Designing Our Future: Redefining Design in the Age of AI for Sustainable Innovation

by Diana Olynick

Overview

Explore the field of “futures thinking” and systematically unpack its main design methodologies, such as scenario planning, strategic foresight, and speculative design. This book illustrates how AI tools and techniques can enhance and refine these approaches, and critically examines the intersection of AI with ethical and sustainable design principles.

Integrating AI at the cross section of futures thinking and strategic foresight, this book goes beyond conventional boundaries, providing an unparalleled synthesis of AI with speculative and strategic foresight methodologies. You’ll discover that it’s not just about the tools and technologies; but about envisioning and shaping sustainable and ethically responsible futures.

Uniquely positioned at the intersection of deep theoretical insights and practical application, Designing Our Future offers a comprehensive understanding of the principles of futures thinking and strategic foresight coupled with actionable methodologies. This balance of depth and practicality sets this book apart in the field of futures studies and design thinking.

What You Will Learn

• Understand the foundations and evolution of futures thinking, strategic foresight, and design
• Integrate AI into futures thinking methodologies and develop innovative and ethical design processes
• Apply theoretical knowledge of futures studies in real-world settings
• Create prototypes and strategies that are informed by futures design and AI integration

Who this Book Is For

Design professionals, business managers, strategists, and students as well as policymakers and corporate leaders.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798868811623
Publisher:	Apress
Publication date:	01/09/2026
Series:	Design Thinking
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	300
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Diana Olynick stands at the crossroads of design, engineering and AI innovation. As a registered Professional Engineer, she brings a blend of technical acumen and design creativity to the technical design field with over a decade of experience. Beyond academia, Diana's voice has resonated globally, with invitations to speak at several esteemed international conferences. She has dedicated herself to educating the next generation, guiding them through the intricacies of product design, engineering, spatial computing and conscious design. Her ability to deconstruct and demystify complex XR topics for a wide audience sets her apart in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Diana’s educational contributions can be found at www.dianaolynick.com

Table of Contents

PART I: The Foundations of Design and Futures Thinking.- 1: The History of Design and Contemporary Design Thinking.- 2: The History of Futures Thinking.- PART II: Exploring Futures Thinking.- 3: Core Concepts in Futures Thinking.- 4: Global Perspectives and Cultural Impact.- 5: Ethical and Sustainable Design.- PART III: Integrated Futures Thinking Methodologies.- 6: Foundational Methodologies in Futures Thinking.- 7: Tools and Techniques for Futures Exploration.- 8: Strategic Foresight and Backcasting.- 9: Integration and Real-World Application.- PART IV: AI in Futures Thinking: Opportunities and Challenges.- 10: AI and Futures Design Methodologies.- PART V: Advanced Concepts and Methodologies.- 11: Interactive and Transdisciplinary Approaches with AI.- 12: Futures Design in Practice with AI.- PART VI: Extending the Boundaries.- 13: Emerging Fields and New Frontiers with AI.-14: AI in Complex Environmental Futures Design.- 15: Philosophical and Mythological Perspectives on AI and Futures Design.- PART VII: Societal Systems and Futures Thinking.- 16: Societal Systems in the Age of AI and Futures Design.- PART VIII: Concluding Perspectives.- 17: Futures Studies: Looking Ahead in the Age of AI.- APPENDIX A: Resources and Tools for AI-Enhanced Futures Design.- APPENDIX B: Glossary of Terms in Futures Design and AI.- APPENDIX C: Resources for Further Learning and Reading.- APPENDIX D: References and Citations.