Projetos – Resources for Speculative Design

The term “Speculative” refers to assumptions and hypothetical scenarios, as opposed to concrete facts. When applied to design, it emerges as an approach that allows to explore and question possible futures through social and technological changes. However, due to being a recent topic, it is difficult to define and limit it.

This research aims to develop a deeper analysis of what speculative design is and create a set of resources that enable designers, design students, and researchers to understand, anticipate, and explore alternative futures.

For the different phases of research, we propose a methodology primarily supported by qualitative methods. In an exploratory phase, research is focused on collection and synthesis of information about the subject. In a generative phase, practice-based methods are presented to facilitate the connection and participation of study groups. Finally, in an evaluative phase, testing and evaluation of work developed throughout the research.

The expected outcome is the development of a set of speculative design resources aimed at designers, design students, and researchers, which they can apply in their design practices, empowering them to exercise critical reflection and explore possible alternative future scenarios in different types of projects. At the same time, the aim is to clarify and bring speculative design closer to different areas of design.