Imagined Future Scenarios
Augmented Reality, Plausible Futures, Medium Term (3 - 5 years)
Scenario Generated from 'Tech Trends of 2025: Folding Smartphones, Eco-Friendly Gadgets & More' - Yanko Design
Future Arc and Implications
Grow Arc
Social Impact: Increased global interconnectedness leads to stronger family ties transcending geographical boundaries.
Technological Impact: AR hardware and software constantly improve, becoming more realistic, affordable, and seamlessly integrated.
Ecological Impact: Increased energy consumption and electronic waste production from widespread AR device usage and frequent upgrades.
Economic Impact: A booming AR industry fuels economic growth through hardware sales, software development, and holographic entertainment.
Political Impact: Governments invest in AR infrastructure and regulate its use, including data privacy and content moderation within holographic spaces.
Narrative: Holographic teleportation becomes ubiquitous, shrinking distances and fostering a global village united by shared virtual mealtimes.
Collapse Arc
Social Impact: Widespread technical failures and reliance on the system lead to social isolation when AR infrastructure collapses.
Technological Impact: Supply chain disruptions halt AR production, leaving existing devices unusable due to lack of maintenance and updates.
Ecological Impact: Resource depletion used for AR technology exacerbates existing environmental crises, shortening technological lifespans.
Economic Impact: Economic downturn decimates the AR industry, rendering the technology unaffordable for most and fueling a digital divide.
Political Impact: Government instability leads to a breakdown in infrastructure, including AR communication networks, isolating communities.
Narrative: The dream of holographic connection crumbles as failing infrastructure leaves families more isolated than ever before.
Discipline Arc
Social Impact: Holographic dinner attendance becomes mandatory for certain demographics, reinforcing social norms and controlled interactions.
Technological Impact: Centralized control over AR networks allows for meticulous monitoring and censorship of holographic communications.
Ecological Impact: Strict energy rationing and ecological standards lead to mandated AR usage limits and heavily taxed upgrades.
Economic Impact: The government monopolizes the AR industry, controlling access and pricing to promote social cohesion and economic equity.
Political Impact: A totalitarian regime uses holographic dinners for surveillance and propaganda, ensuring ideological conformity and obedience.
Narrative: Holographic meals become a tool of control, enforced by a state that monitors and manipulates every virtual gathering.
Transform Arc
Social Impact: Holographic experiences spark a renewed appreciation for physical presence and the limitations of virtual interaction.
Technological Impact: Focus shifts from realism to artistic expression within AR, leading to abstract and emotionally resonant holographic experiences.
Ecological Impact: Conscious consumption and localized production of sustainable AR components minimize environmental impact.
Economic Impact: A gift economy emerges around personalized holographic experiences, fostering community resilience and shared creativity.
Political Impact: Decentralized AR networks empower individuals and communities to create their own holographic spaces, free from censorship or control.
Narrative: Humanity transcends the limitations of virtuality, finding deeper connection through mindful use of AR and a renewed emphasis on real-world relationships.