Scratching the Surface 273. Nick Foster
Sep 17, 2025
Nick Foster, a former Head of Design at Google X and author of *Could, Should, Might, Don’t*, dives into the complexities of future thinking. He discusses the limitations of conventional futurism and introduces the 'futures designer' role, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives. Nick outlines his four corridors of futurism: could, should, might, and don't. He also highlights the concept of the 'future mundane' and the vital role design plays in shaping our visions for tomorrow, advocating for education that fosters critical thinking.
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Future Images Are Borrowed Collages
- Our images of the future are largely recycled collages created by others in boards, labs, and media.
- This homogenization limits individual imagination and political responsibility for future outcomes.
Futures Designer Over 'Futurist'
- 'Futurist' feels unserious because outputs are often whimsical and under-rigorous.
- Calling himself a 'futures designer' ties craft to subject and demands practical rigor.
Noise Drowns Original Future Thinking
- People regurgitate familiar sci‑fi tropes when asked about the future because pervasive media drowns out original thought.
- We lack the practiced skill to generate rigorous, personal future ideas.
