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.
Retro/Future Electrics
I was blown away last year when I discovered that a YM-RX10 body kit—the new design that references the iconic RX7 from the 1980s—was finally available in electric form. What once felt like a dream reserved for concept art and fan forums is now a reality, thanks to Yutani Mobility. Yutani Mobility has ushered in a new era of personalized transportation with its customizable retro body kits, which are mated seamlessly to the latest modular electric vehicle chassis.
Future Narrative
I was blown away last year when I discovered that a YM-RX10 body kit—the new design that references the iconic RX7 from the 1980s—was finally available in electric form. What once felt like a dream reserved for concept art and fan forums is now a reality, thanks to Yutani Mobility. Yutani Mobility has ushered in a new era of personalized transportation with its customizable retro body kits, which are mated seamlessly to the latest modular electric vehicle chassis. Want an ‘80s street racer look with 2030s tech under the hood? No problem. Prefer a sleek ‘70s touring coupe with modern-day range and autonomy? They’ve got you. The road ahead just got a lot cooler!
The on-demand service is impressive. Cost and turnaround times are surprisingly reasonable, especially considering the level of customization involved. This isn’t slow, bespoke coachbuilding—it’s high-tech, scalable design. Yutani’s assembly process leans heavily on the “unboxed” manufacturing revolution that started reshaping the industry in the mid-2020s, eliminating traditional production constraints in favor of modular, decentralized build systems.
The result? The best of both worlds. Timeless aesthetics. Cutting-edge performance. And a whole new way to connect with the car culture of the past—without sacrificing the clean, efficient mobility of the future.
Last month, I took my electric YM-RX10 to a local track day. This wasn’t just a nostalgia trip but a full-on, future-forward experience. The YM-RX10, with its classic lines and fully modern internals, handled the circuit like it was born for it. Crisp cornering, confident acceleration, and silent power—it felt like piloting the soul of an ‘80s icon with the brain of a 2035 supercar.
What stood out, though, was how many others were doing the same thing. I met a fellow enthusiast who had just taken delivery of a fully electrified Chevrolet Camaro Berlinetta Model 2038, lovingly updated by Weyland Mobility Group. He was just as passionate about '80s GM designs as I am about early Mazdas. His Berlinetta 2038 kept all the right visual cues from the original—sleek, angular lines with a refreshed, aggressive stance. It was instantly recognizable but unmistakably next-gen.
We ran laps together all afternoon. My YM-RX10, equipped with advanced AI-assisted torque vectoring and adaptive traction control, held tight in the technical sections. His Berlinetta, sporting a larger battery pack and superior straight-line performance, passed me more than once on the back straight. Both vehicles featured Level 5 autonomous capabilities, though we left the driving to our reflexes that day—because some things, like a good corner, are best experienced the old-fashioned way.
By the end of the day, we both agreed: these made-to-order electric classics aren’t just a gimmick. They represent a new golden age of mobility, where past and future don’t compete; they collaborate. It’s a future where your dream car doesn’t have to stay in the past.
Futureproof: Assistive Dexterity Devices
Before my recent trip home, I noticed my parents communicated more frequently with me. I thought it was just excitement about my upcoming visit that led to the increased messages. But it turns out they bought each other assistive dexterity devices from Fluid for their 60th anniversary a couple of months ago. So far, they have made a remarkable difference in their day-to-day lives.
Future Narrative
Before my recent trip home, I noticed my parents had been messaging me more often. I assumed the uptick in communication was simply due to their excitement about my upcoming visit. But as it turns out, a thoughtful anniversary gift was behind the change. For their 60th, they had given each other assistive dexterity devices from Fluid, and the impact has been remarkable. The devices have made everyday tasks easier and more manageable, improving both their independence and quality of life. It's been heartening to see how such a simple innovation can bring meaningful change.
Fluid’s Mark IV dexterity assist device has helped millions of people recover dexterity independence and leave specialized input devices behind.
Dad worked on the line at General Motors for 31 years before retiring. While assembly robots did much of the heavy lifting, the work still took its toll on him. For years, he used a special AI-enabled macro keyboard to make his typing more efficient. Thanks to his new Fluid dexterity gloves, Dad can use a conventional keyboard again. He was so impressed that he bought a power-assisted PowerGrip version to wear on his right hand while he does yard work.
Fluid’s PowerGrip dexterity assist glove.
Mom taught in higher education for 25 years. She was constantly researching and writing papers, contributing to her dexterity issues. Her arthritis started about 15 years ago and has always been more pronounced in her left hand. As a trial, she purchased a Fluid left-handed Lace model co-branded by her favorite clothier. It has worked so well that she now has another pair for both hands.
While talking with them and hearing their voice messages is always great, the quick text notes they send are more frequent. I am glad this new generation of assistive dexterity devices has restored their ability to communicate in various ways.
Available in various styles, Fluid's Lace model eliminates tremors, restores user dexterity, and the ability to communicate.
Technology
Nerve impulse sensing and electrically conductive fibers that can contract and expand help stabilize the hands and assist with precise finger placement.
Some assistive dexterity models can significantly increase hand strength, thereby extending mobility independence.
Implications
How might we design assistive devices that blend into one’s life as visually appealing fashion accessories?
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Endoskeletal Workwear
These work jeans by Sustain™ help me get through long days at work. I feel like I am 30 again. The endoskeletal support structure sewn into the selvage jean material bears most of the weight I lift daily. The system makes working on my feet far more bearable.
Future Narrative
These endoskeleton work jeans by Sustain™ help me get through long days at work. The endoskeletal support sewn into the selvage jean material bears most of the weight I lift daily. The system makes working on my feet far more bearable. It is not bulky or complicated, unlike other exoskeleton systems. My favorite feature is that the system allows you to sit and rest, even without a chair. I take more frequent microbreaks and adjust my posture, which increases my overall wellness and efficiency. I also love that this high-tech garment line supports traditional craft jobs in places like North Carolina, where Sustain™ manufactures its endoskeleton armatures and sources its long-lasting denim material.
Implications
As breakthroughs in supportive and assistive garments occur, how might we protect the physical and mental health of those doing physically taxing jobs, rather than assuming they can do more work over longer hours?
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Bastion Facial Filter Glasses
These Bastion glasses are excellent. I bought them a couple of months ago because my eyes were getting tired, and the city’s poor air quality was starting to impact my health. They filter for UV, shift tint according to lighting conditions, and protect against the possibility of incidental overlapping LIDAR from all of the self-driving vehicles that I pass on my walking commute. They also provide filtered air close to my nose, which has helped my breathing considerably.
Future Narrative
These Bastion facial filter glasses are excellent. They filter for UV, shift tint according to lighting conditions, and protect against incidental overlapping LIDAR from all the self-driving vehicles I pass on my walking commute. Most importantly, they provide filtered air close to my nose, which helps my breathing and allergies. ScentScene™ fragrance pods fit in each temple and emit various scents depending on your location.
While they cost more than traditional eyewear, the benefits have been worth it. The battery lasts approximately four days, and kinetic chargers ensure that every move I make replenishes some power to my eyewear. Scents are powerfully linked to memory and offer a neat way to enhance our memory and a sense of place. There are also connections between scents, health, and well-being. Come to think of it, I have been a bit more relaxed recently, so maybe there is something to the ScentScene™ technology after all.
Related Technologies
The micro air filtration system provides positive pressure and clean air around the nose and mouth.
Reflective gold coating and elements scatter LIDAR, protecting from rare overlapping amplified laser emissions from self-driving vehicles.
The kinetic charging feature utilizes body movement to maintain a high battery state.
ScentScene™ pods placed in the ear temple produce a range of scents based on GPS coordinates.
Related Work
See the Hyundai Health and Mobility work.
Implications
“Smell can instantly trigger an emotional response along with a memory, and our emotional states have a very strong effect on our physical well-being.”
-Rachel Herz, a neuroscientist at Brown University who studies the psychological science of smell.
The ability of odors to evoke memories of past experiences has intriguing scientific and therapeutic implications.
Read the Harvard Medical article The Connections Between Smell, Memory, and Health.
LIDAR technology is overwhelmingly safe for the human eye. However, this could present issues if multiple beams coincide and strike the eye simultaneously. What other unintended consequences might we face as autonomous mobility scales?
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Progenitor Community on Mars
It’s been almost two years since our trusty spacecraft Progenitor gently touched down in Columbia Hills for the last time. After making five trans-terran trips, we completed all conversion activities in record time, transforming our spacecraft into a high-rise habitat.
Future Narrative
It’s been almost two years since our trusty spacecraft Progenitor gently touched down in Columbia Hills for the last time. After making five trans-terran trips, we completed all conversion activities in record time, transforming our spacecraft into a high-rise habitat. Decades ago, the Mars Rover Spirit discovered that hot mineral springs had once burbled up from the rocks near the Gustav Crater, which is nearby. This has proven invaluable as we now harness hydrogen and oxygen from the soil to meet our air, water, and power needs, and we are growing food hydroponically on the Progenitor’s upper decks. We look forward to having Martian neighbors as the spacecraft Assurance will join us on Plot Five early next year.
Technology
Spacecraft like SpaceX’s Starship will be large enough to ferry many people to the Red Planet.
One way to accommodate new residents of Mars may be to repurpose spacecraft as they are retired into longer-term surface habitats.
Utilizing existing elements in the Martian soil will be crucial to the long-term terraforming of the planet.
Implications
Terraforming other planets will empower humans to become a multi-planet species and live beyond any potential extinction-level events on Earth. How will the new Martian communities survive, thrive, and govern to sustain life on the red planet?
Related Concepts
Hassel + EOC Envision a Home on Mars
Partial Inspiration Source
Great Space Battles: A Terran Trade Authority Handbook
Additional designbivouac Post on Peter Elson
To view more of Peter Elson’s work visit: www.this-is-cool.co.uk/the-classic-sci-fi-art-of-peter-elson/
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Autonomous Grocery Module
These autonomous grocery modules always feature the week's best deals. Some keep items cool, while others keep pre-prepared meals warm. I’ve seen them used for special events like concerts, conferences, and pop-up stores. The slide-down side panels keep things in place and at temperature while in transit.
Future Narrative
These autonomous grocery modules always feature the week's best deals. Some keep items cool, while others keep pre-prepared meals warm. I’ve seen them used for special events, such as concerts, conferences, and pop-up stores. The slide-down side panels keep items in place and at the correct temperature while in transit. When placed outdoors, the slide-out solar panels up top keep things shaded while topping off the battery pack. Two fit side by side in a delivery van and are motorized, making ramp loading a breeze.
Technology
Motorized, battery-powered grocery module with supplementary solar panel charging.
Recycled automotive battery packs in the base move the module and cool or warm products.
Implications
Stores can utilize fleets of autonomous grocery modules located in the back of stores to automate grocery stocking. These modules benefit from a direct connection from the back-of-store warehouses to delivery vehicles and onward to customer sites with maximum efficiency.
Delivery services providing warm, cool, and bulk items can better serve pop-up stores and venues.
Modular flexibility enables stores to maintain high stock levels of high-volume products.
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: 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.