The future of design is a future where anything material in the environment - whether it's wearables, cars, buildings - can be designed with this variation of properties and relationship with the environment that can take part in the natural ecology.

Neri Oxman’s quote, "The future of design is a future where anything material in the environment - whether it's wearables, cars, buildings - can be designed with this variation of properties and relationship with the environment that can take part in the natural ecology," envisions a new era of design where everything we create is in harmony with the world around us. Oxman highlights a shift towards materials and designs that are not just functional but also adaptive, responding to and coexisting with the natural ecology.

In this future, wearables, cars, and buildings won't simply be inert objects; they will be designed with properties that allow them to interact with their environment. This could mean using materials that change based on temperature or light, or creating structures that adapt to the needs of their surroundings. Oxman’s vision is a world where design goes beyond aesthetics or utility and becomes integrated into the ecology of the earth, playing a role in sustaining the environment rather than depleting it.

The quote also reflects a desire to move away from traditional, static design and embrace dynamic systems that are both functional and environmentally responsible. By considering how properties can vary and how things can interact with the environment, Oxman is promoting a biomimetic approach where design learns from the natural world and replicates its efficiency and sustainability.

Ultimately, Oxman’s idea presents a transformative future where design is not separate from nature but an active participant in it. This vision of design is not just about innovation but also about sustainability, urging creators to think about the long-term impact of their work on the planet. Through this approach, design could be the key to achieving a future that harmonizes with the natural world.