Shaping the Future Through Action
Foresight activism involves intentionally shaping the future by identifying emerging trends, understanding their underlying drivers, and taking action to influence their trajectory. It’s about moving beyond mere prediction and actively participating in the creation of a preferred future. By engaging in foresight activism, we can empower ourselves and our communities to navigate the complexities of the modern world and create a more sustainable, equitable, and fulfilling future.
Key principles of foresight activism include:
- Intentional Action: Foresight activism is not about passively observing trends; it’s about taking deliberate steps to shape their development.
- Community Engagement: Building strong relationships with communities is essential for understanding their needs and aspirations.
- Ethical Considerations: Foresight activism should be grounded in ethical principles and avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes or behaviors.
- Long-Term Perspective: While short-term trends may be important, foresight activism focuses on long-term trends and their implications for society.
- Collaboration and Partnership: Working with others can amplify the impact of foresight activism and create more sustainable solutions.
Rethinking Future Trends
All Things Insights explored foresights in “Preparing for Future Trends.” In “How to Apply Future Trends to Your Business Today,” TMRE keynote presenter Sheryl Connelly, Global Consumer Trends Expert & Former Chief Futurist at Ford Motor Company, offered audiences a look at the potential futures of insights and tips for scenario planning. From exploring aspects you can’t control to planning for multiple futures, she looks at how embracing the future, rather than fearing it, opens up opportunities for businesses to thrive. All Things Insights’ Seth Adler had a chance to catch up with Connelly at TMRE 2023 to discuss, among other things, the future.
Looking forward to The Media Insights & Engagement Conference? It will be held February 3-5, 2025, at The Scott Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, AZ. The keynote, “Rethinking Trends, Brands & The Future of Community,” will be presented by Matt Klein, Webby-Winning Writer and Insights 250’s Top Voices in Market Research, Digital Anthropologist, Author of ZINE, Head of Global Foresight at Reddit. Trends are trending, but do they actually represent the zeitgeist and reveal what’s most important to consumers? The solution to trend-mania is “Foresight as Activism.” Instead of corralling people to a brand’s priority, we can support communities’ existing goals and build preferred futures.
Register for the Media Insights & Engagement Conference
10 Trends in Foresights
The trend industry is often producing unhelpful insights. One challenge is that the market research industry tends to be backwards looking at past initiatives and data already in place. But winning brands are said to be adopting a “build with, not for” approach to cultural strategy. Collaboration with other teams and communities could be key to ramping up your foresight’s activities. We asked Gemini for some of the top trends in foresight activism:
- Increased focus on ethical foresight: Ensuring that foresight practices are aligned with societal values and ethical principles.
- Rise of citizen foresight: Engaging communities in shaping their own futures through participatory foresight methods.
- Growing popularity of scenario planning: Exploring potential future scenarios to identify opportunities and risks.
- Integration of AI and machine learning in foresight: Using AI to analyze large datasets and identify emerging trends.
- Emphasis on long-term thinking: Looking beyond short-term trends to anticipate long-term shifts in the landscape.
- Shift towards collaborative foresight: Fostering partnerships between organizations to address shared challenges.
- Increased use of foresight to inform decision-making: Incorporating foresight insights into strategic planning and business development.
- Growing importance of foresight in addressing societal issues: Using foresight to identify and address emerging challenges such as climate change and inequality.
- Adoption of agile foresight methodologies: Incorporating foresight into iterative planning processes.
- Collaboration between foresight and design teams: Fostering stronger partnerships to create future-proof products and services.
Empowering Future Trends
Foresight activism is not without its challenges. It requires a deep understanding of complex issues, the ability to navigate uncertain environments, and the courage to take risks. However, the potential rewards are significant. By actively shaping the future, we can create a world that is more just, sustainable, and fulfilling for all.
This is a powerful insights tool for creating or mapping out a better future. By intentionally shaping trends and supporting communities, we can empower ourselves and others to navigate the complexities of the modern world and build a more sustainable and equitable future. Let’s embrace foresight activism and become active participants in shaping the world we want to live in.
Video courtesy of Future Hacker
