This paper argues that design fiction is a powerful term in part because it is malleable. A wide range of differing design fictions are emerging and we pursue a spatial metaphor to provide a map based on literary approaches.

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The Co-ordinates of Design Fiction: Extrapolation, Irony, Ambiguity and Magic

M Blythe, E Encinas (2016)

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We describe the development of a device designed to capture images from that extraordinary dream. This was a prop, or diegetic prototype that unexpectedly began to work. We then report a range of other fictional devices developed at the Solutionist Studio which began to function as described. We argue that the line between fiction and reality has become entirely porous.

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The Solution Printer: Magic Realist Design Fiction

E Encinas, M Blythe (2016)

This paper reflects on the uses of prototypes in “Research through Design” and considers “Design Fiction” as a technique for exploring the potential value of new design work.

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Research through design fiction: narrative in real and imaginary abstracts

M Blythe (2014)

The paper considers science fiction treatments of spirituality, religion and “the numinous” — a mysterious presence that evokes fascination, awe and sometimes dread — as stimulus for exploring techno-spiritual design through “imaginary abstracts”, a form of design fiction.

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Chatbots of the gods: imaginary abstracts for techno-spirituality research

M Blythe, E Buie (2014)

Imaginary abstracts summarise papers that have not been written, about prototypes that do not exist . This collection comes from an imaginary workshop, an event that did not occur, about technologies designed to support religious practices and spiritual experiences

January 01, 2020

The Centenarians is a long form design fiction. Annabel and Boris Bide are one hundred year old secret agents called out of retirement to track down their old ad- versary, @tak. Their search takes them through care centres of the twenty first century like WalmartCare, Albion and Horny Pines. Will they find @tak in time to save what’s left of the country? And will they be able to turn their new television on?

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Practical products for centenarian spies

M Blythe (2015) Excerpt in interactions 22 (2), 18-19