Helpful hints

Preparation

Obtain a number of sources in advance, for the participants to use as scanning material. If using magazines, have at least one per participant. Try to find interesting perspectives to challenge their thinking.

Ensure that Internet access via one or more computer terminals is available.

‘If the doors of perception were cleansed everything would appear to man as it is, infinite.’

William Blake

On the day

Most people are pleasantly surprised at the outcomes achieved when a group is given time to read and think. Point out to them how many abstracts were created in such a brief period of time and how easy it would be to continually generate a large number of insights about the future, with little effort, time or cost required.

Be aware that more insights will emerge from the conversations that take place.

After

The material can be used in various ways to kick-off other futures activities, such as trend analysis, state of science reviews or scenario planning. It can also be used to communicate key messages to participants.