Possibilities for futurecasting: designing a digital map of trends

Abstract

This article suggests a new approach to developing instruments for futurecasting, presenting the methodology for creating a digital map of trends based on the discipline of design. To achieve this goal, the article proposes a set of processes that lead to establishing the elements, components, and interactions of a trend visualization system. The result of the application of the described set of processes is the creation of an automatic interactive visual map of trends, which helps users to interpret and predict changes in society, and thus becomes a tool offering solutions to complex problems and generating opportunities for innovation. In addition, this paper presents the tangible results of the described methodology, detailing a specific case: the digital map of trends known as Deflexor.