How Culture Shapes Tech Futures: A UX Study on Space Tourism
Role
Speculative Researcher
Tools
Foresight frameworks, cultural analysis, scenario building, narrative prototyping, semiotics
Overview
This speculative design project reimagined the future of space tourism in India by blending cultural storytelling with strategic foresight. It explored how deeply held societal narratives astrology, nationhood, and class mobility could inform design decisions and policy frameworks for the emerging Indian space economy.
Challenge
How can India leverage its unique cultural, political, and economic identity to shape a future-facing space tourism narrative that’s inclusive and globally relevant?
My Approach
- Mapped sociocultural themes around space and science in Indian pop culture, mythology, and public sentiment
- Analyzed macrotrends including ISRO's expansion, tech privatization, and youth aspirations
- Developed future scenarios across political, economic, and emotional dimensions
- Built system maps and stakeholder journeys for imagined 2040 launchpads, training institutes, and tourism experiences
Impact
- Created a culturally-grounded foresight model applicable to global speculative design challenges
- Presented new possibilities for designing with geopolitical and emotional nuance
- Strengthened ability to link abstract societal narratives to concrete strategic design recommendations
