Atlas of Weak Signals 02

A methodology to scan for weak signals — those emerging trends and issues that are not yet widely recognized but could have significant implications for design and society.

Engaging With The Present

We started by collectively brainstorming and mapping our diverse perspectives on current trends, challenges, opportunities exemplifying the "polycrisis" and the connections between each node of the map. Given the diversity of backgrounds among our classmates, this collaborative approach was particularly useful to ensure that challenges experienced at different scales were identified.

Thematic Focus

I then teamed up with Jorge, Carlotta and Marius to focus on our preferred theme. Choosing “Diversification and Interconnectedness" allowed us to narrow down our search and concentrate on signals that truly embody the interconnected and systemic nature of modern life, which is only increasing as technology evolves. Networks are growing organically and distributed digital structures are becoming more complicated to understand and develop, which brings both advantages and disadvantages. I was especially interested in the concept of post-truth and how we, as a society, are more connected but more polarised in our opinions. We had an interesting discussion on this phenomenon and how the growing amount of (mis)information and information sources might be a reason for it.

Signal Identification

As we developed our card deck, we agreed on "Life in Times of Growing Interdependent Complexity" as the umbrella theme for the most relevant signals. We tried to think beyond the challenges identified and sought to link the signal cards to possible solutions or opportunities that these could address or present, hoping that these could inspire future designers to think out of the box and consider interconnected scales.

Reflections

The seminar emphasized the dynamic nature of design, where weak signals must be continuously refined to reflect societal shifts and complexities. It also revealed the power of collaboration in ensuring the accurate representation of different scales and experiences, urging designers to embrace multifaceted approaches to address emerging challenges. However, I do feel like the signals identified collectively are not weak but rather strong. These trends and issues are already very present in our day to day life and widely recognised. Perhaps proposing a methodology that would allow us to be even more forward-thinking would better fit the objectives of this exercise. For example, AI could be used as a tool to help us imagine things beyond our cognitive limitations.