Listen to Future Observatory Podcast
Home
About Future Observatory
>
Applications: Now Open
Design Researchers in Residence
Apply now to join the new cohort of Design Researchers in Residence with projects responding to the theme of ‘Mineral’.
closing date
Now Open: More than Human
A major exhibition bringing together art, science and radical thinking to ask how design can help our planet thrive by shifting its focus beyond human needs. Why has design traditionally only focused
opened on
More than Human Symposium
Tickets include all-day access to the symposium and entry to the More than Human exhibition. Lunch is not provided. Join designers, architects, artists and researchers in a symposium that explores our
Book your ticket
More than Human | student price £5 | unitill 5 October 2025
Research updates
Earthly Memorials: São Paulo Terra IndÃgena
More Than Human Fellowship 2024-25
More-Than-Human Rights Mural
More Than Human Fellowship 2024-25
Pollinator Pathmaker
More Than Human Fellowship 2024-25
The Coast Is Not a Line, It's A Zone
More Than Human Fellowship 2024-25
An introduction to More than Human
The irony of calling our age the ‘Anthropocene’ is that, in acknowledging the awesome power of humans, we place ourselves at the centre of things just when we should be doing the opposite.
Author:
Justin McGuirk
Future Observatory Journal
Issue Nº2: More than Human
Artificial: New display open
Artificial brings together the work of the 2024/25 cohort of Design Researchers in Residence. The projects featured in the display examine the perceived boundaries separating what is ‘natural’ and
opened on
Artificial: In Conversation
Join the Artificial cohort of Design Researchers in Residence in conversation with Future Observatory Curator Abbie Adams, as they discuss designing for the green transition, exhibiting
Read the new publication
This publication features the work of the 2024/25 Design Researchers in Residence. It accompanies an exhibition staged at the Design Museum from June to September 2025. This year's theme, Artificial challenges the boundaries of human-centred thinking. It interrogates the structures, systems and values that have led to generations of human separation from and dominance over nature. Design Researchers in Residence is Future Observatory’s programme for emerging design researchers hosted at the Design Museum.
Authors:
Laura Lebeau, Neba Sere, Christie Swallow, Hani Salih, Abbie Adams & Leilah Hirson-Comley
Sign up to our newsletter
>
‘Urban green spaces have untapped potential for the green transition’
An interview with Katharine Willis and Ashita Gupta, Plymouth University
Ashita Gupta & Katharine Willis
Hiring a Head of Programme
We are seeking a Head of Curatorial Programme to lead an exciting phase of our Future Observatory: Design the Green Transition programme. This is a unique opportunity to shape how design research
‘Human health is inextricably linked to the health of the planet’
An interview with Paul Rodgers and Mel Woods, Design HOPES
Paul Rodgers & Mel Woods
More-than-human thinking for multiple audiences
Understanding the potential of designing with and for other species and living systems feels like an urgent undertaking. That is why we adopted More than Human as an ongoing research theme for 2024-5
Author:
Justin McGuirk
Future Observatory Journal – Issue Nº2
We are delighted to bring you Issue 02 of Future Observatory Journal. We launched the journal earlier this year to explore more expansive narratives for design that respond to the true scale of the
Author:
Justin McGuirk
The taste of bioregioning in Taiwan
Earlier this month I attended Circular Design Week in Taiwan, and had the opportunity to join a group of people from various backgrounds – design, engineering, food, publishing – curious to see some
Author:
Justin McGuirk
‘We all have a stake in biodiversity’
In conversation with Future Observatory coordinator Leilah Hirson-Comley, Nick and Rupert share how their Design Exchange Partnership is exploring new ways to record and experience urban biodiversity.
Nick Dunn & Rupert Griffiths
‘Tech is shaping the conversations and culture around climate action’
An interview with Jo Walton, University of Sussex
Joseph Walton
Solar material mapping: Wonky Brick
Wonky Brick makes visible the journeys of the materials used in Design Researchers in Residence: Solar
Author:
Alys Hargreaves
Open call: Artificial
The time for the residency open call has rolled around once again. For its fourth consecutive year, Future Observatory is excited to share the open call for our programme, Design Researchers in
The return of the grand narrative
Justin McGuirk revisits his three-tiered framework for impact in design research, with a particular focus on stories. Does the ‘green transition’ not demand a new grand narrative?
Author:
Justin McGuirk
The impact of design: symptoms, systems and stories
At Future Observatory we increasingly think about impact in terms of three different levels: symptoms, systems and stories. Design can help us to imagine a different future, tackling the climate
Author:
Justin McGuirk
Contaminating our current thinking
Cher Potter, Future Observatory's Curatorial Director discusses the role of design research with the Design Researchers in Residence Solar cohort.
Jamie Gatty Irving, April Barrett, Freya Spencer-Wood & Eliza Collin
What is the potential legacy of a research project?
In late May, we held a networking event at the Design Museum for the researchers and industry partners involved in our Design Accelerator, Design Exchange Partnership and Design Researchers in
Author:
Leilah Hirson-Comley
meet the future observatory network
>
Design Researchers in Residence 2024-25
More-than-human Fellowship 2024-25
Growing a Home, with Material Cultures
Recycling Colour, with Aida Rafat
Stone Age revival, with Amin Taha
Luxury from Landfill, with Elvis & Kresse
