Creatives and Foresight

Artists and storytellers already live in the realm of imagination. But foresight adds structure to that imagination. Instead of just asking, “What if?” you gain methods to explore “What if and what next?” You move from a single inspired idea to a fuller exploration of patterns, signals, and emerging changes in society, technology, culture, and the environment. Right now, it feels like most of the changes happening are none too positive, but when you start looking for hopeful signs of change, you can find great sources of inspiration for your creative work. 

I am working on a paranormal eco-fantasy series about a witch who becomes an ombudsman between the faerie world and the human world when the faeries get sick and tired of the ecological messes the humans make. A data center looms large in this story, and I did a lot of horizon scanning on this topic that has helped my storytelling. Someone asked me if my story had a lot of funky sci-fi-esque ideas for solving the environmental problems plaguing the world, and I thought, no, not really. After scanning, I realized a lot of the technology already exists. Humans just need to be nudged into using it, even if it means less profit. 

Back to foresight. Foresight tools help us map the future. Writing a book, creating art, these are often the activities of people who are hopeful about the future. My interest in foresight and the future intersects with my desire to write fiction about a better world. Maybe foresight can help you, too.

Foresight can help creatives:

• Discover surprising themes or settings for their work.

• Anticipate shifts in audience values and desires.

• Use weak signals (early signs of change) as inspiration before they become mainstream.

• Break out of creative ruts by intentionally looking at futures that feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar.

  
  

1. Horizon Scanning

Notice the early whispers of change, emerging technologies, cultural shifts, or social experiments.

Try this:

• Pick one news source you don’t normally read (a science journal, a cultural blog, a tech magazine). I love using Flipboard for this.

• Jot down three “signals” of change, or hope,  you notice.

• Ask yourself: If this signal grew into the mainstream, if this sign is well received by people, what does that mean? How can I use this in my creative work? If I am a writer, could this sign of change lead to a larger story? Could my work inspire more positive change? 

*This article, in a slightly different version, was posted on LinkedIn.

Exploring the future with curiosity, a woman examines a book through a magnifying glass, revealing insights and possibilities.