I watched Anab Jain’s TED talk, “Why We Need to Imagine Different Futures,” which really connected with my work on designing for neurodiverse users in transport. Jain emphasizes the value of speculative design—using imagination to create alternative futures and challenge current assumptions. This approach encourages designers to think beyond the obvious and consider how systems could better serve diverse needs, which aligns perfectly with my goal of creating more inclusive, flexible transport design solutions for people with dyslexia and other neurodiverse conditions.

She also stresses the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Bringing together expertise from different fields—like psychology, urban planning, and technology—can open up new ways of thinking and lead to richer, more effective design outcomes. This reminds me that my project would benefit from input beyond graphic design, involving professionals and communities who understand neurodiversity and transport challenges firsthand.

Two main lessons stood out to me: first, designing with flexibility and for uncertainty ensures solutions remain relevant to a wide range of users. And second, empathy is key—truly understanding users’ experiences leads to designs that are meaningful and supportive.

In conclusion, if I could take one key thing from this talk to my project, it would be the mindset of speculative, empathetic design combined with interdisciplinary collaboration. By imagining future transport experiences through the eyes of neurodiverse users and working with experts from various fields, I can create a more thoughtful and impactful design that genuinely supports people whose brains ‘map differently.’

Works Cited:

Jain, A., 2017. Why we need to imagine different futures. [video] TED. Available at: https://www.ted.com/talks/anab_jain_why_we_need_to_imagine_different_futures [Accessed 8 July 2025].