Dystopian futures tend to dominate media and our psyche these days. Some say that this is because were are not imaginative enough. Others suggest that the problem is we are being too imaginative, indulging in wishful thinking poorly connected to reality that weakens more positive futures. Both views are often right. Futures methods provide the means to be more creative and realistic, but lack the power of dystopia. The problem may lie more with how we frame and undertake futures activities. Here’s how we can help change that.
Thinking over the longer term
Goldilocks and the three futures
Thinking about the future often adopts a relatively short-term timeframe. We should be more courageous and explore longer timeframes, especially the next 100 years. This helps us break from our assumptions, consider what systemic changes may be desirable, and how they may play out beyond the short-term. Goldilocks and the three bears provides a useful metaphorical prompt for exploring different timeframes.