Deconstructing Narratives: Reimagining Technology Futures

This workshop challenges participants to move beyond their usual viewpoints and explore the role of technological visions and future scenarios collaboratively. Guided by the principles of critical futures studies, participants will deconstruct dominant technology narratives and construct alternative, inclusive visions of the future. Together, we will examine how common myths and metaphors influence societal perceptions of technologies such as AI, while fostering critical engagement with possible and desirable futures.

Theoretical Background and Method:

Grounded in Critical Futures Studies and Technology Assessment, the workshop draws on methodologies such as Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) and multimodal metaphor analysis. These tools help participants identify underlying assumptions and narratives that shape technology futures and critically assess their social, ethical, and ecological implications.

Objectives and Outcomes:

The workshop aims to promote transdisciplinary, multi-perspective and creative (future) thinking and encourage critical engagement with possible and desirable technology futures. Participants will work in small groups to design new, alternative technology futures that reflect their normative perspectives and values. The aim is to deconstruct widespread future visions and foster a deeper understanding of the need for collaborative and inclusive discussions around technology futures.

This workshop builds on the “Making Sense of the Future” project, an open educational resource developed in cooperation with the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society and the Federal Agency for Civic Education (Bundeszentrale für Politische Bildung).