Conclusions
What does all of this work mean?
What insights emerged from this research?
And what happens to these artifacts now?
This page is a presentation of all the most exciting, impactful, findings from the entirety of the research project. Let’s get in to it!
Co-design and Speculative Design belong together
Co-design + Speculative Design = <3The combination of speculative design and co-design creates a synergistic and symbiotic relationship, with each approach enhancing the benefits of the other.
Co-design brings a focus on inclusivity and a safe space, while speculative design allows us to break free from preconceived notions and think into the far future. This combination is crucial when addressing sensitive topics like sexual and reproductive experiences.
Why imagine nightmares that already exist?Seeing the sexual and reproductive futures that the 18 AFAB individuals who participated in this study dream of for themselves and future generations, is just as powerful as giving form to what they fear.
Participants predominantly envisioned positive futures, which proved to be provocative, empowering, and challenged pessimistic narratives surrounding sexual and reproductive futures.
Maybe AFAB people just want to imagine positive futures
No good futures without trust and agency
The artifacts predominantly revolved around themes of trust and agency. Conversations always circled around distrusting men, technology, companies, and public policy.
The artifacts reflect participants' desire for personal choice and agency over their bodies, healthcare, and choices, even when social limitations may make some futures seem preposterous.
Imagining futures as collaborative therapy
As a facilitator, I observed that participants found the process of creating and discussing artifacts to be liberating, therapeutic, and surprising. It provided a rare space, free from constraints, where participants could openly address topics that often go undiscussed.
Opening up discussions and sharing stories about sexual and reproductive experiences has the potential to reshape the future by empowering us to challenge limitations and change how we perceive our current lives.
