Speculative Methods

Speculative methods are creative tools for imagining futures and challenging norms. Speculative methods help to cultivate a mindset of "not-yetness" 

 

They are innovative, research-informed practices that draw from design thinking, critical theory and futurism as mediums for transformation. 

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Speculative Methods invite participants to step outside limitation-based thinking and instead design toward hope, justice, and values-aligned possibilities. These methods are helpful for envision alternatives to dominant narratives.

 

Speculative practices provoke critical thinking about what could be—especially in contexts where systems feel stuck or oppressive.

 

Key features include:

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• Using storytelling, metaphor, and visualization to explore possibilities

• Creating “what if” scenarios that question assumptions

• Generating future-oriented insights based on present challenges

 

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