Futures studies as a discipline encompasses bizarre yet interconnected concepts that can be difficult to grasp and distinguish at first glance. Workshop participants, newcomers to the field, and students with diverse backgrounds seek clear, simple and accessible explanations of key terms to begin with. When written texts get heavier – illustrations, visuals, and creative art come to the rescue.
Researchers at Finland Futures Research Centre have created a new series of short videos titled Foresight Workshop Starter Kit to give a quick glimpse into the world of futures studies and its most commonly used methods. Made as part of Eye of Europe project and funded by the EU, these videos are simple to access and easy to implement.
The first video in the series guides on the fundamentals of foresight workshops and the core concepts that characterize futures and foresight. It explores questions like ‘What is foresight?’ and ‘How does it differ from forecasting and futures studies?’ Key ideas are explained with references to important research and literature, portraying a clear sense of how futures and foresight shape our understanding of possible paths ahead.
Video #2 leads through the top ten tips for getting the most out of a foresight workshop. Whether you are a beginner or have some experience, the video explains how to prepare your mindset, vigorously engage during the sessions, and translate insights into real-world actions. From embracing collaboration and curiosity to navigating ambiguity and exploring possibilities beyond the everyday, these tips reveal how to unlock the true value of foresight workshops.
Video #3 begins to delve into the methods of futures studies, with a focus on the Delphi method. You will learn how this method has evolved over decades, encompassing modern digital adaptations that allow for anonymous input, diverse participation and global perspectives. Watching this video will help you understand steps involved in Delphi study, such as structuring insights, identifying possibilities, and preparing for uncertainty.
Video #4 introduces the Futures Wheel, a simple yet powerful tool that only requires a sheet of paper, a pen, and a fertile mind. It’s an accessible way to explore how trends or events can ripple out into the future. By looking at first-, second-, and third-order implications, it helps you spot connections and consequences you might otherwise miss.
Video #5 pulls you out of the familiar and into the depths of reality with Causal Layered Analysis. This method goes beyond headlines to explore systems, worldviews, and metaphors, uncovering hidden assumptions and cultural frames that shape the future.
The last video of the series highlights the power of storytelling in futures studies. It tells about scenario thinking, how structured narratives of multiple plausible futures can guide strategic conversations, reveal implications of change, and turn abstract possibilities into tangible insights.
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Foresight Workshop Starter Kit
This video series has been developed by FFRC researchers Martyn Richards and Zainab Yasin. The video series as part of a Foresight Workshop Starter Kit is developed through the project Eye of Europe, funded by the Horizon Europe programme under the European Commission (Grant agreement ID: 101131738).
More information on Eye of Europe is available via the foresight portal www.futures4europe.eu.