Futures wheel

The futures wheel is a method for graphical visualisation of direct and indirect future consequences of a particular change or development. It was invented by Jerome C. Glenn in 1971, when he was a student at the Antioch Graduate School of Education (now Antioch University New England).

The Futures Wheel is a way of organizing thinking and questioning about the future – a kind of structured brainstorming. (Jerome C. Glenn (1994) The Futures Wheel)

A futures wheel as described by Jerome C. Glenn.

Description

To start a futures wheel the central term describing the change to evaluate is positioned in the center of the page (or drawing area). Then, events or consequences following directly from that development are positioned around it. Next, the (indirect) consequences of the direct consequences are positioned around the first level consequences. The terms may be connected as nodes in a tree (or even a web). The levels will often be marked by concentric circles.

Usage

The futures wheel is usually used to organize thoughts about a future development or trend. With it, possible impacts can be collected and put down in a structured way. The use of interconnecting lines makes it possible to visualize interrelationships of the causes and resulting changes. Thus, Futures wheels can assist in developing multi-concepts about possible future development by offering a futures-conscious perspective and aiding in group brainstorming.

gollark: ++remind 4d12h-3m preeeëmpt palaiologos/sofia
gollark: ... when did camto sign up
gollark: Yes, they should submit to the equally userless apioforum at https://forum.osmarks.net/.
gollark: I like the way the nim forum works and thought "why NOT use forum software written like heavpoot wrote it?".
gollark: Store the ENTIRE REGISTRY EVER muahahaha.

See also
  • Mind Mapping

Bibliography
  • Glenn, Jerome C. Futurizing Teaching vs Futures Course, Social Science Record, Syracuse University, Volume IX, No. 3 Spring 1972.
  • Snyder, David Pearce. Monograph: The Futures Wheel: A Strategic Thinking Exercise, The Snyder Family Enterprise, Bethesda, Maryland 1993.
  • Glenn, Jerome C. Futures Wheel, Futures Research Methodology Version 3.0, The Millennium Project, Washington, D.C. 2009.


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