Futuring Methods

MethodsMultiple solutions
There are many more futures methods available than most people realise. They cover Creative, Descriptive, Statistical, Opinion, Monitoring, Scenarios, Analytical, Decision and Modelling methods.

 Before starting a project or programme examine the different methods for which will best achieve the desired outcomes. A mix of quantitative and qualitative methods should be chosen. Methods and tools that allow one to combine different approaches are especially suitable. A methodological competence should be built up within the organisation and shared with the users; this is the task of the corporate foresight manager.

 We have a listing of many more methods and detailed descriptions of those above. Spend time examining the pros and cons of each before jumping to a previous solution or one you have heard of in passing.

Programme design
Methods used here
  • Backcasting: works backwards from a vision to the present day (available in Plan & Act)
  • Citation analysis: the examination of the frequency and pattern of citations in articles and books
  • Citizen panels: virtual or conference based activity to uncover public concerns on critical issues
  • Content analysis: methodology in the social sciences for studying the content of communication
  • Cross-impact analysis: examines relationships and cross-overs between issues
  • Delphi analysis: uses human judgement to generate forecasts. (available as Custom Services)
  • Driving force: determines critical drivers and creating alternate futures
  • Horizon scanning: systematically searches for emerging issues
  • Narrative analysis: metadata mapping of folksonomies, user comments and tagging
  • Organisational storytelling: develops evocative narratives to convey core messages
  • PEST: active analysis of forces affecting an issue(s) environmental scanning
  • Scenario planning: explores possible, preferable futures. (available in Plan & Act) future
  • Stakeholder analysis: aims to identify the stakeholders that are likely to be affected by activities
  • SWOT: identifies future opportunities, strengths, risks and threats
  • Technology roadmapping: roadmapping aids planning and placing products in time order
  • Trend analysis: extrapolates past trends into the future
  • Visioning: sets a success criteria from which all other actions spring
Further reference
Other methods
If we do not appear to currently provide a method that suits your purpose please contact us for a free discussion on how we can integrate your needs into the system using the free-form message box below (e.g. gaming, modelling, simulation, system mapping).

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