Stanford Seminar - Speculation and the Design of Development

TL;DR

On the periphery, constructing and contesting futures coexist as stakeholders imagine and build toward innovative possibilities through technology, driven by a mix of pragmatic and fantastical visions.

Transcript

so uh sean already gave a good explanation of who i am a little bit more context about what i do my work generally puts design ethnography and history into conversation to try to understand the kinds of worlds that we're creating through design and to propose different kinds of alternatives and i'm really pleased to be presenting today with my uh c... Read More

Key Insights

• 👷 Constructing and contesting futures are intertwined on the periphery, with stakeholders blending pragmatic problem-solving and audacious visions.
• 😑 Speculative visions on the periphery often appear fantastic but are rooted in the pressing problems and aspirations of marginalized communities.
• 🍻 Linking speculative visions with known realities provides a sense of plausibility and motivates action.
• 👷 Marginalized communities have agency within their contexts to navigate the tensions between constructing and contesting futures.
• 💦 Lessons from periphery regions can inform contemporary work in shaping future visions for marginalized communities.
• ❓ Multiple approaches to future-making are necessary to challenge dominant narratives and support diverse voices.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the speculative visions of Newfoundland and Labrador and Jamaica relate to the practical problems they faced?

In both cases, the speculative visions were responses to pressing problems such as out-migration and economic disparities. The visions provided hope and motivation for action, even if they seemed unlikely or fantastical to some.

Q: How did these periphery regions navigate the tension between constructing and contesting futures?

The periphery regions leveraged known trajectories of technology development to make their visions appear plausible, while also contending with the practical realities they faced. This required a delicate balance between constructing futures to address pressing problems and contesting futures to challenge existing power structures.

Q: Did the marginalized communities in Jamaica and Newfoundland have agency in shaping their future visions?

Yes, marginalized communities had agency within the constraints of their contexts. They navigated the tensions between constructing and contesting futures by making the best use of available resources, leveraging external financial and technical support, and challenging narratives imposed by the global center.

Q: How can the lessons from these periphery regions inform contemporary work in shaping the futures of marginalized communities?

The experiences from Newfoundland, Labrador, and Jamaica demonstrate the need for a multiplicity of approaches to future-making. By considering multiple perspectives and supporting diverse voices, it is possible to challenge existing narratives, envision alternative futures, and bring about meaningful change in marginalized communities.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The work explores the dynamics of speculation on the periphery by examining two case studies: Newfoundland and Labrador's industrial transformation and Jamaica's efforts to attract foreign investment.

• Both cases highlight the interplay between constructing and contesting futures, with stakeholders leveraging pragmatic and audacious visions to address pressing problems.

• The tension between fantastic and pragmatic visions is addressed through linking fictions with known realities, allowing for plausibility and motivation for action.