Speculative Future
Imagine a future
The VR glasses on every consumer would automatically scan this box, triggering an augmented reality display of their ordered meal. Through the lenses, they see a perfectly plated, sizzling steak, with all the sides and garnishes in vibrant, mouth-watering detail. But the truth beneath this visual feast is a stark contrast: the "steak" is nothing more than a sculpted mold of food powders, designed to mimic the appearance and taste of the dish.
01. Define
Background
The Madison Square Park we cross daily was designed in 1968, over half a century ago. Located at the crossroads of major streets, it serves as a daily touchpoint for thousands of people. From office workers to tourists and local residents, visitors come to the park for various reasons. Among the top motivations are saving time with a convenient shortcut, enjoying a moment of urban greenery, walking their dogs, or dining at the iconic first Shake Shack.
Surrounded by a dense urban environment, the park is segmented by pathways that provide commuters and pedestrians with convenient shortcuts through its grounds.
The Setting
-
In 2044, humanity’s obsession with efficiency has redefined urban living.
A seamless network of green pathways connects iconic locations across Manhattan, from Madison Square Park to Central Park. These pathways are more than just a means of travel; they serve as solutions to multiple urban challenges, cutting traffic congestion, optimizing commute time as exercise, and generating energy. Advanced piezoelectric technology embedded in the ground converts every step into electricity, fueling the city’s unrelenting drive for productivity.
-
However, the reality beneath this veneer of efficiency is far from natural.
Charging stations, designed to power the ubiquitous wearable devices everyone depends on, have replaced the trees that once lined the streets of Madison Square Park. These devices overlay augmented and virtual realities, creating curated sensory worlds that shield users from the harshness of the environment. To the wearer, the path and the park appears vibrant and alive—but this is only an illusion, carefully crafted by their augmented reality.
GoFresh
Part of the energy generated by these pathways is directed to a garden that owned by a nearby restaurant called GoFresh at Maison Square. Through augmented reality, the garden appears lush and vibrant while it is in fact a food processing hub. Frozen ingredients and lab grown produces are converted into nutrient powders to be consumed quicker. GoFresh then utilizes these powders to create dishes marketed as luxurious and nutritionally perfect as now all food could last at least 50 years since processed. The freshest food powder consumers can get is at least processed 10 years ago in most virtual supermarkets. GoFresh’s approach to serve freshness to customers makes it a popular place to dine in.
research methodology & process
Meet Catherine
——— the 28 years old marketing professional living in downtown NYC in 2044.
"Mornings are always a rush, but I can't deny how much I value the efficiency. The AI assistant keeps me on track, and my nutrient powder breakfast fuels me quickly. I feel a bit tense, but there's a sense of satisfaction in knowing I'm already optimized for the day.
Walking through the pathways is almost meditative. The AR overlays make it feel like I'm surrounded by vibrant, natural beauty, even though I know it's just an illusion. I feel calm and productive, but sometimes I wonder if I'm really connected to the world around me or just a part of the simulation."
Product Development
Scenarios to stuff:
Keep zooming in, what is the stuff from this future that can evoke changes in the present?
