Design Consultant
Oxfam Novib
2 months | Netherlands
Oxfam Novib is exploring visions for a New Economy, one that moves beyond extractive systems towards more human-centred, equitable and community-driven economic models.
As part of this initiative, design consultants were invited to create speculative artefacts that imagine everyday life within a future economy shaped by these values. The aim was to make systemic change tangible by translating abstract economic principles into familiar cultural formats and community experiences.
I led the research and design of a speculative community newspaper set in this future economy. The artefact explored how local systems might function in a more cooperative, community-oriented economic system.
Approach
Horizon Scanning
Conducted horizon scanning on emerging shifts in local journalism, housing, education, governance, food systems and alternative economic structures. This research explored such systems might evolve within a more cooperative and human-centred economy.
Worldbuilding
Worked collaboratively with the project team to define key elements of the speculative future economy, including shared values, community structures and local institutional dynamics. These foundations informed the narrative context in which the artefact would exist.
Design
Designed a future community newspaper as a storytelling medium to translate systemic change into everyday experiences. The publication included local news stories, a community map, job listings, events, games and crosswords, illustrating how social participation might function in this imagined economic system.
Impact
The artefact translates abstract ideas about a New Economy into a tangible and relatable format, helping audiences imagine how systemic economic change might shape everyday community life.
The newspaper will be exhibited as part of an upcoming New Economy exhibition organised by Oxfam Novib.