Exploring Possible Futures

Today the class entered the world of Design Futuring with Maria Elges and Bec Chau, beginning a three-day journey into methodologies, tools, and perspectives that challenge how we imagine and shape what’s next.

The first session was dedicated to the Exploration phase, where students were introduced to key tools such as Horizon Scanning, PESTLE/STEEP frameworks, and the Futures Wheel. Through these exercises, they began mapping signals and wildcards, reflecting on global challenges—particularly those related to water—and discussing how trends might evolve over time.

By the end of the day, students had started building the mindset needed to think critically and systematically about alternative futures, setting the stage for the next phase: imagination.