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The idea that "the design method is no method" feels liberating, but it functions as a containment strategy, keeping design from questioning power. A methodless design culture traps designers in surface-level iteration—free to explore but never to confront. Real creative defiance lies not in abandoning methods but in using them…

Crises escalate, but the responses remain the same. Climate targets slip further out of reach, yet AI investment surges forward, promising salvation without disruption. The world burns, but the talking points stay polished, the PowerPoint slides sleek with inevitability.

Fungal morphotextiles explore living fabrics grown from mycelium, shifting from woven or stitched materials to adaptive, organic forms. Inspired by biomimicry, these AI-generated experiments imagine clothing as a dynamic system that evolves with its environment.

In the long history of ceramics, the kiln has been a space of transformation where clay surrenders to fire and emerges as something more. This act of alchemy is a dialogue between material and force shaped by the rhythms of nature and the human hand. With generative ceramics, this tradition…

This is my first real experiment with AI and mobility and it’s proving to be challenging. I’ve been trying to imagine what an open platform for mobility—similar to an Arduino for cars—might look like. Here, I’ve explored a luxury version.I always wanted to do an IDEO pod getting lost. In…

Scale thinking is the ability to make sense of design challenges by understanding their position within a ladder of complexity and scale. It is not simply about navigating systems but about recognizing the nature, history and dynamics of the layers involved. Some challenges are deep structural realities, shaped by centuries…

Ever wondered why are all GenZ dressing all the same? Side note: Written by a late Gen Xer who grew up in the golden age of subcultures, this article reflects my perspective as a teacher now engaging exclusively with Gen Z. The Millennials have long exited the stage, leaving me…

This is my first attempt using Midjourney's Moodboard feature, where curated images guide the AI (v6.1) to generate customised outputs that reflect preferred styles and aesthetics references. Permutations AI generated images UNFOLD: Motion Systems M1-RF (Motion, 1st series, Responsive Framework) B2A-RM (Boot, 2nd revision, Raw Modular structure) SL3-VS (Slip-On, 3rd…

A world of cracks and fraying threads, where time clings heavy, the past patched unevenly, the future sagging, blurred. The present—a fragile balance, what is broken, what remains. The old dream of mending, the young carry the weight, grief stitched into their days, anger grating against nostalgia. Meaning no longer…

Wangji Generative Fashion Systems AI generated images An other exploration in generative fashion and imagining a Wangjitsu collection using personal references and inspirations. Here the key is surfing a thin style edge between street/tech:wear and kimono camouflage pieces. This series does not rely on any --srefs codes and is developed…

Why bother drip-feeding visual research on Instagram? It’s just unpaid labor for tech Broligarchs, rewarding you with synthetic dopamine hits and worthless virtual trophies. The real work gets buried under a sludge of duckface selfies and skewed algorithms, while the platform owners rake in ad revenue. The time I save…

A design research project to explore the potential of generative image creation with AI, focusing on an art direction inspired by the aesthetics of shitsurai. It investigates how AI can be used to create visual compositions that emphasize simplicity, mindfulness and harmony. The project engages with the interplay of light,…

Recently, I started an experiment with style reference (sref) and personalization codes in Midjourney's latest version, 6.1. To my disappointment, the images generated became particularly dull and uninspiring. They lost detail and diversity, producing extremely boring results. Here is a window in my attempts to recalibrate how Midjourney understands my…

Le CEO d'une assurance maladie s'est fait buté devant son hôtel. Il ne reste qu'un mot clé sonore, trois consonnes. CEO. Certains applaudissent, d’autres s'indignent mais tous comprennent. On a passé un cap. Une vie broyée par une autre et la machine qui continue de tourner. Tuer un homme ne…

"Volumes and Layers" explores generative image-making as a way to explore the evolving nature of modern work. Using scavenged, low-tech materials and mobile packing systems, this project reflects the tension between adaptability and displacement in a semi-nomadic lifestyle. Through modular designs, it questions the balance between flexibility and the quiet…

Often people are surprised: "Pascal, you explore AI, the future and you research cash?" Yeah, it’s a head-scratcher for those who think the future is all about sleek, cashless dystopias, with everyone glued to their screens, trading crypto and streaming the latest metaverse promo. But here’s the twist—there’s a whole…

"The Veridica Trade" imagines a near-future world where Lagos and Hong Kong are entwined by the illicit trade of Veridica—a bioengineered algae offering bursts of psychic vision but at the cost of sanity. This AI-driven world-building project combines speculative storytelling and algorithmic creativity, crafting an intricate web of alliances, betrayals,…

01 An AI image generation experimental project aimed at learning and refining prompting techniques for character design. Using Midjourney V6, the focus is on exploring how different prompts influence the development of characters, specifically incorporating fabrics and retro consumer electronics styles. The goal is to understand how to effectively guide…

This article builds on recent reflections following an event where right-wing billionaire Elon Musk, in support of Donald Trump’s narrative, launched a series of fake futuristic innovations.How easy is it to accept this future? The one that gleams in all its chrome-plated glory where shiny robots and sleek vehicles glide…

"Arg.os" is a visual exploration of robotic dogs, blending product design and animal aesthetics. Inspired by the loyal dog Argos from "The Odyssey," this project merges the futuristic designs of Boston Dynamics' creations with New Aesthetics influences. It strives to balance natural dog traits with robotic elements, avoiding the uncanny…

Extreme Conditions Carry Systems Future-proof carryologyWelcome to my weekend project, a solo journey into AI and sustainable product design. Over two days, I challenged myself to explore the generative capabilities of Midjourney, ChatGPT and Grammarly, focusing on prototyping innovative carrying systems. The aim was to showcase how AI can drive…

NextD Journal- Peer Review February 2024 I found the Fast Company Freak-Out to be an interesting read, questioning the current dramatic shifts within the design industry, impacting design departments in heavyweight corporations like J&J, Ideo, IBM and Expedia. The article asks if this trend underlines a momentary industry hiccup or…

Midjourney, prompt experiment.Atagam ProjectWorks made in 2K23 Project Atagam Midjourney Niji Exploration This project is about remixing influences while listening to Monolake, using the Niji mode of Midjourney.Thanks to my dad, I grew up with French and Belgium comics, BD, here resonating with my early manga influences.The word rainy has…

Midjourney, prompt experiment.Cong Lovid2K24 Cong Lovid Perfer et obdura; dolor hic tibi proderit olim. KokyūCephal — 9MonowasureMem Ry Cong Lovid Click images to open a lightbox All images are unretouched AI-generated images. W&G 2024

Future Visualisations for Preferable Futures, using the MidJourney's Generative Adversarial Networks. I am in my third week of long Covid again. I can spend one or two hours per day on AI images and doing some writing. These images are part of what kept me motivated while mostly stuck in…

December 2023 Fictional Photography Using the MidJourney's Generative Adversarial Networks. First tests and expirations with Midjourney V6 Alpha. For this series of test, I used the idea of a common-based universal basic services urban community somewhere in Asia. With the currently limited tools available, I started to recalibrate how this…

This is a speculative design experiment using AI / MidjourneyImages made in November 2023While exploring the visual diary of the "Gaza Project," I wished to explore the creative track of hanging vertical textiles as biographic artworks. This series is the result of this parallel exploration. A Midjourney project, an ongoing…

Project Gaza Spatiocide, Ethnic Cleansing and AI-Driven Introspection Whispers & Giants Prompt Explorations Unretouched AI images October 2023 Fictional Photography Using the MidJourney's Generative Adversarial Networks.This project is an augmented exploration of the visceral and complex realities unfolding in Gaza since October 7th. It ended in early December. I however,…

A selection of generations on layered technical textile compositions. Exploring how Midjourney 5.2 works in lowest style settings.

In 2024, as is customary, we are invited to immerse ourselves in a near future of world economic affairs where everything seems to unfold in a truly fantastic manner. As we embark on this comprehensive analysis, we are presented with a unique opportunity to dive into the prevailing trends that…

Digital Dye Machine Learning & Crafting Speculative Indigo Ethnographies Whispers & Giants Explorations August 2023 Fictional Photography Using the MidJourney's Generative Adversarial Networks.In this exploration, I am experimenting with high style value settings (at 750) to navigate the tension and balance between plausible and the mysterious. This narrative unfolds on…

001 A cyberpunk character design exploration using Midjourney's Niji mode. In the near future of this cyberpunk reality, the collapse of the Holocene climate and a devastating explosion of heat have given way to long decades of bad weather, natural disasters and skies clouded by pollution. In this grim backdrop,…

This is a speculative design experiment using AI / MidjourneySpotify link

This project is a more personal exploration, where I collect my dreams using AI as a dream camera, often intrigued by their repetitive nature, the characters I meet and the places I visit. Recently, while playing Cyberpunk 2077, I started to feel the need to express the memories of a…

The limits of ideology as an analytical tool The term "ideology" often serves as a convenient shortcut for discussing a wide array of social beliefs and behaviors. While this simplification can be useful for quick discussions or generalizations, it has its drawbacks. The risk lies in viewing ideology as a…

Moving beyond surface problems in design and social science Design and social science increasingly emphasize moving beyond surface problems to uncover the structural factors that sustain issues. When social science researchers stress the importance of examining more than the visible symptoms of a problem, they aim to explore interconnected elements—such…

The swirling maelstrom of issues that our society confronts today is an fuzzy web of interrelated challenges that require more than ever systemic solutions. In my work and research, I encounter a variety of worldviews and value systems attempting to navigate the complexity of these issues. Unfortunately, the predominant emphasis…

Why are we stuck? Examining complexity blindness Why do we remain stuck, unable to effectively address the world’s most challenging problems? Why do capitalist and conservative paradigms persist despite intensifying threats like climate change, systemic inequality and other deeply rooted issues? Why do so many people turn to conspiracy-driven ideas…

Post-Holocene Open Food-SystemsA critical visual exploration into the future of a post-Holocene climatarian diet. Switzerland 2043 Pascal WichtIn the wake of devastating climate disasters, geopolitical instability, and societal upheaval, the world of 2043 is transformed. This project invites us to adopt an unconventional mindset, one that challenges us to welcome…

Designers navigating conservative power structures When designers, armed with creativity and a commitment to social innovation, venture into spaces dominated by conservative power structures, they often find themselves walking a tightrope. On one side lies the solid ground of traditional norms and values; on the other, a chasm of unknowns,…

Artificial intelligence has long been an intriguing experiment in my professional life. However, it has taken a more central role over the past five years in my work. Specifically, it has become a central element in my critique of the discourse surrounding technology and intelligent systems. I have to be…

Fictional AI-illustration Definition Grasping the distinction between "social" and "societal" is essential for effective social innovation. While "social" focuses on individual interactions and community dynamics, "societal" encompasses the larger frameworks that shape these interactions. By integrating both perspectives, designers can avoid reinforcing individualistic narratives and work towards systemic change that…

Examining the design thinking triad in practice As scholars, practitioners and students of design, we are likely familiar with the triadic framework of design thinking, which emphasizes desirability, feasibility and viability as the key dimensions to consider when approaching a design problem. This model is celebrated for its pragmatic, user-centered…

In the contemporary capitalist landscape, designers play one of the most essential role in shaping the material conditions and the symbolic world we collectively inhabit. However, as creative agents operating within this economic context, designers must confront the often-unacknowledged ways in which capitalism can restrain, limit and constrain their work.…

"Pascal, you are an idealist; you cannot change human Nature. Humans will always try to cheat and maximise their personal gain. That is the way it is. It is dangerous to pretend humans are different." Ah yes the ancient wisdom of boardroom sages finance bros and libertarian Redditors. The eternal…

Introduction Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our time, and it requires urgent action. While many solutions have been proposed to reduce carbon emissions and slow down global warming, one of the most promising ones comes from an unlikely source: whales. Yes, you read that right. Whales,…

Capitalism and neoliberalism aren’t the same beast. Capitalism, while inherently exploitative, involves the state in maintaining just enough structure to keep the system running—regulating markets, managing public goods and ensuring the workforce remains productive. Freedom, under capitalism, is the pursuit of self-interest within the confines of exploitation and responsibility is…

NFTs: capitalism on digital steroids After the FTX implosion and the Trump trading cards circus, it’s time to revisit NFTs. Because if we’ve learned anything in the last two years, it’s this: behind all the buzzwords—decentralization, democratization, revolution—NFTs are just another financial grift, a digital-age scam designed to squeeze more…

The box is thinking you They tell you to think outside the box like it’s a light switch you can flick. As if all it takes to break free is a little extra willpower, a brainstorm some sticky notes and voilà—innovation. But here’s the thing: if you don’t define the…

This is a repost of my answers to the question "What urgent matters in design" for the Next-D Journal. The promotion of design thinking First, I see too many designers brainwashed by the promotion of design thinking. Unfortunately, they end up practising the marketing of design. In this cargo cult,…

This is my contribution to the unpacking of "System-Shifting Design, An Emergent Practice Explored”, authored by Cat Drew, Cassie Robinson and Jennie Winhall in collaboration with 40+ design experts was published by the Design Council in the United Kingdom in 2021, for the Next-D Journal. System-Shifting Design, An Emergent Practice…

Design as production-oriented problem-solving Design is commonly understood from a production-oriented perspective, where clients select designers based on a desired outcome—a logo, a shoe, or an app—that designers then create. This approach views design primarily as a means to deliver tangible, predefined products, emphasizing the end result over the broader…

Since the pivotal summer of 2022 and yet another failed COP, it has become increasingly clear that we are not returning to the Holocene. The fantasy of a stable climate, a reliable ecosystem and a world that politely accommodates human activity is over. What we have instead is a chaotic…

We are not all in the same boat Today on the train to a client meeting I heard someone say, “we are all in the same boat.” As usual it felt wrong. Not just inaccurate but deeply misleading. Especially when used in the context of climate change. This phrase is…

This post is a rapid behind the scenes of my Hostile Habitat series using MidJourney and how I started this process by figuring out which words were helpful to break, twist and deform matter. When attempting to generate images that could translate the idea of collapse and climate change disasters,…

This article is a repost of a post originally published on Linkedin. Switzerland, known for its fine chocolate, relies heavily on imports of cocoa beans from Ghana and Ivory Coast, which account for almost two-thirds of the world's cocoa production. In 2021, during a state visit to Switzerland, Ghana's President…

Cet article est un repost d'un billet initialement publié sur Linkedin au lendemain des événements du Capitoles à Washington. Que se passe-t-il aux USA? Ce matin, en buvant mon café je fais un tour d'horizon de la presse suisse et internationale. Je suis interpellé par les analyses disponibles tant il…

Cet article est un repost d'un billet initialement publié sur Linkedin en réaction à un posts sur la question de l'innovation suisse. Une fois de plus j’écris mon commentaire. Puis, Linkedin m’informe que je dépasse la limite maximale de caractères à disposition. Normalement je rage-quit, je le détruis, déçu et…

Future shock and the rise of futurbulences In 1970, Alvin Toffler introduced the concept of Future Shock, predicting that accelerating technological change would push society into a state of shock and disorientation. Today, we face a new phenomenon: the impacts of futurbulences—the failure of positive futures to arrive. We live…

This text has been written with the critical help of an AI, using my notes and references with improved grammar and cohesion. AI also helps extracting relevant titles from my writing.Sense-jamming is a cognitive phenomenon where the constant bombardment of digital stimuli—driven by smartphones, social media and algorithmic content—overwhelms users’…

In 2018, as I was creating Whispers & Giants, I started an incredible collaboration with the Swiss typographer and dear friend Loris Olivier. Although, as we worked on a series of typefaces for the studio, we got tired of constantly writing “Whispers & Giants” in our Slack; it was too…