Anab Jain

Superflux is an Anglo-Indian design practice: based in London, but with roots and contacts in the Gujarati city of Ahmedabad. As founder and director, Anab Jain works closely with her colleagues, clients and collaborators on projects that acknowledge the reality of our rapidly changing times, designing with, and for, uncertainty, instead of resisting it. The business has two parts: the consultancy is client-facing, offering bespoke services, while the lab is a research space where new ideas are developed and tested. Though these two parts function independently, Jain and her team have come to rely on their contrasting rhythms for team sanity, the 'sweet spot' of unexpected synergies, and a steady stream of new ideas and provocations. Superflux is particularly interested in the ways emerging technologies interface with the environment and everyday life. Ultimately, Jain and her colleagues strive to embed these explorations in the here-and-now— using rapid prototyping and media sketches to turn them into stimulating concepts, experiences, products and services.

In this talk, Jain reveals the benefits and unexpected outcomes of this new business model, and how it can—and should—be applied elsewhere in the business world. With proven experience in design, strategy and foresight, Superflux is in a unique position to explore the implications of these new interactions—and Jain is in an even more rare, important and timely position to discuss their findings and observations. As the eyes and ears of this futuristic company, Jain's insights are essential for any business hoping to move more concretely, and creatively, into the twenty-first century.