Abbe Åsbacka - Pyramid of emotions

Background

The Deep Green Wave scenario from Framtidsland envisions a future where self-sufficiency replaces globalization. Emerging from a 2020s political alliance between far-right nationalism and environmentalism, it leads to reduced trade, urban decline, and a shift to rural, collective living. Work and life blur as communal labor becomes essential, fostering both purpose and social control. While some find meaning in this lifestyle, others long for the lost freedom of choice

Methods

The method A Day in a Life is used to envision what a person's life might look like in a defined future.

The Futures Wheel method aims to identify the consequences and effects of a specific problem.

The Branching method is used to explore the long-term effects of the problem.

Time Traveler is a method used to create future profiles based on previously gathered information.

Design experiment

In the first design experiment, the participants received a brief introduction, followed by a computer with a voice changer in Skype and an anecdote to start the conversation. From there, the conversation was open-ended.

The second design experiment focused on color and form. Different colors and shapes were shown to the participants in two separate instances. They were asked to associate these with an emotional state. The participants were free to choose combinations based on their own associations.

Final consept

The Pyramid of Emotions is a public sculpture where people can anonymously express their emotions by attaching thermally discolored notes that reveal their content when the temperature changes. Surrounding the pyramid, a designated area allows visitors to create these notes in private before placing them on the sculpture.

The idea is that this should be an enviorment for social interaction aswell as a private place for reflection.

People can create and write there thoughts down in the booths.

You can observe for yourself or with others.

Storyboard

After a long day out in the field, Magnus is completely exhausted and collapses onto the bed. On top of the physical fatigue, he feels disappointed with the job he was forced into and is not satisfied with. A sense of discontent grows within him.

Magnus heads to the community's shared gathering place for self-expression, The Pyramid of Emotions.

Upon arrival, Magnus glances at the sculpture and finds inspiration from others who have expressed there feelings and thoughts.

He sits down in one of the booths and begins writing down his feelings, thoughts, and opinions. "Feels good to get it all out!" Magnus thinks for himself.

Once finished, Magnus places his note on the pyramid above the ones he related to. A conversation within the collective is in full swing!

A dialogue with another village resident begins. They start discussing sensitive topics they had kept inside and previously hadn’t dared to express.

Afterwards, Magnus walks home with a friend. They reflect on the day and their time at the Pyramid of Emotions. Both feel relieved to have expressed their feelings—through writing, drawing, and conversation.