As futurists, we are often tasked with envisioning, preparing, prototyping and even rehearsing for the future, even when much of it remains uncertain. In this talk, we will explore how combining the rigor of science with the imagination of design can help us navigate the unknown and create a better future. From understanding emerging technologies and their impact on society, to using Synthesizing Futures (future based design thinking) to imagine new solutions to complex problems, we will examine how a combination of scientific analysis and creative thinking can inform our futurist perspective and we will share examples of how we tackle futuring. The discussion will also address the importance of diversity and inclusiveness in futurist forecasting, and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure that future scenarios are grounded in reality and reflect the values and needs of all members of society.
