Near Future Laboratory Podcast

Kirby Ferguson, a filmmaker and writer known for his 'Everything is a Remix' series, dives into the world of creativity in 'Infinite Remix.' He discusses how AI can enhance the creative process rather than replace it, advocating for a collaborative approach. The conversation touches on remix culture's impact on art and technology, while also reflecting on the potential benefits and challenges AI presents to traditional creativity. Ferguson also explores the environmental implications of AI, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices in the digital age.

In a vibrant discussion, the speakers tackle why many futuristic visions feel stale and repetitive. They propose new archetypes for creating modular, remixable worlds that break free from conventional tropes. Delving into 3D video game assets, they explore how these can shape branching narratives that resonate. The importance of emotions in decision-making is highlighted, suggesting feelings guide our adoption of futures. The conversation also touches on manga culture, AI's role in creativity, and the evolving landscape of design and technology.

Outgoing is Brett Gui Xin and Del Hardin Hoyle, they are a creative design team based in Brooklyn. In this chat we discuss their participation in some recent design fairs which gave them a chance to take a break and reflect back on a busy stretch of work. Their media are various: sculptural furniture, music, performance, found materials. We got into their creative processes, the uniqueness of their collaborative practice, and their defiance against the dominant corporate culture in design. They emphasize the importance of maintaining creative independence, the emotional aspects of their work, and the joy found in creative exploration. Good stories, great lessons.Please consider supporting the podcast by becoming a Patron: https://patreon.com/nearfuturelaboratoryhttps://www.wallpaper.com/design-interiors/one-to-watch-brooklyn-studio-outgoinghttps://www.instagram.com/outgoinghqhttps://outgoing.website/https://www.wallpaper.com/design-interiors/one-to-watch-brooklyn-studio-outgoing https://www.instagram.com/delhardinhoyle/https://www.instagram.com/brettguixin/

Discover the importance of nurturing creative consciousness in a world dominated by efficiency. The discussion unfolds around balancing exploration with commercial pressures and the challenges of maintaining authenticity. Enjoy lively reflections on identity, branding, and the playful spirit of creativity. Dive into the complexities of speculative design, the dynamics of client relationships, and innovative approaches to envisioning future narratives. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on resilience and the exciting intersection of music, AI, and creativity.

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 , a conversation 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