Innovation in a Post-Oil City: Moving Design Away from Carbon Dependency

Oil consumption makes us less aware of the real world and breeds arrogance through its visions of freedom, independence, and entrepreneurialism. The carbon form, known as oil and used as energy in the form of fuel and electricity, is accepted as an ordinary part of everyday life in cities that are embedded in design processes and subsequently in the practice of innovation, which allows designers—those who engage in creative problem-solving and innovation across various disciplines—to accomplish things we could not otherwise do. On the other hand, one big problem with the way we currently innovate—the way we think about and act on new ideas—is that it depends too much on oil-related activities like thinking, doing, making, and testing, which makes oil seem like a valuable resource for innovation in cities. Instead of just talking about oil’s important role in innovation, we need to look more deeply into why it was initially accepted by society and culture as an essential part of the design process. We also need to understand the more significant stories that have led to oil-dependent ways of innovation being seen as a colonial and universal model and oil’s essence and essential role in shaping modernity and our everyday lives. This has led to the development of a design mindset that prioritizes increased consumption and production, justifies resource access, and embodies a lifestyle unique to advanced societies. This chapter argues that the production and consumption of oil are like slavery. This unconscious act increases the ability to imagine while decreasing the possibilities for low-carbon and responsible innovation. Over the years, this mindset has influenced cultures elsewhere, contributing to cultural disjunction, increased carbon emissions, and an impact on climate change. This chapter uses a qualitative approach to (a) suggest and discuss conceptual design frameworks for responsible innovation and (b) show how challenging it is to approach innovation in a city without oil. These frameworks help protect finite energy sources, resources, and cultural practices specific to the city. This chapter’s findings provide methods and adaptation techniques for individuals and cities migrating from oil reliance by presenting conscious design frameworks that minimize dependence on oil.<p></p>