I propose to conduct a two and a half hour live design challenge and discussion around scenario planning. This session invokes the metaphor of cartography, exploration, and map making in order to highlight the value of foresight and specifically, scenario planning within the realm of design. By leveraging the creative abilities of all of our human resources to build the best maps of the future, we can begin to reduce assumptions, get comfortable with uncertainty, and make more credible judgements and improved design decisions. It is about building disciplinary bridges among practitioners to ultimately bridge gaps in knowledge that may foster more universal and resilient outcomes. Thinking strategically and intentionally about possible futures is part of our crucial adaptive capacity and imperative for designers in the 21st century. By the end of the session, participants will learn about the principles of participatory futures, scenario planning methods, and how to apply these principles and methods within and beyond the context of an experience design challenge.
