Hors Jeux, the futures of sports
frog - part of capgemini invent, 2023. WHAT IF... IN 2050 THE PARADIGMS OF SPORTS AS WE KNOW THEM TODAY SHIFTED?
Hors jeux, les futurs du sports (Out of the games, the futures of sports), is the exhibition held by frog (︎︎︎) during the France Design Week 2023 in Paris around the futures of sports.
Sporting events and their ecological and social impact are in the spotlight between the Football World Cup in Qatar, which didn't shine in terms of its positive impact, and the 2024 Olympics in France, which are raising high expectations. Moreover, the health crisis has triggered a surge in outdoor sporting activities, reflecting a need to reconnect with nature and slow down.
By combining design and foresight, we decided to examine the spaces, products, experiences and new uses associated with sport, through the prism of environmental and societal issues.
In the exhibition three speculative scenarios where presented: in the future what will be our relationship with our bodies? High-tech or no-tech? And how will sporting events change in response to climate change? And finally, what will be the role of sports in a drifting health care system and in people's well-being?
High-tech vs no-tech scenario
Orleans Racine Club scenario
The Ode to softness scenario
Te Ode to Softness - what if the future of sports is slowing down?
The startup Softtracker, which specializes in hormone tracking and microdosing, promises to influence individuals' metabolism. They launched the first prototype of a patch that releases micro-doses of endorphins, recreating the post-exercise feeling of well-being without the need for physical exertion.From 2020 to 2027, three consecutive global pandemics led to the collapse of healthcare systems. Prevention became the top priority for governments, as they struggled to uphold the principles of the Wealfare State.
Recognised as a key factor in maintaining good physical and mental health, sports activity emerged as the solution to the healthcare system’s failure. The validation of sports participation, though the Sports Pass with points, became mandatory for working, leisure, social life, and accessing public services. A cultureof performance, heightened competitiveness, and frantic pace defined the 2030s, alongside a gradual extension of professional working life.
Design of some speculative medical packs
In opposition to the dictatorship of the sports-health regime and amid widesprear eco-anxiety, a protest movement emerged. These new-age activists rejected the demands for excessive physical activity and advocate for slowing down society by slowing down the body.
A new way to practice physical activity: the Halte is the 2050 regeneration and rest clinic where patients go to practice their regenerative bubble session. A rest session inside a giant comforter that helps us reduce stress and reach the level of hormones required to live a day in this new distopic world.
Grounding their practices in new scientific discoveries (neurochemistry, optimized nutrition, body-trucking) and the application of big data to healthcare, they focused on the constant optimization of vital data without any activity. This movement which they’re known as the “Soft Activists” encouraged citizens to envision a new relationship with performance, productivity and time.
an highly nutrient breakfast in 2050