Simplicable Guide

4 Types of Critical Design

John Spacey, July 05, 2018 updated on February 23, 2023

Critical design is the development of non-obvious design concepts that challenge the status quo. This can be used to provoke new ideas for systems, products and services. Critical designs aren't typically useful or commercially viable but may serve to inspire a leap forward in value with completely new ideas. The following are common types of critical design.

Fiction

Fiction often inspires the future. Critical design may take the form of a story or media presentation that challenges base assumptions about the present, past or future. For example, a critical design could use counterfactual thinking to tell a story of how history would have unfolded without the presence of fossil fuels on the planet.

Speculation

Speculating about the future. This can involve projections based on current trends or suggesting that current trends are about to suddenly end or reverse. Speculation can also involve thought experiments such as how the future will view current designs.

Models

Developing theories and models that challenge design conventions. For example, suggesting a completely new method to capture holograms that would improve quality if it could be implemented. As a design concept, implementation details can be completely omitted such that the design may be impossible or have disadvantages that would become clear to implementers.

Prototypes

Critical designs may be developed as prototypes that are typically designed to challenge assumptions as opposed to a typical prototype that is intended to be a potential product. For example, an interior design that challenges conventional forms and design principles.

Overview: Critical Design
Type	Design Innovation
Definition	The development of non-obvious design concepts that challenge the status quo.
Attributed to	Anthony Dunne’s book Hertzian Tales (1999)
Also Known As	Speculative Design Design Fiction
Related Concepts	Design Innovation » Non-Obvious » Status Quo » Design Fiction » How The World Became Fiction » Storytelling »