The 2nd NABS+ Creative workshop introduced the Design Fiction method as a practical and creative low-risk way to think critically about future directions in security and defence research and generate fresh, actionable insights.

Design Fiction for Research

In April, NABS+ hosted a half-day creative workshop designed to support researchers to think differently about their work. The session, led by Andrew Darby (CREST Content Producer and Research Associate in Speculative Design at Lancaster University) and supported by Kay Brennan (CREST Marketing Communications Officer) focused on the design fiction method. 

Overview

The workshop introduced design fiction as a research method for exploring future possibilities, questioning assumptions, and generating new perspectives on current research challenges. The session combined futures theory with practical exercises, encouraging participants to think about speculative artefacts and narratives that make future scenarios tangible and discussable.

The workshop aimed to:

  • Introduce futures thinking through design fiction.
  • Apply design fiction to participants’ own research.
  • Encourage discussion of speculative scenarios and their implications.
  • Generate fresh perspectives on ongoing research projects.
Copyright Information

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IMAGE CREDITS: Copyright ©2026 R. Stevens / CREST (CC BY-SA 4.0)