What does it mean to design for a desirable future - and how does that translate into present-day choices? In this talk, Simon explores how our frames of thinking shape what we consider possible, and how finding glitches within them can open up new pathways. Drawing on work with the European Commission’s NetZeroCities mission, as well as collaborations with startups, artists, and civil society, he reflects on the designer’s responsibility to expand the space of options available to society.

What becomes possible from here on out – and what does it ask of us as responsible designers seeking more just and livable futures?

Simon Höher

Simon Höher is an independent Strategic Designer and Systems Change Lead at Dark Matter Labs. His work focuses on just transition processes, public innovation, and digital transformation. He has a background in sociology, political science, economics and philosophy with a particular focus on Systems Theory and has been working with public, private and civic organisations for over a decade.

Context

This lecture was also a part of Create, Adapt, Sustain – a project that supports creative professionals in Skåne to strengthen digital skills, leadership competences and Futures thinking. It is run by Media Evolution in collaboration with Region Skåne and The City of Malmö, with funding from the European Social Fund.