Forming new groups, we were given the task of imagining the world in 2060. Based on the average age of the group and the current regulations, this is approximately the date when we would be eligible for retirement and a state pension. We were instructed to think about the impact the world would have on various problems and how we could overcome it, or even be defeated by it:
Environmental Issues:
The world is already facing problems with global warming and deforestation, which has rapidly increase over the past 20 years due to new technology using up more carbon emissions. By 2060, oxygen may be at a lower level due to the reduction of green plants, which could risk our quality and quantity of life. The increase in temperature could also result in plants dying out and certain environments becoming unsuitable for some animals/humans, and it is unknown what small difference could impact the world in a big way.
This change could impact future designer work because of the problem of deforestation; trees are needed for paper however trees are more importantly needed for oxygen. Designers will have to resort to alternative methods such as using electronic designs or limiting designs to only being produced digitally.
Peak Oil (Reduction of oil stocks and rising prices)
Oil is already considered expensive as we use it so widely across the world. The increase in consumers buying automobiles has also rapidly decreased the amount of oil, therefore alternate methods are trying to be devised to get round this. By 2060, oil may have run out completely or in very short supply. This will effect travel and people may have to resort to electronic alternatives, like electric cars. Plastic is made from oil and is widely used across the world, therefore we may have to adapt to eco friendly methods, like decomposing packaging.
This could affect design work for designers as they will have to consider eco friendly design more. With oil at risk, plastic may have to be used sparingly, so a design threat would be designing without the use of wasteful materials.
Population Growth (effect on resources etc)
With the earth’s population growing all the time, this is having an effect on the resources of the Earth; they are rapidly decreasing and by 2060 supplies may be short or completely wiped out, which can also be affected by the reduction in oil and the environmental issues. We may have to survive on renewable sources and growing our own food.
This will affect designers as resources may be few and far between to design with, including digital equipment, and we must consider ways in which design could be as minimal as possible.
War and Political Instability
War is common in this day and age and there is no telling what conflicts will have risen by the time we reach 2060. Humans could continue to disagree, forming more wars and rivalries between countries than what is happening already, increasing the violence and lack of safety in societies. This could also heavily divide the world into rivalries that cannot be stopped. On the other hand, war may have also been abolished and the Earth may be a more cooperative place.
This could affect design as designers may be under pressure to create without upsetting other groups of people which causes more problems. However design may become easier if different groups get along with each other.
Disease
Disease is something that will either be abolished or made worse. With increasing medical technology and funding, hospitals and scientific development may have found ways to overcome unfortunate diseases, such as cancer, making life last longer. On the other hand, the increase in toxic carbon emissions and global warming could increase the severity of bad illnesses, and with population increase, hospitals may struggle to cater for all patients.
Design may be affected as designers will be commissioned to raise awareness about illness spreading. If more hospitals are needed, then designers will need to design the hospitals, including various treatment rooms and facilities.
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