Speculative Climate Future

Objective

To design an experience that help people imagine the future of climate change.

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Solution

We created an exhibition to situate people into a speculative future, based on climate research and fiction. We held the first exhibition "A visit to Emma" at 4bid Gallery (Amsterdam) in May 2022, and again in October at Dutch Design Week at Plan B (Eindhoven). In order to make it concrete and relatable, we focus on what it will mean for people living 50 years from now, when sea levels will have risen approximately one extra meter, air quality is a constant worry, and bees have gone extinct. The exhibition uses digital and physical artefacts to make visitors immerse in this new world, it included ads activated in AR, news, and app prototypes. I worked on storytelling, animation, and graphic design.

Process

1. Research: We explored the themes of climate change and climate fiction.

2. Concepting: We developed the idea of a home visit: visitors received a short note upon entering, providing background information about their role in the experience.

3. Design and production: I created all print materials (including motion posters activated with iPads), graphic design, and animations used in the exhibition. I also designed the UI for prototype apps.

4. Exhibiting: We were present throughout the exhibition days, welcoming visitors, guiding them through the experience, and of course offering homemade jellyfish snacks.