Speak the Future is a project that invites people to share their visions for a sustainable future. These ideas are then transformed into visual images using AI technology (SDXL Turbo). The aim is to raise awareness about sustainability and inspire people to take action, with a focus on engaging people who normally do not actively participate in sustainability conversations.

During the Into the Great Wide Open 2024 festival, AI-generated images were tested to see how effective they are in stimulating conversations about sustainable future scenarios. Participants described their ideas, after which the AI tech ​​transformed them into images. Their interaction and engagement were measured via surveys before and after the sessions.

The project attracted both people who were interested in AI and people with a passion for sustainability. Most conversations were positive and many participants continued talking after the sessions. Although the tool facilitated conversations, some found the AI ​​limited in processing more complex ideas.

A follow-up study will be conducted to see whether participants continue to talk about sustainability after the festival and whether the sessions have a lasting impact. The team is working on a research paper and investigating how this approach can be used in other contexts.