What Does Speculative Design Mean To Me
Posted on November 23, 2021The goal of design
The once-popular definition of design is to solve problems, and now many people think that such a definition no longer fits the contemporary design. I also agree that we need to find a new definition. But set aside the accuracy of that definition, the idea of “problem-solving”, rather than defining design, reflects the designer’s work goal — what the designer wants to accomplish. Although I haven’t decided on a final version, I think the design definition should be “a certain process limited by a certain goal.” This means that the goal itself is not included in the definition, but it affects the properties of the process as a qualification. We can understand it as “try to”
This means that the goal itself does not show up only because we are engaged in design activities. If we fail to achieve the goal, we will not get the sense of accomplishment of the design. Once the definition of design believed that problem-solving was the goal of design, now the speculative design has added a new way to designers, that is, stimulating ideas. Achieving the goal of speculative design is easier than problem-solving because inspiring people’s thoughts is not a yes or no proposition, but a question of how many. There are always people who can be inspired by your design, including yourself. So when you try to think about speculative design, you are destined to achieve the goal of this design.
Tangible outcome
The speculative design shows people a scene of another real world. So you have to “really” create that. During three months of learning, I rarely make something visible. Could you imagine how painful that is for a graphic designer? (ಥ﹏ಥ)I’m used to making everything tangible. And if I failed, I will feel anxious because an invisible idea seems non-exist to me. But for speculative design, the audience can not only see the world through that scene but also be brought into that world. At that time, that design becomes tangible.
The excitement of watching new real world
Many designers want to visit Haus Am Horn which was built by Bauhaus’s professors and students, to see what and how they showed Bauhaus design principles — the brand new style to the public at that time. We are living in a world that is deeply influenced by Bauhaus. We may feel excited by looking at Haus Am Horn during our visit but will never feel shocked and hugely refreshing as people in that generation.
What do you feel when you see the Haus Am Horn
Speculative design is one way you can feel that way — every world that you’ve created is new, impactful, and powerful. We are the owner of those worlds and it is much easier bringing people to those worlds rather than bringing worlds to people. So we can be stimulated many times, do not have to wait for another Bauhaus passively.
I have heard some criticisms of speculative design. People think it makes no real contribution to society. They are right. But like all the words I listed above, I think most speculative designs are for individuals, or even designers themselves. Of course, there are very few examples that have caused a sensation. For me it is like another form of a book: the audience will definitely gain knowledge by reading it, much or less; it is read by an individual; it will stimulate people’s thoughts; when this book was promoted to most people, it also changed society.
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