This study explores novel approaches to envisioning the future by bridging the gap between ecocentric and technocentric perspectives on creative decisions. Despite differing depictions of future societies, both perspectives share a common emphasis on improved decision-making as a prerequisite of preferable futures. However, current discourses struggle to integrate these viewpoints and give voice to nonhuman beings and communities, notably in design, perpetuating harmful systems.
Our study advocates for a more holistic approach that integrates all forms of wisdom to reimagine decision-making processes for the betterment of future societies. Our research poses the question: “How can future decisions benefit from all sources of knowledge and wisdom?” We hypothesize that more-than-human decision-making can improve just relationships, caring, resilience, and wellbeing in multispecies communities.
To test this, we outline decision-making processes in nonhuman living beings, compare their decisions with those made by technical systems, and consider hybrid decision-making in various contexts. Our case-studies discuss the impact of smart technologies on companion animals in future cities, emerging interactions between grey and living infrastructure in old cultural landscapes, and the impact of ecocentric ethics on proposed space colonies. Our findings illustrate that more-than-human decision making can open paths to superior futures. Integration of ecocentric and technocentric perspectives, amplified by the tools for the empowerment and translation of nonhuman voices, can aid in designing futures that are fair for all beings.