Science fiction frequently inspires real technology.
John LePore, whosspeaking at TNW Conferenceon June 17, not only understands this pathway he builds it.
The Emmy-nominated futurist and creative director designs tech for blockbuster movies and real-world products alike.
His innovations that we see in films frequently influence those we use off-screen and vice-versa.
This feedback loop connects fantasy to everyday life.
LePores conference talk promises unique insights into futuristic design.
I recently spoke to LePore about this strange phenomenon of life imitating art imitating life.
you’re free to read about his experiences and ideas in the article about his below.
The lines between fiction and reality are blurry for John LePore.
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Much of his work has been done withPerception, a New York-based design lab.
The Emmy-nominated team creates futuretechfor sci-fi blockbusters and real-world devices, fromgadgetsin Marvel films to gauges for rocket ships.
The two worlds frequently inspire each other.
Its not a one-way street its a never-ending loop, LePore tells TNW.
When working on films, LePore insists on making fictional tech believable by grounding it in real scientific advances.
InBlack Panther, for instance, the shape-shifting Vibranium Sand was influenced by research onlevitating objects with ultrasonic soundwaves.
The fantastical ideas then feed back into real-world products such as the dashboards for GMCs new Hummer EV.
Perception harnessed a sci-fi aesthetic to give drivers glanceable data about the vehicle.
The display combines a lunar backdrop with a tactical layout that prioritizes clarity over decoration.
It needs to communicate information in a way that is dense, yet crystal clear.
One film favorite that he doesnt expect to soon be replicated in reality is volumetric holograms projected into midair.
He points to Perceptions work onCaptain America: The Winter Soldier.
In yet another case of life imitating art, Perception applied this idea to an AR experience for Jeep.
The project envisioned using the windshield display to avoid a crash with a speeding ambulance.
We dont see text on the screen saying, Ambulance round the corner.
Instead, we just show a red flashing ambulance moving through the intersection, says LePore.
Its clear and concise enough for the driver to see whats coming in a fraction of a second.
Whether working in life or art, LePore wants every pixel to have a purpose.
Did you know John LePore is speaking at theTNW Conferencethis summer?
Check out the full list of speakershere.
Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).
