Major companies are paying sci-fi writers to predict their futures

Throughout history there have been moments when a dreamer has imagined something so stupendously out-there that it inspires others to make it happen in real life.

Sci-fi novelists and screen writers have long been an inspiration to the tech and industrial sectors. And sci-fi writers are inspired by cutting-edge tech innovations. It becomes a creative feedback loop. Now that influence is spreading: major brands including Nike are engaging sci-fi writers to explore business innovation. As a strategic designer I’m always interested in what the long term could look like for the services and products that we design. And it’s always worth expanding the field you draw your ideas from.

If you’re looking for inspiration yourself, some of the biggest names in contemporary sci-fi were recently asked by Wired Magazine to share short stories imagining the future of work. Read them here.
– Emma Strybosch