The Future Supermarket: A Case Study of Ethnographic Experiential Futures

Ethnographic Experiential Futures (EXF) is an approach to foresight that aims to increase the accessibility, variety and depth of images of the future for design. In this paper, we present a EXF-based case study imagining the future supermarket. Rooted in already-existing images of future supermarkets, we propose that the future supermarket experience is autonomous, efficient, informed, local and personal. Based on the idea of four "generic futures" we illustrate each of these categories with a set of scenarios in a variety of experiential forms. These were exhibited first in an open exhibition and second in a closed exhibition for experts. To close, we offer reflections on the use of Ethnographic Experiential Futures in the form of a set of questions to inspire future research.