A discursive design to envision the future of work
OOO (Out of Office) is a discursive design project that explores a future scenario where remote work becomes mainstream, questioning the long-term feasibility of a highly digitalized work environment. Through the creation of absurd, humorous, and intentionally impractical speculative artifacts, the project highlights often-overlooked and potential issues in remote work, such as job equality, ethical considerations, and environmental impact. It critiques the excessive pursuit of efficiency, encouraging reflection on deeper human values and sustainability in future work contexts. Aligned with the 2025 theme ECHO, each artifact acts as a "resonance" of societal trends, amplifying the hidden risks of unchecked technological advancements and their far-reaching consequences. OOO uses speculative future scenarios to provoke present-day dialogue and collaboration, much like an echo relies on surfaces to reflect. OOO seeks to inspire insights into "wanted" future work scenarios by reflecting on the lasting "imprints" of current decisions on future work modes. It amplifies the call for a sustainable and inclusive vision of work, advocating for a future centered on humanity, balance, and ethical responsibility.
