Designing the Future – Sustainability, Digitisation and Employment Insecurity

Abstract

Humanity is changing the world. Unsustainable growth and progress push against fragile planetary boundaries. Automation threatens to make large numbers unemployable in the future. Digitisation alienates older generations and globalisation connects the world. Human interactions with technology and societal responses to its consequences will impact individuals, companies, governments and the future of humanity. How does society prepare for unpredictable future scenarios, and what role do designers have in this transition? Through research and interviews with experts from the tech industry, representatives in Oslo City Council and Norway’s public welfare agency, future opportunities are explored. Designers and institutions can utilise sustainable, human-centred, service, and systemsoriented design methods to develop solutions to problems at different societal levels. If we are to succeed in creating a sustainable future for humanity, there is a need for significant societal change and quickly. Fortunately, we are learning faster than ever before, becoming increasingly aware of the challenges, share a common goal, andhave access to the tools and methods that are needed to change the systems in within which we live.