The Design Futures course introduces students to theories and practices on the various ways in which design and futures fields intersect. These intersections include the implicit and explicit roles design plays in creating, enacting and critically analysing proposals and stories about alternative futures.
More specifically, the students are introduced to the history of futures studies, the theories and the methods for critical and strategic foresight. Students apply some of these methods to develop scenarios and communicate these through visual and/or material, experiential and/or embodied means.
The course follows a project-based learning approach. During the course, students work in groups to develop a project focused on the construction of future scenarios. As part of this process, they critically reflect on the assumptions, values and perspectives underlying future scenarios. The course lectures and in-class activities support students throughout the process.
Students’ scenarios can further invite collective actions of others to not only trigger reshaping the futures but also imagine new ways of addressing sociocultural and environmental crises.
This project is an outcome of the Design Futures course offered to students of English-medium bachelor’s programme in Design, which was jointly established between the Department of Design and Media at Aalto School of Arts, Design and Architecture.
Check out the Design Futures Main Page
İdil Gaziulusoy, Assistant Professor of Sustainable Design, School of Arts, Design and Architecture at Aalto University.
Namkyu Chun, University Lecturer in Design Communication, School of Arts, Design and Architecture at Aalto University.
Guest lecturers: Kirsi Niinimäki & Michael Lettenmeier
NODUS TALKS series is organized by the NODUS Sustainable Design Research Group of Aalto University, bringing together researchers and practitioners on topics relevant to design, innovation and sustainability. Presentations will be followed by a panel discussion, both held in English.
Designs for a Cooler Planet is a five-week-long festival celebrating experiments in planet-friendly materials, fashion, and food.
Planet-friendly alternatives for materials, mindsets and architecture.