✏️ The ReWrite Program


is a 2040 rehabilitation strategy for young adults in the prison and probation system that proposes a radical shift in the approach from re-offending and re-settlement to re-learning and re-engagement by providing support in the realms of self-discovery, relationship building and education, training and employment (ETE)


PARTNERS : Royal College of Art + Minsitry of Justice UK
KEYWORDS : Social Innnovation, Strategic Design, Speculative Design
TEAM : Nitya Mathur, Norah Lin, Shuhei Okubo, Tanvi Jain
YEAR : 2024

High-Level Brief


What could the prison and probation rehabilitation system
look like in 2040 — a world that has been radically transformed
by technological, societal and global changes?

Project Objective


Building a speculative vision for a rehabilitation service
ecosystem that is adaptive, effective, and aligned with
the values and needs of a future society






Scope: Defining the Target Cohort + Crime


This project focuses on Young Adults (18-26 years) within the prison and probation system who have been sentened for committing Petty Crimes 
such as common assault, drunk and disorderly, possession of drugs, possession of weapons, general theft, shoplifting, etc. 

• Largest Cohort: 
Young adults make up the highest percentage (8.3%) of the prison population
• Highest Re-Offending Rate: 
They account for more than 
1/3rd of the probation service’s total caseload
• Highest Rehabilitation Potential: 
This is the group that is most likely to grow out of crime given the 
right services and conditions

Research: Key Takeaways


High correlation between extrinsic and intrinsic drivers of crimes 
such as disadvantaged, dysfunctional experiences and self-esteem, mental health, behavioural & emotional challenges

Distinct rehabilitation needs of Young Adults as a cohort go unaddressed when they are grouped with adult offenders given the difference in their maturity levels, vulnerabilities and backgrounds

Lack of smooth transitions leads to heightened cliff moments 
and an inability to address key milestones of adulthood 

Self-identity, interpersonal relationships and professional development lie at the heart of rehabilitating young adults

Risk-based assessments and 
punitive measures are ineffective



2040 Future Trends: Using Futures Thinking + Speculative Design tools





2040 World Scenario & Future Personas






ReWrite Program: Service Proposition





Theory of Change: Hypothesis + Strategy + Future Probes







This work has been developed as a collaboration between the Royal College of Art and the Ministry of Justice 
      for foresight research, inspiration and speculative design purposes only. This is not Government Policy.