Futures

Exploring Healing-Centric Design in the Age of Emerging Technologies, (from page 20240707.)

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Summary

‘Assembling Tomorrow’ by Carissa Carter and Scott Doorley explores how to create without causing harm, particularly in the context of emerging technologies like AI and synthetic biology. The authors discuss the concept of ‘runaway design,’ where autonomous technologies can act unpredictably, posing risks and challenges. They argue that design is not just about products but encompasses policies, relationships, and societal structures. By adopting a design mindset, individuals can anticipate failures, embrace constraints, and recognize the emotional influences behind innovation. The book advocates for ‘design for healing’ to mitigate risks and encourages thoughtful consideration of the environmental impacts of our creations.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Healing-Centric Design A shift towards creating products and policies with healing and well-being in mind. From a focus on functionality to integrating well-being and healing in design. Design processes will prioritize human and environmental health, leading to more sustainable products. Increased awareness of mental health and environmental impact encourages healing-focused design. 4
Runaway Design Phenomenon Technologies gaining autonomy, making decisions independent of human intervention. From human-controlled technology to autonomous systems that create and learn on their own. A landscape where AI and technologies operate independently, requiring new governance and ethical frameworks. Advancements in AI and synthetic biology pushing the boundaries of technology autonomy. 5
Emotions in Innovation Recognition of emotions as a driving force in design and innovation processes. From objective, data-driven design to emotionally aware and responsive design. Innovations will increasingly reflect emotional intelligence, creating more relatable and impactful designs. The need for deeper connection and resonance in products and services. 4
Design for Healing A design philosophy that anticipates and mitigates potential risks and failures. From reactive design to proactive design that incorporates healing and recovery. Design practices will inherently include mechanisms for healing and recovery from failures. The growing recognition of interconnectedness and responsibility in design choices. 5
Climate-Aware Design Practices Design that considers environmental impact and seeks sustainable solutions. From neglecting environmental consequences to actively designing for sustainability. A norm where all designs are evaluated for their climate impact, fostering sustainability. Urgency of addressing climate change driving designers to incorporate sustainability. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Runaway Design Risks The autonomous nature of new technologies may lead to unintended negative outcomes we cannot foresee or control. 5
Emotional Impact on Design The influence of emotions in design decisions can lead to unintended social and environmental consequences, compounding existing problems. 4
Misuse of ‘Mischievous Materials’ Technologies like CRISPR and AI can cause serious harm if not properly understood or controlled, creating potential breakage points. 5
Insufficient Regulation of Emerging Technologies Rapid innovation may outpace regulatory frameworks, leaving society exposed to risks and ethical dilemmas. 5
Environmental Consequences of Design Every design choice carries ecological implications, which may lead to further climate-related challenges if overlooked. 4
Loss of Human Oversight As technology makes its own decisions, the loss of human agency raises ethical and control concerns in technology deployment. 5
Mental Health Implications of Technology Easier tasks through AI may diminish our appreciation for work, potentially harming mental health and wellbeing. 3

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Healing-Centric Creation Creating products and policies with the intent to heal rather than harm, emphasizing sustainability and social impact. 5
Runaway Design Awareness Recognizing the unpredictable nature of autonomous technologies and the need to understand their risks and opportunities. 4
Emotional Influence in Design Acknowledging the role of emotions in guiding design and innovation, and the importance of slowing down before reacting. 4
Design for Healing Implementing design techniques that anticipate failures and incorporate healing mechanisms into products and systems. 5
Collaborative Design Mindset Fostering a mindset of collaboration in design, where everyone contributes to shaping the world through various forms of design work. 5
Limit Embracement Accepting constraints as a pathway to better design, leading to innovative solutions and improved functionality. 4
Impact Acknowledgment Recognizing the environmental consequences of design choices and striving to mitigate negative impacts through thoughtful decision-making. 5
Anticipatory Design Designing with an awareness of potential breakages and using them as opportunities for improvement and innovation. 4

Technologies

name description relevancy
Artificial Intelligence (AI) AI takes on cognitive tasks, influencing human interaction and decision-making processes. 5
Synthetic Biology Enables artificial evolution, redefining human relationships with nature and biological systems. 5
CRISPR Gene Editing A powerful tool for editing genes, with potential to cure diseases and create new industries. 4
Algorithms Complex systems that can learn, replicate, and make decisions autonomously, presenting both opportunities and risks. 4
Social Media Technologies Platforms that rapidly spread emotions and information, influencing public opinion and behavior. 3

Issues

name description relevancy
Design for Healing A design approach focused on creating solutions that prioritize healing and well-being rather than harm. 5
Runaway Design The phenomenon where technologies gain autonomy and create unpredictable outcomes, challenging traditional design principles. 5
Emotional Influence on Design The role of emotions in driving design and innovation, shaping cultural and societal impacts. 4
Anticipating Breakage in Design The need to recognize that all designs will eventually fail and to use this knowledge to create resilient solutions. 4
Impact of Technology on Human Relationships The changing dynamics between humans and technology as AI and synthetic biology redefine our interactions and responsibilities. 5
Climate Crisis and Design The intersection of design practices with climate issues, emphasizing the need for sustainable and responsible solutions. 5