Everywhere, all at once: Speculative layering of multiple temporalities with Augmented Reality

This paper considers the design of Augmented Reality experiences that allow the interrogation of multiple temporalities to foster engagement with More-than-Human worlds. While Augmented Reality has traditionally been used to layer different spatial contexts onto the physical environment, we explore its potential to visualize alternative temporalities, offering users unique ontological perspectives on time and its role in shaping interconnected human and non-human futures. Drawing from futures studies, experiential futures, and speculative design, we examine how Augmented Reality’s capacity to represent temporal layers can deepen understanding of More-than-Human interdependencies. We report on a pilot experiment where participants engaged with an Augmented Reality experience, analyze their reflections, and propose design insights for integrating Augmented Reality into speculative design practices.