Gone are all those outstretched arms and selfie sticks holding the smartphones riders had to avoid in past tours. And, of course, the first-person camera views from riders were terrific!
Technology
AI-enabled, broadcast camera view parsing, mesh high-speed Wi-Fi with larger camera units, solar visor battery power augmentation for mesh Wi-Fi units, cranium shielding SafeWave technology, and a fully transparent capable display. Customizable crowd casting allows spectators to watch individual participants of their choice.
Implications
How might AI further enable compelling coverage of sporting events at large venues and over large distances via massive point-of-view crowdcasting?
What companies are well-positioned to provide the needed technologies to make crowdcasting possible?
Related Links
See the remarkable classic Zoetrope at speed work done to promote Forza’s racing game.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
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.