{"id":958,"date":"2024-03-16T12:39:13","date_gmt":"2024-03-16T11:39:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jakob-volkmer.de\/?p=958"},"modified":"2024-03-21T13:18:38","modified_gmt":"2024-03-21T12:18:38","slug":"critical-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jakob-volkmer.de\/en\/critical-design\/","title":{"rendered":"Critical Design"},"content":{"rendered":"

This project uses critical design methods and creates a future scenario that addresses ecological and social challenges. Based on an analysis of political and ecological developments since the 1970s, the scenario predicts a dystopian future in which resource scarcity and economic instability prevail. AllOne, a giant corporation, intervenes by introducing new resource contingents in addition to the monetary currency in order to keep the hyper-capitalist system running as efficiently as possible in a pseudo-socialist manner. The scenario shows a world in which personal freedoms are restricted and highlights the effects on people of different classes through the design of objects and characters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more about the process and our anticipated future scenario<\/summary>\n

Critical Design deliberately resists purely functional or aesthetic approaches and instead focuses on creating unconventional objects that address important social issues, stimulate discussion and raise critical questions.<\/p>\n

But enough of the theory. Our task was to design a future scenario, focussing on ecological and social problems. Then we should sketch out future life: How certain fictional characters organise their everyday lives and which objects they interact with.<\/p>\n

Firstly, we carried out research and analysed the political and ecological situation from 1970 onwards, highlighting some of the differences between Eastern and Western Europe. \nIt was interesting to note that despite warnings from various scientists and institutions about the ecological consequences of constant economic growth, capitalism and a growing world population, no significant political changes were made. Overall, we observed the trend that modern Western governments are becoming increasingly liberal and losing power to drive major social change. On the other hand, a small number of increasingly large corporations (so-called global players) are gaining more and more influence over world affairs.<\/p>\n

We anticipated that the resources available to us would become increasingly scarce and lead to rising prices. In our scenario, this eventually leads to hyperinflation and a crash that affects not only the financial sector but also governments. Large sections of the population can no longer even afford basic foodstuffs. \nThat's why they take to the streets and try to secure their basic needs in other ways, often with violence and without order. But such an anarchic state is not only catastrophic for the people and politicians, but above all for the economy. After some time and failed attempts by weakened governments to take action, the largest company in the world, \"AllOne\", comes up with a plan:<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Timeline from 1970 to 2071: Political developments up to the expansion of AllOne<\/summary>