The module Interdisciplinary Futures provides theoretical, methodological, and practical foundations for the critical exploration of future imaginaries in society, politics, economy, and design. It focuses on how futures are constructed, negotiated, and shaped, moving beyond purely technological forecasting and linear notions of progress.

Students engage with critically reflective design approaches such as Critical Design, Speculative Design, Design Fiction, Discursive Design, and Adversarial Design. These approaches are introduced as tools for analysing, evaluating, and exploring emerging technologies and applications with regard to their socio-economic, ecological, and ethical implications.

A further focus of the module is the examination of forecasts and future knowledge. Students explore research on the validity and reliability of predictions, reflect on cognitive biases and thinking styles, and engage with beneficial mindsets for dealing with uncertainty, for example through concepts such as Superforecasting. In addition, selected models and frameworks of Futures Literacy are introduced, enabling a more conscious and reflective engagement with future narratives.

Methodologically, the module covers key approaches from futures research and design futuring, including trend and scenario analysis, simulations, futures workshops, and participatory methods. These methods are critically assessed and applied within a practice-based project that combines design, research, and discursive experimentation.

Interdisciplinary perspectives are strengthened through the introduction of central concepts from technology ethics as well as technology and design impact assessment. Through collective reflection, communication, and discussion formats within the course, students critically examine their own assumptions, values, and cognitive patterns and relate them to questions of responsibility in design practice.

Overall, the module enables students to understand futures not merely as objects of prediction, but as culturally, politically, and ethically charged constructs that can be actively designed, questioned, and shaped.