The idea of designs for social futures is basically about imagining and creating tools, spaces, or systems that help shape how society will live, learn, and connect in the future. It’s not just about technology or design for looks, but more about designing with people’s needs, values, and challenges in mind. For example, in education, it could mean rethinking classrooms and teaching methods to prepare students for jobs that don’t even exist yet. In communities, it could be about creating digital platforms that encourage collaboration and inclusivity.

The benefits are pretty huge: it can make learning more meaningful, bridge gaps between rich and poor communities, and prepare people to be more adaptable in a fast-changing world. It also pushes creativity and critical thinking since we’re not just reacting to the present but actively planning and shaping the future we want.

references:

Brantlinger, A. (2023). Designing Educational Futures: Imagine a Collaborative Bloom. Postdigital Science and Education, 5, 527–534

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42438-023-00393-w

Networked Learning Editorial Collective. (2024). Design Beyond Design Thinking: Designing Postdigital Futures when Weaving Worlds with Others.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42438-023-00447-z