In this book, Dunne sets out an original conceptual framework for Speculative Design. It moves from a general exposition of conceptual design, through its use as a critical medium for exploring the implications of new developments in science, to the aesthetics of crafting speculative design. It ends by exploring the idea of ‘speculative everything’ and design as a catalyst for social dreaming.
The book is not a straightforward survey, anthology of essays or monograph, but puts forward a specific point of view based on experimentation, teaching and critical reflection by Dunne and his design partner Fiona Raby (RCA). Dunne used examples from his own research and practice, from other established designers and artists, and surveys of literature from the fields of futurology, cinematic and literary fiction, political science, philosophy of technology, and projects from fine art, design, architecture, cinema and photography.
Dunne and Raby propose a kind of design that is used as a tool to create not only things but also ideas. For them, design is a means of speculating about how things could be – to imagine possible futures. This is not the usual sort of predicting or forecasting, which is typically proven wrong. Instead, they pose ‘what if’ questions that are intended to open debate and discussion about the kind of future people want (and do not want).
The key arguments and ideas were tested in lectures, e.g. Adidas, Nuremburg (2011); Strelka Institute, Moscow (2011); Microsoft Research Asia, Beijing (2011); Design Academy Eindhoven (2012); conferences, e.g. IDA Congress, Taipei (2011); Anti-Design: Prescription for Rebellion, Victor J. Papanek Foundation, Vienna (2011); Keynote, IxDA, Dublin (2012); and associated panels and discussions, e.g. Design Fiction, in conversation with Bruce Sterling, Icon Minds, London (2009); Afterlife, Saint Étienne International Design Conference, France (2010); Materialities, Visualities, Securities, University of Sussex (2012).