Sci-fi as Foresight Methods: Science Fiction Prototyping, Future Personas, 6 Archetypes
You might have heard that science fiction can be used as a foresight method, or that foresight practice can draw from science fiction to imagine the futures. In fact, in the past decade the interest in using science fiction as a form of foresight has skyrocketed, and many organizations have been reported doing it, including Google, Microsoft, Apple, Visa, Ford, Pepsi, Samsung, Nike, Ford, Hershey’s, Lowe’s and Boeing, among others [1–4].
But what does it mean to use science fiction as a form of foresight? in this article I will try to explain how this is possible by sharing three “science fiction as foresight” methods: science fiction prototyping, future personas and the six archetypes framework. Along the way, I will also provide some guidance on when and how to use each method.
What are “Science Fiction as Foresight” Methods for?
First of all, “science fiction as foresight” methods can be used for four main objectives, and that is:
