Introduction

Nobody can predict the future, but you can always look for the signs. I developed a speculative design framework to help Accenture's clients visualise the future and understand their place in it. This framework has been used with a variety of clients across industries, usually in the form of a workshop. The offering begins by identifying a selection of critical uncercianties faced by an industry or organisation, supported by preliminary research. Participants are then guided through the process of extrapolating these trends under different social and governmental conditions. After a picture of the future has formed, clients delve into the unintended consequences of these future states.

Speculative Healthcare

We collaborated with a North American Health Executive on the future of healthcare & technology integration. This involved three workshops aimed at identifying technology trends, mapping future states, and analysing the human and societal impact of different technologies. Our findings were presented to citizens in a national survey, and developed into six narrative arks with supporting research. Later, these narratives were delivered to an audience of industry specialists during a healthcare symposium.

Financial Services

I worked on a team which applied speculative methodologies to provide research, ideation & creative skills for a financial services group. We identified the societal forces driving change in economic demographics and presented strategic insights to support long-term strategy in their wealth management division.

University Module

I was asked to adapt this framework into a module for university students as part of a cross-disciplinary Global Challenges degree. This was delivered in the form of a seminar and studio session which presented speculative design as a tool, and gave students hands-on experience with future mapping and consequencing. My responsibilities included delivering the session, designing the visual materials, developing the content, planning the itinerary, and writing an assessment guide for the faculty.

Social Media Futures

I conducted a workshop for members of an Accenture products & services innovation team on the challenges faced by digital service providers. The workshop focused on a social media organisation, and identified four ‘Critical Uncertainties’ faced by the industry, Trust & Disinformation, Safety & Security, GenAI Disruption, and Erosion of Business Model. After mapping future states based around these uncertainties, we analysed their relationship to and impact on Social Cohesion, Working Life, Politics, The Economy, The Natural Environment, Quality of Life, and Health & Wellbeing. After the workshop, these findings were condensed and delivered to the team.