Designing Questions. A Reader on Speculative Design, Storytelling and World-Building

Beyond ready-made solutions – design as a practice of critical questioning

How can design education foster hope in times of crisis? Edited by Anab Jain, Nikolas Heep, and Stefan Zinell from the Department of Design Investigations at the University of Applied Arts Vienna, this reader introduces a groundbreaking approach to design pedagogy.

At its core are speculative practices, world-building, material engagement, and storytelling, equipping students and practitioners to address urgent questions of our time – from the climate crisis to technological acceleration.

Rather than offering solutions, the book cultivates the essential ability to design questions.

With contributions from internationally renowned authors such as Paola Antonelli, Fiona Raby, Vanessa de Oliveira Andreotti, Zoy Anastassakis, Nana Biamah-Ofosu, Lilli Hollein, and Rory Hyde, the volume opens up new perspectives on the role of design in a world in transformation.

Highlights of the book
- Innovative reader from the Department of Design Investigations, University of Applied Arts Vienna
- Focus on speculative design, world-building, and storytelling
- A new approach: designing questions instead of predefined answers
- Interdisciplinary reflections on climate, technology, and society
- International contributions from leading voices in design, art, and theory

An essential publication for students, educators, and researchers in design, as well as for all who seek new methods to respond to global challenges with creativity and hope.

Guided by award-winning designer and professor Anab Jain, Design Investigations at the University of Applied Arts Vienna fosters speculative, ecological and critical design education, supported by colleagues Nikolas Heep and Stefan Zinell’s interdisciplinary expertise.