ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces a case study: speculative and novel design of 3D printed underwear made from mycelium leather, biodegradable plastic filaments and algorithmically generated flexible scaffolding structures for the possible sustainable futures/alternative present. The research took place between March 2020 and August 2021 and involved 25 researchers located in transdisciplinary research teams. Through the introduction of three research subjects in three phases, we aim to explain how collective fiction writing as collective dreaming paved a way to achieve both pragmatic and speculative research outcomes. The research outcome does not specify when this could be the reality as it is a matter of business. We demonstrated what is possible, but what is not here and now in the market. We also reflected the research process and explained some of the artifacts generated. In conclusion, we noted what was learned, what was beneficial as a vehicle for communicating design research and how the proposed design process enabled collective dreaming. While it is impossible to include all approaches in all studies, it is important to have respect for collective dreaming and use scientific expertise to explore speculative approaches.
