Designing for Transitions: Bridging the Divide in Pittsburgh and Beyond
by Team Co-Evolution: Jen Brown, Jiyu Kwag, Brian Mathews, Revati Naniwadekar, Zoe So
Carnegie Mellon University, Transition Design Seminar 2024
Preface
In the fourth assignment of the Transition Design Seminar, we applied the methods of visioning and backcasting to address our theme of social political polarization in Pittsburgh. Initially, we spent time envisioning an optimistic vision far into the future. In this exercise, we aimed to imagine a visceral future-state in which the current tensions have abated and there is more harmony. Our emphasis during that effort wasn’t to focus on solutions, but rather, setting the scene for a more hopeful atmosphere.
We modified the template for 4A, to create a circular framework with sectors aligned with the STEEP framework: social, technical, economic, environmental, and political. Within that model, we nestled different layers of our future vision to capture insights from the household, neighborhood, city, region (North America), and planet level. This provided us with an effective way to organize and visualize our thoughts, but also offered us a rich canvas to imagine a more harmonized future.
Next, we used the template for 4B to speculate how a transition toward this future could come together over a period of 60–70 years. We explored aspects that would need to be dismantled as well ones that would be maintained. We also considered existing innovations and practices that would need to be amplified and nurtured. This was helpful for our conversations and enabled us to see a path forward. Some of the key themes that drove our thinking were the idea of no wars, no national borders, and a unified effort to address climate and other global challenges.
For this article, we were inspired by Alex McKay’s book The World We Made. We used a similar narrative form to capture and describe our positive future world and outline some of the steps that unfolded which led to this point. We imagined a resident being interviewed who could reflect on the changes to Pittsburgh and the wider world. This assignment encouraged us to be more creative and speculative, and so we felt it was best to explore that with a storytelling approach.
Prologue
In the dawn of the 21st century, the world finds itself at a pivotal juncture, confronted with the dual challenge of navigating neoliberal capitalism and preserving freedom of speech alongside a culture of constructive debate. By 2075, Pittsburgh embodies a society transformed by participatory governance and technological innovation, where the circular economy, sustainability, and digital democracy redefine everyday life.
In this future, Alex and their child, Jordan, live in a world where community engagement and technology converge to create an inclusive, sustainable society. Across all levels — from households to the planet — individuals like Alex engage in policy-making through online portals, influence local governance, and contribute to community funding decisions, embodying the shift towards a world where participatory democracy and sustainability are integral to daily life. Alex’s journey highlights the evolution from contemporary challenges to a future of inclusivity and direct democracy, offering insights into the transformative potential of our societal trajectory. This narrative, anchored in a STEEP analysis, charts the path from dismantling outdated economic systems to fostering a culture of democratic involvement and communal transparency, showcasing a world beyond socio-political polarization, where diverse voices collaborate to form a cohesive, unified society that values consensus, empathy, and the collective well-being.
Introduction
Interviewer: In the evolving narrative of our times, where the intersection of technology, governance, and community engagement paints the picture of our future, it becomes imperative to delve deeper into the lived experiences of those at the heart of this transformation.
Today, in 2075, we have the privilege of sitting down with Alex, a Pittsburgh native, whose daily life embodies the profound changes that have reshaped society. By telling this story, we aim to provide readers with a vivid vision of what life is like today through the lens of someone who has lived through, and deeply understands, what life was like back then.
Interviewer: Alex, at the household level, could you share insights on the transformation digital governance and active community participation have brought to everyday governance and its broader impact on community transparency and responsibility?
Alex: Absolutely! Living in Pittsburgh, I’ve witnessed firsthand how digital governance has reshaped our democracy. My family actively participates in policy-making, submitting proposals for local initiatives via online platforms that the city runs. For example, after collaborating remotely with colleagues globally, I contribute to our reuse economy by using the ‘Rehome Me’ Box for item sharing, emphasizing our collective commitment to sustainability. This active participation extends to utilizing ‘Beepy-McBeepFace,’ our neighborhood-shared car, which not only solves parking issues but fosters a communal spirit. This shift to a transparent and inclusive governance model means we’re no longer just onlookers. Now we are integral to shaping the decisions that impact our lives. Recently, our proposal for a new community garden got overwhelming support, highlighting how these platforms amplify our voices in real-time governance. It’s empowering to see our community unite, bridging divides and fostering a collective approach to shaping our future.
Interviewer: Reflecting on the evolution from early grassroots initiatives to today’s integrated societal systems, how have technological advancements and participatory models laid the foundation for the society you’re part of today?
Alex: Reflecting on the evolution, the adoption of secure digital voting and AI for public feedback analysis marked a turning point. These innovations tore down participation barriers, making every voice count. Transitioning to Decentralized Autonomous, the pivotal role of digital voting and AI in public feedback has laid a foundation for an inclusive, participatory governance model. In the evenings, my child Jordan’s education is tailored to address local issues through AR and VR, which exemplifies this shift, blending academic learning with civic engagement and critical thinking. Discussions at dinner, where we openly explore diverse political views, reflect the success of integrating educational practices that prioritize media literacy and cultural diversity. These practices, rooted in technology and community participation, have been crucial in dissolving socio-political polarization, fostering a society marked by openness, respect, and collective problem-solving.
Interviewer: How has your neighborhood changed? What do you see in your community that helped us get where we are today?
Well, the neighborhood now is nothing like the neighborhood of my youth. All of our gatherings and get-togethers have had a huge impact on how we interact! I mean, Jordan has sensory overload sometimes, so when they were younger when we decide where to have our neighborhood organizational meetings, we always pick quiet places like the library or the coffee shop. They would hang out with other teens and sometimes participate when the topics overlap with their school interests. I am able to dedicate my time to the meeting without having to get someone to watch them. But even if I did, our volunteer channel is so robust, there’s always someone willing to help out. Oh that’s another thing that’s made a huge difference in our live — the volunteer network is so expansive! I manage the community garden and the art park, and I always have enthusiasm to help with the garden maintenance and the farm stand at the garden, or the Expression Station at the art park. As part of their college projects Jordan volunteers, helping to moderate the social media platforms with their team of information cohorts.
Interviewer: Wow, you sound very busy! Do you feel overwhelmed at all?
Alex: You know, ‘overwhelmed’ isn’t quite the word I’d use, but i’m definitely busy. But I feel like what I’m doing is actually achieving something, with digital transparency and having a direct impact on the local government and environment, it really feels like I’m making a difference, instead of spinning wheels, and wishing I could do something. And even highschool for Jordan got easier after a while! Their customized education plan had them in the trades, but they quickly transitioned to a technology-based educational plan, and that suits them wonderfully! We’re spending time together looking at the evolution and architecture of our digital platforms with people from all around the world. Back in my youth, there wasn’t the technology nor the cooperation to do such a thing! But I to go back to your original question, I’m really overwhelmed by what all we’ve accomplished.
Interviewer: So you’re proud of your heritage and your roots. Do you feel like you’ve lost any of your culture by assimilating into your diverse community?
Alex: Ah, I see you’ve noticed my flag hanging back there! I feel like I can still be myself and still be accepted by my peers. We’re all so different in where we come from that there’s never a real majority or minority of ethnic or religious groups. During our neighborhood potlucks we bring traditional food and play music and that way we’re not losing anything about our past, but can educate and accept others. I wish my parents were alive to see this day, having been through really tough times, growing up facing a lot of discrimination during their lifetimes. If only they could see the opportunities that Jordan and I have. They’re no different than anyone else!
Interviewer: You’ve talked a lot about how various neighborhoods have transformed. Can we zoom out a bit? Tell me about Pittsburgh. I’m aware it wasn’t always like this.
Alex: Oh my, where to begin. Before I was born, Pittsburgh was very different. It was called Steel City back in the day. It was one of the most industrial cities in the world. A pinnacle of the old economic model. I know it’s hard to imagine, but it was the largest steel producing city in the world.
Interviewer: That’s not just a myth?
Alex: Oh no. You can still tour the Carrie Blast Furnaces today. And of course you can do that on VR, but I recommend everyone visit it in person. There’s just a feeling you get being there. A different era.
Things have really changed though. I’ve been thinking about it, trying to piece it all together. And it wasn’t just one thing that happened. It was a bunch of things all happening at once. Back then people were ready for change, it was in the air, there was an eagerness for something different. And honestly, I believe that’s why I believe Pittsburgh became what we see now. It had all the ingredients for experimentation. As I said before, neighborhoods changed and started bonding in different ways. Taking ownership. Communicating more. This led to new marketplaces and changes in parks and green spaces. It was new at the time, but this whole participatory approach. My dad used to complain about the polarization back then, people gave away their money and power to a political and economic system that didn’t really represent them. That changed as communities took back decision-making. Slowly and steadily this changed everything. Local markets and food production. Shared resources and spaces. Civic programs. Even the education system changed.
When I think back, it was very grassroots and organic. And it wasn’t just in Pittsburgh, the world was changing. After all the wars and conflicts, the economic destabilization, and the constant weather, those storms and droughts. It was like we all knew something had to change. I guess I was in the right place at the right time to see it all come together.
Interviewer: The North American region has undergone massive transformation over the years. Tell me what it’s like to call this part of the world your home today.
Alex: Oh yes, let me start by telling you my favorite part: open borders! It wasn’t an easy journey but a combination of technology and political reforms have reduced the economic polarization so much that the need for boundaries isn’t justified anymore. I think the credit goes to our digital commons initiatives where technology and media resources are shared cooperatively. Today US, Canada, and Mexico have open and equal access to educational materials, software, and collaborative platforms that support regional development and foster a sense of community across diverse areas. Our robust GMI (Guaranteed Minimum Income) also contributes to this achievement. After all, when people don’t have to think about how to feed their kids, they’re free to think about how to solve global problems.
The achievement I’m most proud of though is there are no DEI / Affirmative Action because they simply aren’t needed! Regions are governed by DAOs, where policies and initiatives are proposed, voted on, and implemented based on collective input from residents, ensuring that regional governance is adaptive, responsive, and inclusive. Everyone’s voice is heard. We do have our political leaders but they’re now truly public servants, DAO ensures they truly represent us. The fact that we aren’t limited to choosing between just two political parties really helps a lot.
Interviewer: Zooming all the way out to the global scale, how does the world today differ from the one you lived in when you were in your youth?
Alex: Let me tell you, we’re living in quite a different world from the one I grew up in! Technology has truly transformed our society. Global open-source collaboration has completely changed how we create and share new technologies. Countries openly share new innovations with each other in a unified effort to make the world a better place. The idea of borders has evolved, too. They now serve to celebrate cultural diversity rather than to separate us. This kind of cosmopolitan localism, where we embrace global solidarity while nurturing our local identities and economies, has really improved how we live and experience the world.
Interviewer: So you mean it hasn’t always been like this?
Alex: Oh, not at all. There used to constantly be wars going on, and unequal access to even the most basic human rights. Now, wars are a thing of the past. Disagreements between countries are settled through diplomacy now. And around the world, countries are governed through participatory democracies, where citizens actively participate in decision-making on matters that directly affect their lives. We’ve done away with the neoliberal capitalism that we had back then, creating a new economic system that ensures that everyone’s basic needs are met. We realized there’s enough wealth in the world for everyone to have a fulfilling life. It’s a more humane approach to prosperity.
Interviewer: What’s the best thing about life now that you didn’t think was possible in the 20s?
Alex: The global response to climate change has been truly astonishing. We’ve pooled our resources, knowledge, and technologies to turn the tide against environmental destruction. Countries that were once vulnerable to climate change, like those in the Pacific Islands, have support from the global community and are no longer left to fend for themselves. This level of cooperation and care for our planet and each other is something I once dreamed of but never thought I’d see.
Interviewer: Shifting gears a bit, I’m curious to hear your perspective on the journey that brought us to where we are today. It really seems like the world today is so different from the one you knew growing up. With that in mind, could you share about one entrenched aspect of life from your youth that had to be dismantled to pave the way for our current way of living?
Alex: Without a doubt, it was the dominant form of neoliberal capitalism that had captured the world. It clearly could not sustain us with the rampant inequality and what it was doing to divide us all. It just had to go. Starting in the 20s, after years of recession and economic uncertainty, the cracks in the system began to show. Communities realized that they needed to be more resilient to the shareholder-driven financial system and started to band together, sharing resources through things like community farms and clothing swaps. It was a grassroots response to all the instability, and it laid the groundwork for what was to come.
Despite our efforts, neoliberal capitalism ravaged on, and around 30 years ago, everyone decided that we had had enough. We were tired of the widening inequality, environmental degradation, and polarization perpetuated by the system. It was a tipping point. We all collectively rejected the dominance of massive corporations and started to dream of a different economic system — one that prioritized equity, sustainability, and community well-being. And now here we are, with a more inclusive and just economic model that aligns the needs of both people and the planet. It’s been quite the journey, but I’m proud to have been a part of it.
Interviewer: It’s hard to step out of the world we’re in and imagine how things used to be. What was the biggest surprise to you from your youth to today?
Alex: Well, one thing is choosing to have a child! Or as they called it back in the day “single parenting.” Oof, what an archaic term! Are you even allowed to print that these days? I joke, but I think that gets to the heart of the question. I have such help from my community. Everyone now cares about things beyond them and doesn’t hesitate to help. People are more aware of their neighbors, their city, their planet, and are engaged. I could not have raised a child, grown my own food, gotten involved in politics, and managed an art park even 40 years ago. Our mindset as a society, or even as a species has changed so dramatically. We want to help and care for others. We have an awareness of how our actions affect others, and this shift helped us become more productive in our everyday processes, helping advance technologies, sciences, and cultures. By working together we’ve gone further in the past 70 years than we have the 300 before that. Not because we’re producing or making more, but because we’re making less, and focusing on each other and our earth.
Interviewer: So you grew up in the middle of all of this? Was it hard for you to change your actions from what you learned in school, to our current worldview?
Alex: Oh, at first it was, but remember — this wasn’t a sudden shift. Things happened slowly over time. I never felt like we should be throwing things away. Do you remember trash cans? No, actually I don’t! And these ideas we all had slowly started creeping into the mainstream. My dad talked about nutrition labels, those were a new thing for their generation. And in my youth they then introduced the impact label and then, I guess it was after I was out of college, when inequality peaked in the world, that things finally took off. There was such an imbalance of resources, of wealth, of, I guess everything! And community groups started forming to help take care of people and it just seemed to grow from there. I got involved right away because one of my senior neighbors really needed some care, and we got him set up with a neighborhood food delivery schedule, and were able to help take him to doctors appointments. And maybe that was the change for me, seeing how I could personally help, and then I realized everyone was starting to do the same. It wasn’t a decree that came down from the government telling us what to do, but it was a mindset shift where we realized we needed to take care of one another.
Interviewer: Thinking back, what specific innovations and practices do you believe were critical in disrupting traditional governance and fostering the transition to today’s participatory model?
Alex: The initial steps towards adopting blockchain for secure and transparent voting marked the beginning of this transformative journey. Equally, the utilization of AI to sift through and make sense of vast amounts of public feedback democratized the policy-making process. These early innovations laid the groundwork for a shift towards a governance model that truly values and incorporates citizen input, paving the way for a society that thrives on active participation and collective decision-making.
Interviewer: How have these early innovations evolved over time to support the comprehensive, participatory governance system you experience today?
Alex: Over time, these technologies matured and became more ingrained in our societal fabric. The evolution from using blockchain for voting to the establishment of Decentralized Autonomous Governments exemplifies how foundational innovations have grown to embody our governance. This evolution was complemented by a societal shift in attitude towards recognizing our responsibility to something larger than ourselves, driving us towards a future where governance is not only participatory but also deeply empathetic and aligned with the common good
Interviewer: I’m sure there were many aspects of life at that time that were worth preserving. What were some of the facets that were deliberately maintained?
Alex: Great question! Certainly, it wasn’t all bad. I remember how conscious decisions were made to ensure we didn’t throw the baby out with the bath water in the transition journey. For starters no matter how extreme people’s political views were at the time, we needed to maintain freedom of speech because without it democratic society simply cannot function. The exchange of diverse viewpoints was considered necessary for informed decision-making and public debate and it still is today.
Freedom of the press and media also went hand in hand with freedom of speech. A free press provides citizens with access to accurate and diverse information, enabling them to make informed decisions about their lives, communities, and governments. So maintaining freedom of the press was non-negotiable.
Labor unions were also protected. They provide a collective voice for workers, allowing them to negotiate better wages, benefits, and working conditions with their employers, which can help keep economic polarization in check.
Social practices like volunteering and philanthropy were maintained too. They help build social capital by fostering connections and relationships within communities. It strengthens social networks, encourages cooperation and collaboration, and promotes a sense of belonging and solidarity among individuals and groups.
