diverge · Ideation, Strategy · 40 min · 1-40 people · low energy

Imagining the Future

This method guides participants through a series of exercises to envision desired future states and develop strategies to achieve them. By combining meditation, storytelling, and freewriting, it helps individuals and groups break free from conventional thinking and explore innovative possibilities.

When to use Imagining the Future

Use this method when you need to foster creative thinking about long-term goals, especially in complex or uncertain situations. It's ideal for strategic planning sessions or workshops focused on innovation and future-oriented problem-solving.

What it solves

Difficulty envisioning future possibilities, reliance on familiar patterns, feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of long-term planning.

How to run Imagining the Future, step by step

  1. Set the Scene (10 mins) - Prepare the space, explain the goal (imagining a long-term vision), and outline the three phases: breathing exercise, metaphorical story, and freewriting.
  2. Breathing Exercise (10 mins) - Guide participants through a selected breathing exercise to clear their minds and create space for creativity. Play calming music optionally.
  3. Narrate the Story & Freewriting (20 mins) - Read a metaphorical story aloud while participants keep their eyes closed. Then, instruct them to open their eyes and freewrite for 7 minutes, capturing their thoughts and ideas.
  4. Sketching the Future (10 mins) - Ask participants to reflect on their freewriting and identify key ideas or themes. Then, instruct them to use a new paper to sketch out more concrete visions and plans for the future.
  5. Envisioning the Future (10 mins) - Guide participants through a visualization exercise, asking them to close their eyes and imagine a future scenario where their ideas are implemented. Optionally, encourage sharing in small groups.

Materials needed

  • Breathing exercise script
  • Metaphorical story
  • Freewriting handout
  • Visualizing the Future script
  • Paper
  • Pens
  • Optional: Calming music

Facilitator tips

  • Create a safe and comfortable environment for participants to share their ideas.
  • Encourage participants to embrace unconventional thinking and explore a wide range of possibilities.
  • Adjust the timing of each phase as needed based on the group's needs and preferences.

Common pitfalls

  • Participants struggling to quiet their minds during the breathing exercise - Offer alternative relaxation techniques or shorten the exercise.
  • Participants feeling overwhelmed by the open-ended nature of the freewriting exercise - Provide guiding questions or prompts to help them get started.

Variations

  • Use different metaphorical stories to spark different types of thinking.
  • Incorporate visual aids or props to enhance the visualization exercise.
  • Extend the session to allow for more in-depth discussion and collaboration.

Running it online or hybrid

Use virtual whiteboards for freewriting and sketching. Ensure participants have a quiet space for meditation.

What it produces

Individual visions of the future, sketches of potential solutions, and written plans for achieving desired outcomes.

Origin

Adapted from Transition Makers Toolbox — source

Build a session around Imagining the Future

METODIC places Imagining the Future inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

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