Welcome to the multiverse, where every present contains new futures

In this special year-end episode of Follow the Rabbit, Igor and Johannes are joined by Simone Rebaudengo to explore new ways of thinking about futures and presents. As a creative director who "builds products and tools for a less boring future," Simone introduces his concept of the "future burrito" as an alternative to traditional future cones, suggesting we need to expand our understanding of the present rather than just projecting into the future.

The conversation weaves together several key themes:

How accelerating technology and AI are compressing our sense of future timelines
Why traditional futurism methods may need updating for our current moment
The value of exploring parallel presents rather than just imagining distant futures
How design can maintain critical perspectives while working within industry
The challenge of maintaining distinct viewpoints without becoming reductive

Moving from science fiction to multiverse narratives, the discussion reveals how our cultural imagination is shifting from linear future projections to exploring parallel possibilities. Through examining changes in design, technology, and cultural narratives, the episode offers fresh perspectives on how we might imagine and shape possible futures while staying grounded in an increasingly complex present.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction & Future Burritos

02:02 - Simone's Background and Design Evolution

05:03 - From Future Cones to Present Complexity

07:17 - Multiple Presents: Lessons from China

09:55 - The Loss of Future Interest

12:55 - Rise of Multiverse Thinking

14:18 - The Future Burrito Concept

16:53 - Navigating Present Complexity

21:27 - From “What If” to “What Else”

24:36 - The ChatGPT Moment and Acceleration

27:34 - Design Fiction and Parallel Presents

29:57 - Challenging the Status Quo

34:48 - Reclaiming Point of View in Design

38:38 - Small Changes vs Grand Visions

41:14 - The Infinite Space of Imagination

42:13 - Closing Thoughts and Thanks

This final episode of 2024 provides a thoughtful exploration of how we might reimagine futures and presents as we move into the new year.

Links to Simone:

oio on Instagram

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Follow the Rabbit is hosted by Igor Schwarzmann & Johannes Kleske

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The Future Burrito: Why We Need to Expand Our Present, Not Our Future

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