“Retrofuturism”: 30 Predictions From Past Generations That Were Either A Hit Or A Miss

Human beings are always looking ahead. Whether it’s trying to determine what the weather will look like next Sunday or imagining what capabilitiescell phoneswill have in 20 years, we love predicting thefuture. And while our assumptions about what’s to come aren’t always accurate, they definitely are entertaining!We’ve taken a trip to theRetroFuturismsubreddit and gathered some of our favorite images from the group that might simultaneously transport you to the past and future. Enjoy scrolling through these depictions of what people several decades ago imagined our lives to be like, and keep reading to find a conversation with Tiffany Wilson ofThe Retrofuturist!This post may includeaffiliate links.

We’ve taken a trip to theRetroFuturismsubreddit and gathered some of our favorite images from the group that might simultaneously transport you to the past and future. Enjoy scrolling through these depictions of what people several decades ago imagined our lives to be like, and keep reading to find a conversation with Tiffany Wilson ofThe Retrofuturist!

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Sublime 1969 Blaupunkt Pop 70 Sound System

I Feel Like This Fits Here

Facetime In The 1930s

To gain more insight into this topic, we reached out to Tiffany Wilson, who runsThe Retrofuturistblog. Tiffany was kind enough to have a chat withBored Panda, first explaining what exactly retrofuturism means.

1958 Golden Sahara II W/ Goodyear Illuminated Neothane Glow Tires

Wallpaper Found Under 3 Layers Of Other Wallpaper

We were also curious what Tiffany finds fascinating about retrofuturism. “Retrofuturism provides a unique window into the time period it was created. We not only get to see what people were worried about during the time period, but also the kinds of technology and scientific advancements they were optimistic about,” she explained. “It’s always fun to look at these predictions and see how close they were to our reality.”

This Building In Newyawk'

“The most accurate prediction I’ve seen was anautonomous vacuum/mopsimilar to a Roomba from 1959,” Tiffany added. “It was a patented invention that was featured in magazines and promotional videos, but the demoed model didn’t actually work at the time. The concept was very close to the device many of us have in our homes today, so they had the right idea!”

‘ship’s Cat’ By Keith Spangle

While Tiffany acknowledges that we’ll never be able to predict the future 100% accurately, she believes it’s still fun to try. “I think in the next few decades we’ll see more and more smart technology infused into our daily lives while we try to reconcile the unexpected negative effects that has on society and people’s well-being, like how the ever connectedness of smart phones and social media has actually made people more lonely and isolated,” she told Bored Panda.

Television Newspaper - Some Day You May Be Able To Receive The Front Page Of Your Morning Newspaper This Way

James Bond Receives A “Text” Via His Smartwatch In The Spy Who Loved Me

Gas Station In Germany 1958

Artoo Deco

Cosplay Metropolis

DepositPhotos notes that there are six key design features that are the trademarks of retrofuturism. First, there must be recognizable aesthetics from the past, which might be home designs or fashion. There should also be a nostalgic vibe. Next, retrofuturism needs to incorporate an emphasis on engineering, science and technology. There should also be a radical view of the future, whether that’s good or bad. And finally, retrofuturistic fonts, backgrounds and colors should be utilized.

What Nissan Thought Would Be The Future Of The Automotive Industry Shown In The Nrv-II Concept Car(1982). Pretty Damn Accurate

Vintage Retro Computer Alien Design 1955, By Panalina

Can’t Say She Wasn’t Right (1982)

Beautifully Styled Gas Station In Slovakia

Monument To The Conquerors Of Space, Moscow, Russia (1964)

Information Desk Inside The Twa Terminal, Circa 1962

If you’re looking for ways to utilize retrofuturism into your own designs, EnvatoElements recommends starting with retrowave landscapes, images of cyber cities, neon vaporwave loops and lots of grids. Fonts are extremely important as well, as a futuristic cyberpunk font will be necessary to create the vibe you’re looking for. Be sure to add in holographic elements too to really sell the retrofuturism look. And if you can, be sure to add some 80s synth music as well.

Statue Of Yuri Gagarin In Moscow, Completed In 1980

We Really Messed Up

Interior Of The A 1985 Nissan 300zx

Counterenotes that artist Robert McCall is considered to be a giant when it comes to retrofuturism. On the topic, McCall says, “Today we live in a world filled with awesome possibilities, both good and bad. The rush of technology is so rapid, to stay abreast of it has become more and more difficult. Our understanding of the physical universe continues to grow and astonishes us with its marvelous complexity.”

My Grandfather Was An Artist For General Motors From 1950’s To 1980’s, Here Are Some Of His Concepts For Cars Of The Future

1955 Ford Beatnik Bubble

Retro Futuristic Living Room I Painted

“To be an artist in these times of explosive change is, for me, a privilege and a challenge,” Robert McCall says. “My goal is to document in my drawings and paintings a small part of this changing world and to anticipate in my work, the future that lies ahead.”What’s fascinating about retrofuturism is that there willalwaysbe more of it. We will never know how accurate our predictions about the future are until future generations look back on them. What you’re writing about or watching today might one day be seen as a sparkling example of retrofuturism!

What’s fascinating about retrofuturism is that there willalwaysbe more of it. We will never know how accurate our predictions about the future are until future generations look back on them. What you’re writing about or watching today might one day be seen as a sparkling example of retrofuturism!

The Toronto Reference Library