FIF Series EP 34 - Scoping and Sensing—Exploring the Foundations of Futures Work

We dive deep into the exploring phase of the Spectrum Foresight Method, a structured approach to navigating the future with clarity and strategic intent that involves casting a wide net to collect signals and map potential trajectories of change.

• Exploring phase is about discovery, suspending judgment, and gathering diverse information before drawing conclusions
• Three guiding principles: expanding awareness, divergent thinking, and systemic observation
• Step one involves scanning for signals across technology, society, economics, environment, and politics (STEEP framework)
• Key signal sources include startups, academic papers, cultural shifts, technology prototypes, and policy discussions
• Step two focuses on mapping patterns and trends using tools like trend clusters and cross-impact analysis
• Step three identifies emerging opportunities and threats through "what-if" scenarios
• Step four involves sense checking and refinement by filtering what's relevant versus what's noise
• Challenge: Take 10 minutes to find one weak signal of change in your industry and consider what bigger trends it might connect to

In our next episode, we'll move into the designing phase, where we start shaping future scenarios based on everything we've explored today.

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🎧 Listen Now On:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/think-forward-conversations-with-futurists-innovators-and-big-thinkers/id1736144515

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0IOn8PZCMMC04uixlATqoO

Web: https://thinkforward.buzzsprout.com/

Thank you for joining me on this ongoing journey into the future. Until next time, stay curious, and always think forward.