Aspirational futures

Developed at the Institute for Alternative Futures as a method of better understanding the future (plausible futures - what “might happen”), and better choosing and creating the future (preferred futures or visions). Understanding the future involves using futures tools, particularly systems identification, trends, and scenarios. Creating the preferred future requires identifying our values and vision (this is relevant for an individual, an organization, a community, or government). Aspirational Futures calls for scenario development of three scenario archetypes: Expectable or most likely; Challenging that explores key threats or challenges the community or organization faces; and Visionary that considers the surprisingly successful outcomes if the organization or community’s larger vision was achieved and the pathways to get there. Including the Visionary archetype allows scenarios to aid in creating preferred futures. Strategic Futuring using Aspirational Futures involves three interrelated phases: 1) systems/ environmental assessment and scenario development, 2) visioning to clarify aspirations and identity, and 3) strategic analysis.