The future is an abstract space that does not yet exist, but we can connect and “feel” this future world through experiences, simulations, and tangible artifacts. Visualizing the future through fully developed objects opens up space to imagine, and it allows deeper engagement with possible worlds. For instance, what will it feel like to live in a society where AI intersects with human enhancements in order to maximize worker productivity?
In this session originally aired on February 27, 2025, Tim Parsons and Jessica Charlesworth — co-founders and designers at Parsons and Charlesworth, a future-focused design studio — shared details behind developing Catalog for the Post-Human, an award-winning, satirical installation that depicts a trade fair exhibit from the future that features tools to help workers cope with circumstances in which their bodies may be pushed to the limit. Items from the future include SleepSnackers, to adjust one’s circadian rhythms to their work schedule, and an inflatable IV Apparel jacket to help workers absorb vitamins intravenously while they work.
Learn how a pair of designers found their way to speculative futures and are leveraging artifacts from the future to engage their clients and the public in deep discussions about social issues.
IFTF Foresight Essentials Professional Trainings: https://www.iftf.org/foresightessentials
IFTF Experiential Futures course: https://www.iftf.org/experiential-fut...
IFTF Fast Futures for Beginners: https://www.iftf.org/foresightessenti...
IFTF Futures Thinking on Coursera: https://www.iftf.org/foresightessenti...
About IFTF Foresight Talks:
IFTF Foresight Talks are moderated, publicly accessible, hour-long sessions that introduce some of the world’s foremost foresight strategists, designers, and leaders, IFTF Foresight Talks broaden the conversation within the global foresight community. Each offers a unique futures perspective that supports IFTF’s mission: to shape a better future for all.
© 2025 Institute for the Future. All rights reserved.
In this session originally aired on February 27, 2025, Tim Parsons and Jessica Charlesworth — co-founders and designers at Parsons and Charlesworth, a future-focused design studio — shared details behind developing Catalog for the Post-Human, an award-winning, satirical installation that depicts a trade fair exhibit from the future that features tools to help workers cope with circumstances in which their bodies may be pushed to the limit. Items from the future include SleepSnackers, to adjust one’s circadian rhythms to their work schedule, and an inflatable IV Apparel jacket to help workers absorb vitamins intravenously while they work.
Learn how a pair of designers found their way to speculative futures and are leveraging artifacts from the future to engage their clients and the public in deep discussions about social issues.
IFTF Foresight Essentials Professional Trainings: https://www.iftf.org/foresightessentials
IFTF Experiential Futures course: https://www.iftf.org/experiential-fut...
IFTF Fast Futures for Beginners: https://www.iftf.org/foresightessenti...
IFTF Futures Thinking on Coursera: https://www.iftf.org/foresightessenti...
About IFTF Foresight Talks:
IFTF Foresight Talks are moderated, publicly accessible, hour-long sessions that introduce some of the world’s foremost foresight strategists, designers, and leaders, IFTF Foresight Talks broaden the conversation within the global foresight community. Each offers a unique futures perspective that supports IFTF’s mission: to shape a better future for all.
© 2025 Institute for the Future. All rights reserved.