Making the future palpable: Notes from a major incident future laboratory

Abstract

Future laboratories allow users to experiment with future technologies in as realistic as possible conditions. We have devised this method because, to realize the potential of ubiquitous computing technologies it is essential to anticipate and design for future practices, but for prospective users it is often difficult to imagine and articulate future practices and provide design specifications. They readily invent new ways of working in engagement with new technologies, though and, by facilitating as realistic as possible use of prototype technologies in Future Laboratories designers and users can define both opportunities and constraints for design. We present 11 scenes from a Major Incidents Future Laboratory held in September 2005. For each scene we point out key results. Many raise tough questions rather than provide quick answers. In the discussion we summarize important lessons learnt.