Design, Narratives, Futures

RELATED TERMS: Design, Narratives, Pasts

Henry Mance (2021) mentions two conflicting narratives by means of which we may project our possible futures: the continuation of an historical trend providing material and socio-political improvements; and the difficulties ahead suggested by the evidence of climate science and by ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Narratives are one way to manage the complexity of and our entanglement in the situations in which we find ourselves. Narratives reduce the number of decisions to be made, paths to be taken. Otherwise, faced with too many choices, we may be paralysed by indecision, as Mance points out, citing the work of psychologist Barry Schwartz.

What criteria do we bring to bear on any specific decision? The role of design practices here in guiding decisions, by providing narratives (pathways) and axiological hierarchies, is crucial.

References

Mance, H. (2021) The End of convenience might not be a bad thing. Financial Times Weekend, 16 October 2021, p.16.