The Master in Design for Emergent Futures (MDEF) is a multidisciplinary program aimed at transforming societal challenges through design and technology. Organized by the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) and ELISAVA Barcelona School of Design and Engineering, the course focuses on developing practical interventions using digital fabrication, AI, blockchain, and more. The program spans 18 months, divided into two academic years, with an emphasis on real-world experimentation and collaboration with industry experts. Students engage in design studios, seminars, and research trips, culminating in a final project that addresses contemporary issues. MDEF fosters a culture of making, encouraging students to explore innovative solutions while gaining technical skills for future careers in various sectors. The course supports diverse backgrounds and aims to produce resilient designers capable of navigating complex, emergent futures.
| name | description | change | 10-year | driving-force | relevancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerging Design Paradigms | The shift from traditional design to a focus on complex systems and societal impacts. | From object-centric design to systemic, impact-driven design practices. | Design will prioritize complex societal challenges, leading to innovative, holistic solutions. | Increased awareness of social issues and the need for sustainable practices. | 4 |
| Digital Fabrication Expansion | Growing accessibility of digital fabrication tools and techniques in education. | From limited access to widespread availability of digital fabrication technologies. | Widespread use of digital fabrication will empower individuals to create custom solutions. | Advancements in technology making digital fabrication more accessible to all. | 5 |
| Interdisciplinary Collaboration | Integration of diverse fields in design education to address complex challenges. | From siloed disciplines to collaborative approaches in design and problem-solving. | Cross-disciplinary teams will be the norm, driving innovative solutions in design. | Recognition that complex problems require diverse perspectives and expertise. | 5 |
| Shift to Open Source Solutions | Growing interest in open-source technologies and practices in design and innovation. | From proprietary solutions to open-source collaboration for societal benefit. | Open-source practices will dominate the design landscape, fostering innovation. | The desire for transparency, collaboration, and community-driven development. | 4 |
| Focus on Localized Solutions | Increasing emphasis on hyperlocal design interventions in response to global challenges. | From global solutions to context-specific, localized design strategies. | Local communities will drive design solutions tailored to their unique challenges. | The need for relevance and sustainability in addressing local issues. | 4 |
| Integration of Speculative Design | Use of speculative design to explore future scenarios and their implications. | From traditional design methods to speculative approaches that anticipate future needs. | Speculative design will be a standard practice, shaping proactive solutions. | The uncertainty of future challenges necessitates forward-thinking design strategies. | 3 |
| Growth of Maker Communities | Rising popularity and support for maker spaces and communities in education. | From isolated crafting to vibrant communities focused on making and innovation. | Maker communities will become integral to education and local economies. | The democratization of tools and knowledge supporting community-driven making. | 4 |
| Increased Role of AI in Design | The incorporation of AI technologies in the design process to enhance creativity. | From manual design processes to AI-assisted design methodologies. | AI will augment human creativity, leading to new design paradigms. | Advancements in AI technology and its applicability in creative fields. | 5 |
| Rethinking Education Models | Shift towards immersive, hands-on learning experiences in design education. | From traditional lectures to experiential, project-based learning environments. | Education will be more experiential, fostering practical skills and innovation. | The need for relevant skills in a rapidly changing job market. | 5 |
| Emphasis on Sustainability | Growing focus on sustainable practices and materials in design education. | From conventional materials to a strong emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendliness. | Sustainability will be a core principle in all design practices and curricula. | Increasing environmental awareness and demand for sustainable solutions. | 5 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Disruptive Technology Management | Managing the unintended consequences of technologies like AI, blockchain, and synthetic biology could pose ethical and societal challenges. | 5 |
| Social Inequality in Access to Education | High tuition fees may limit access to this transformative educational program, potentially perpetuating social inequality. | 4 |
| Environmental Impact of Prototyping | The environmental implications of digital fabrication and prototyping practices need careful consideration to prevent harm. | 4 |
| Over-Reliance on Technology | Increased dependency on emerging technologies may lead to skills degradation and reduced critical thinking in design processes. | 4 |
| Future Uncertainty in Design Outcomes | Designing for emergent futures entails risks as the outcomes may not always align with societal needs or values. | 5 |
| Integration of Human Skills in Technology-Driven Design | There is a concern over balancing technical skills with human-centered design principles in future designers’ training. | 4 |
| Collaboration Challenges in Diverse Teams | Working with interdisciplinary teams may lead to misunderstandings and conflicts if not managed effectively. | 3 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Prototyping for Social Change | Students create prototypes and interventions aimed at addressing societal challenges using emerging technologies. | 5 |
| Multidisciplinary Learning | Integration of diverse fields like design, engineering, and social sciences to foster holistic problem-solving skills. | 5 |
| Hyperlocal Design Interventions | Focus on local communities and specific societal needs, enabling tailored solutions that resonate globally. | 4 |
| Collaboration with Local Makers | Engagement with local craftspeople and innovators to enrich projects and provide real-world insights. | 4 |
| Emphasis on Disruptive Technologies | Critical engagement with emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and synthetic biology to envision future designs. | 5 |
| Iterative Design Process | Students utilize iterative methodologies for project validation and impact assessment, enhancing decision-making. | 4 |
| Building Hybrid Profiles | Cultivating a mix of technical and human skills in students to prepare them for complex design challenges. | 5 |
| Community Engagement and Networking | Opportunities for students to connect with industry leaders and peers to develop impactful projects. | 4 |
| Research-Driven Approach | Encouragement of research into disruptive societal phenomena to inform design practices and interventions. | 5 |
| Hands-On Learning in Innovation Hubs | Utilization of Fab Labs and maker spaces for practical learning and experimentation in design. | 5 |
| description | relevancy | src |
|---|---|---|
| The process of creating physical objects from digital designs, enabling rapid prototyping and customization. | 5 | d0006bf6b201cba15f81035efea08229 |
| An interdisciplinary branch of biology and engineering that involves redesigning organisms for useful purposes by engineering them to have new abilities. | 5 | d0006bf6b201cba15f81035efea08229 |
| The simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems, impacting various industries and everyday life. | 5 | d0006bf6b201cba15f81035efea08229 |
| A decentralized digital ledger technology that records transactions across many computers securely and transparently. | 5 | d0006bf6b201cba15f81035efea08229 |
| The process of designing and creating physical components of computers and other electronic devices, crucial for innovation in tech. | 4 | d0006bf6b201cba15f81035efea08229 |
| A problem-solving process that involves formulating problems in a way that a computer can help solve them, critical for modern design and engineering. | 4 | d0006bf6b201cba15f81035efea08229 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Fabrication Impact | The rise of digital fabrication technologies and their potential to transform design practices and societal interactions. | 4 |
| Synthetic Biology in Design | The integration of synthetic biology into design processes opens new avenues for material development and environmental solutions. | 5 |
| Artificial Intelligence in Creative Fields | AI’s role in design and creative fields is rapidly expanding, raising questions about authorship and creativity. | 5 |
| Blockchain for Transparency | Utilizing blockchain technology in design and production to enhance transparency and traceability in supply chains. | 4 |
| Hyperlocal Design Solutions | The shift towards hyperlocal design interventions that address community-specific needs amidst global challenges. | 4 |
| Social Innovation through Design | The increasing importance of design in driving social innovation and addressing complex societal issues. | 5 |
| Interdisciplinary Collaboration | The necessity for interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling complex challenges through design and technology. | 4 |
| Emerging Educational Models | The evolution of educational programs to include hands-on, multidisciplinary approaches to design and technology. | 3 |
| Resilience in Design Education | The focus on developing resilience and adaptability in designers to navigate uncertain futures. | 5 |
| Community Engagement in Design | The importance of community involvement in the design process to ensure relevance and effectiveness. | 4 |