Dunne & Raby on Design Beyond Reality in Afterall Interview

In an interview featured in Afterall Journal 50, Elvia Wilk engages with design partners Fiona Raby and Anthony Dunne, who delve into their approach to speculative design, which critiques the conventional emphasis on practical, realistic solutions. They contend that modern design frequently overlooks intricate social and political dynamics, often prioritizing efficiency and perpetuating harmful perspectives—highlighting examples like ergonomic furniture that promotes alertness and surveillance technologies like Alexa and autonomous vehicles. Their 2007 work, 'Technological Dreams Series: No.1, Robots,' showcased household robots with traits like anxiety and dependency, emphasizing human connection over detached smart devices. The dialogue also reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed future perceptions and stresses the need for a 'mindset' shift rather than a strict 'roadmap' for meaningful change. Dunne and Raby, who have directed design programs at the Royal College of Art in London and currently at The New School in New York, are recognized for their 2013 publication, 'Speculative Everything,' advocating for the envisioning of alternative futures instead of conforming to prevailing narratives. The interview investigates how design can act as a vehicle for research and transformation, viewing objects as instruments for reimagining broader systems, institutions, and languages.