Two approaches to foresight-driven design

Abstract

As a response to rapid and uncertain environmental change, foresight has emerged as an approach offering a future-oriented framing to design practice. Using theory on foresight, design, and change management, this paper reports a case study on how companies engage with foresight combined with design at a strategic level to become more future-oriented in their process and better prepared for taking long term action in the present. Through observations and interviews, the study follows companies participating in the development program Future Now facilitated by the Danish Design Center. We identify two distinct company approaches to foresight-driven design, involving distinct types of reasoning about the future, and leading to different types of strategic directionality. Further, we explore strategic timing and resources as possible moderators for which of the two approaches companies adopt. Our findings illuminate the different ways foresight can be used in combination with design at a strategic level.