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| futurist_fieldguide:situation_so_far [2015-06-02 17:19] – created maja | futurist_fieldguide:situation_so_far [2015-06-03 08:19] – alkan |
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| ==== Situation So Far ==== | ===== Situation So Far ===== |
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| Mapping out the past and present of an issue or a situation is crucial for any futuring exercise. The more is known about what happened before and what is happening now, the more grounded the conversation about the future will be. This technique is strongly linked with the aptitude of [[walking backwards into the future]], which can prevent unnecessary re-inventing the wheel. This is not a formalised technique, but a simple (but deep) conversation complemented with visual mapping of key elements and their connections. | Mapping out the past and present of an issue or a situation is crucial for any futuring exercise. The more is known about what happened before and what is happening now, the more grounded the conversation about the future can be. This technique shares a strong link with the aptitude of [[walking backwards into the future]], which can help us avoid unnecessarily reinventing the wheel. While not a formalised technique, this approach comprises of a simple (but deep) conversation complemented with visual mapping of key elements and their connections. |
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| At FoAM we use this technique when the participants need to establish a shared context and learn about each others' perspectives on the situation. It makes it clear which knowledge exists in the group and whether assumptions are widely accepted. It literally maps the territory of inquiry and puts it in a longer historical perspective. The problem with the technique is that it is so open that it can go on for a long time and bring in so many topics that the group gets lost in the details. We tend to use this technique in conjunction with other [[observing and mapping]] techniques, especially with larger groups who don't know each other. | At FoAM we use this technique when the participants need to establish a shared context and learn about each others' perspectives on the situation. It makes it clear which knowledge exists in the group and whether assumptions are widely accepted. It literally maps the territory of inquiry and puts it in a longer historical perspective. The problem with the technique is that it is so open that it can go on for a long time and bring in so many topics that the group gets lost in the details. We tend to use this technique in conjunction with other [[observing and mapping]] techniques, especially with larger groups who don't know each other. |
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| === Process === | ==== Process ==== |
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| There are no formal requirements for this process. It can help to make a visual map of the past and the present as you are discussing it, and if you do so, you'll need a large (vertical) writing surface and markers (and optionally post-its or other types of cards). The conversation can be free-flowing, or you can invite a short individual [[hosting_conversations#individual_contemplation|reflection]] at the beginning of each step. | There are no formal requirements for this process. It can help to make a visual map of the past and the present as you are discussing it, and if you do so, you'll need a large (vertical) writing surface and markers (and optionally post-its or other types of cards). The conversation can be free-flowing, or you can invite a short individual [[hosting_conversations#individual_contemplation|reflection]] at the beginning of each step. |
alkan