Near Future Laboratory Podcast

The Intersection of Imagination, Science Fiction, Strategy and Creativity.we wandered into something I keep circling back to: the idea that strategy is a kind of science fiction. Not in the “space battles and robots” sense, but in the deeper way that science fiction gives us permission to imagine futures—plausible or not—and then build toward them. Jarrett and I talked about design not just as a tool for solving problems, but as a mode of inquiry, a way of asking better questions and shaping new cultural narratives.We both share this instinct that branding, design, and strategy aren’t just reactive—they’re speculative. They make bets on the kind of world a product or company wants to inhabit. They tell stories about futures that don’t exist yet, and then use those stories as scaffolding for action. That’s what excites me about this work: it's not just about “making things,” it's about materializing possibilities.There's also this important undercurrent about imagination as a form of intelligence. We don’t talk enough about that. Creativity isn’t some whimsical add-on—it’s central to how organizations find direction, how they differentiate, how they respond to change. And good strategy? It needs to evoke, not just calculate.This episode was a reminder that strategy and design, at their best, operate in the realm of the imaginary. They’re speculative tools. And maybe the real work is helping people see that imagination is infrastructure.Jarrett Fuller is a designer, writer, educator, editor, and podcaster. He is an assistant professor of graphic design at North Carolina State University and hosts the design podcast Scratching the Surface.https://jarrettfuller.com/http://scratchingthesurface.fm/

Tobias Revell, a designer and researcher renowned for his work on speculative futures, shares his insights on imaginative future-making. He discusses his new book 'Practices of Future Casting' and emphasizes the importance of in-person events in fostering creativity and professional connections. Revell highlights how imagination needs exercise like a muscle and reflects on the challenge of translating collaborative studio experiences into digital formats. The conversation underscores the value of speculative writing as a vital tool for understanding and shaping our future.

Phil Balagtas, an author focused on futures practice, delves into the fascinating journey of writing his comprehensive book on speculative design. He discusses the essential role of imagination in futures work, comparing it to a muscle needing regular exercise. The conversation highlights the significance of collaboration, practical applications, and the transformative power of immersive experiences in learning. Balagtas also shares personal anecdotes about overcoming self-doubt and the intricate balance of creativity and structure in facilitating workshops.

Troy Campbell is a Professor and Chief Scientist at On Your Feet, where he merges behavioral science with artistic endeavors like storytelling. He discusses how concepts like identity and mindset can influence consumer behavior and personal growth. Troy highlights the importance of warm-up activities that stimulate creativity in teams, and explores the interplay between structured approaches and creative freedom. They also reflect on the challenges of education in the AI era, advocating for an emphasis on foundational skills and meaningful learning.

This is Episode N°093 of the Near Future Laboratory Podcast with filmmaker, director Gary Hustwit, the creative punk mind behind documentaries Rams, Helvetica and Objectified. We dive into his journey in independent filmmaking, his DIY ethos, and his bold ideas about storytelling in a digital world. Gary shares his approach to creating generative cinema—films that evolve and change with each viewing. We explore what it means to push against the boundaries of trad filmmaking, trad distribution, and the creative process. A deep and inspiring conversation about art, risk, and ways of imagining harder.

Read More 👉🏽 ⁠https://detroit.imaginesharder.com Can you imagine your idea of the future of work, beyond Zoom calls from the beach? What is the Onboarding Guide for the Future of Work? What is the Resumé from the Future of Work? What does the equivalent of the ‘org chart’ look like? Want to help create a reinvigorated future imaginary of what work could be? Want to try your hand at Design Fiction Worldbuilding? Join me for Detroit Imagines Harder: Futures of Work, a 3-day Design Fiction Summit & Workshop held in real life in real Detroit. Just a few spots left! October 16-18, 2024. Read More 👉🏽 https://detroit.imaginesharder.com

Tobias Revell, a contributor to 'Towards the Realm of Materiality,' explores the impact of Philip K. Dick's science fiction on modern tech narratives. He delves into how Dick's visions, particularly those in 'Minority Report,' have shaped real-world technology. The conversation includes innovative methods to transform speculative designs into practical realities. Additionally, Revell discusses the adaptive nature of everyday tech and how Dick’s stories can serve as a guide for reimagining our future in an AI-driven world.

Near Future Laboratory Podcast Episode 90: Exploring Creative Worlds with Kyle Ng Support the podcast on Patreon: https://patreon.com/nearfuturelaboratory Join us at Detroit Imagines Harder: https://detroit.imaginesharder.com $55 Gets You 4 Design Fiction Books (Plus Electronic Sheep Training Cards): https://shop.nearfuturelaboratory.com/products/the-manual-of-design-fiction-paperback In Episode 90 of the Near Future Laboratory podcast, Julian Bleecker, founder of the Near Future Laboratory, sits down with Kyle Ng, creative director and founder of Braindead, to discuss his journey through creativity and innovation. Kyle shares his experiences from a young age, detailing his diverse creative influences, from sports and punk rock to film and new media. He speaks about his brand evolution, beginning with Farm Tactics, and how he navigated the fashion world with a unique DIY ethos. We get into the importance of storytelling, building immersive worlds, and staying true to one's creative instincts. 00:00 Introduction 02:33 Upcoming Event: Detroit Imagines Harder 03:22 Design Fiction Books and Merchandise 04:03 Conversation with Kyle Ng Begins 04:10 Kyle Ng on Curiosity and Inspiration 08:25 Exploring Technology and Identity 16:44 Kyle Ng's Journey and Influences 22:43 Early Career and Creative Exploration 31:27 The Birth of Farm Tactics 32:54 From Biking to Business: Early Hustles 35:33 Scaling Up: From Local to Major Collaborations 37:41 The DIY Ethos and Business Growth 39:33 The Philosophy of Success and Failure 42:34 Brain Dead: Evolution and Expansion 48:03 Building Cultural Experiences 55:05 The Future Vision and Personal Anecdotes 57:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Silvio Lorusso, a Lisbon-based designer, artist, and author of 'What Design Can't Do', dives into the intriguing interplay of design and disillusionment. He discusses how design can fulfill dreams yet contribute to societal challenges, reflecting on the shift from tangible practices to abstraction. The conversation touches on the ethics of AI, the cultural impact of memes, and the evolving dynamics in the crypto art scene. Silvio shares personal anecdotes that weave a tapestry of skepticism mixed with hopeful aspirations for the future of design.

Dave Gray, an expert in creating communities fostering human connection and imagination, discusses building new ways to organize human potential. They explore the School of the Possible community vision, ideal creative communities, value of connection, service, and creating joy in work.