Analyze Synthesize Imagine Create

1. Imagination as a Resource: Recognize that getting lost in imagination isn’t a deviation but a critical part of innovating and imagining possible futures. This involves embracing the ‘not true yet’, even as such may seem unlikely. We do this to activate the imagination rather than rushing towards conclusions, and to activate expansive conversations around a topic.

2. The Adjacent Possible: Engage with the concept of the adjacent possible by exploring near-future possibilities that are one step away from the current reality.

3. Exploring Unknowns: Actively seek out the unknowns in current social, technological, political, and cultural landscapes. This involves questioning assumptions and considering the unexpected as well as what and where trends point towards.

4. Global Context: Consider global trade, political shifts towards authoritarianism, and cultural trends in your strategic thinking. Understanding these larger dynamics can inform more robust and resilient future scenarios.

5. Technological Developments: Keep abreast of emerging technologies like AI and connected devices. Consider not just the technologies themselves but their potential impacts on consumer behavior, privacy, ethics, and society at large.

6. Consumer Behaviors: Pay attention to shifting consumer behaviors, especially as they relate to technology use, privacy concerns, and global issues. Design fiction can help anticipate how these changes might evolve and affect your organization.

7. Political and Economic Landscapes: Consider the impact of political and economic changes on your organization’s future. This includes trade policies, environmental regulations, and shifts in global power dynamics.

8. Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware of cultural trends and movements, understanding that future innovations must be culturally sensitive and inclusive. This requires a deep understanding of diverse perspectives and societal shifts.

9. Practical Experimentation: Move beyond theoretical discussions to practical experimentation. Design fiction should lead to the creation of prototypes and artifacts that embody future scenarios, making abstract ideas tangible and testable.

10. Collaborative Exploration: Engage in collaborative explorations of the future, involving people from various disciplines and backgrounds. This multidisciplinary approach ensures a more comprehensive understanding of potential futures and encourages innovative solutions.

By considering these factors, organizations can use Design Fiction not only as a tool for speculative thinking but also as a practical approach to strategic planning and innovation, rooted in a deep understanding of emerging trends and societal shifts.