cards against the future: generating possibilities instead of predictions
DESCRIPTION
Talking about the FUTURE is old school. All around us, societal “squares” are sanitizing our conversations about the future. These politicians, business leaders and academics rely on forecast models that reduce uncertainty. But, let’s be real: the world is getting weirder. Forecasts that discount mystical, immeasurable, NSFW elements limit our ability to fundamentally explore what’s ahead. In other words, exploring the future is a job for BAMFs, societal misfits, and total nerds. Obsessing over the FUTURE(S) is where it’s at. If you’re ready for an intellectual adventure, sift through this presentation (originally shared at Nerd Nite Orlando) to explore the present and the future according to a new set of rules.TRANSCRIPT
Cards Against the Future Generating Possibilities Instead of Predictions
Emily Empel I @localrat I #NerdNite
Traditional stores will have the same analytic
intelligence as online.
http://www.businessinsider.com/predictions-for-the-future-of-retail-2014-1#ixzz2vqPQsgno
Duh.
The spread of the Internet will enhance
global connectivity, fostering more positive
relationships among societies.
http://www.pewinternet.org/2014/03/11/digital-life-in-2025/
Egypt?
Syria?
Ukraine?
By 2017, as many as 35 percent of
government shared-service organizations
will be managed by private sector
companies.
http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/2638115
So what?
We value predictions and certainty when
planning for the future.
But, what about
the weird?
By 2040, nonbiological intelligence will be
billions of times more capable than
biological intelligence.
Ray Kurzweil
WTF?
Let’s play in the future according to a new
set of rules.
The future is going to be weird. Explore ideas you don’t agree with; pay
attention to the immeasurable fringe.
Time
Awareness
Emerging
Event
Trend
Mainstream
Source: Maree Conway, Thinking Futures (adapted from Graham Molitor)
The future is a mash up of the present.
Take an outside-in approach to change and
intellectually “occupy” the world.
Organizational
Focus
Business Environment
External Forces
Society
Technology
Environment
Economy
Politics
The future is not predictable. Embrace uncertainty; think beyond the
“beyond”.
Time
Awareness
Source: Maree Conway, Thinking Futures (adapted from Graham Molitor)
Horizon 1
Horizon 2
There is no one future.. Generate multiple scenarios when thinking
about the future.
Source: Thinking Futures
