The metaphorical capacity of future-food: Enhancing design’s role in public engagement with emerging technologies

In an era of rapid technological progress, deepening public engagement with science is crucial. This paper intends to solidify the value of design in this new space of engaging the public with emerging technologies. We first introduce a framework that aligns design competencies with four principles informed by science and technology studies and futures studies. Then we present a case study of ‘Future Food in 2040’ that engages 97 participants to create design fictions, illustrating the principles. The fictions showcase how speculative food technology metaphorically represents varied social issues under the themes of Efficiency, Entertainment and Ecology. Recognizing its metaphorical capacity, we propose future-food as an effective engaging tool to provide an inclusive and discursive avenue for broader public participants to develop and express thoughts on technological futures. This paper contributes to advancing design’s role in fostering a more ethically aware innovation culture and a democratically informed future.