Understanding Futurism: The Concept of Future Safaris
In our fast-paced world, the notion of futurism transcends its traditional sci-fi connotations—like flying cars and spacesuits—and emerges as a critical framework for progress. But what does this entail, and how do future safaris play into this concept?
During a recent interview at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Todder Moning, head of applied foresights at US Bank, shared valuable insights about foresight and its inherent challenges. He highlighted a critical truth: “The dirty little secret is, of course, no one can predict the future. However, by examining the past alongside current signals and trends, we can explore various potential futures across different sectors and aspects of life. This allows us to formulate scenarios and prototypes to consider the implications of ongoing developments.”
At the foundation of futurism lies an understanding of the past and the lessons it imparts. Rather than simply predicting what lies ahead, applied foresight serves as a means to analyze historical trends and trajectories. While it may seem difficult to correlate past events with today’s rapid changes, historical context provides a framework for generating new hypotheses—essentially a preparation for what may come rather than mere forecasting.
In Moning’s approach, the concept of ‘future safaris’ is paramount. He describes these excursions as opportunities to step outside conventional work environments to explore influences shaping people’s lives. During these safaris, Moning emphasizes investigating what he refers to as the “five Ls”: latest, lateral, longitudinal, leading, and left-field. These categories help in uncovering diverse angles of development and innovation during industry events.
This methodology embodies a ‘live-in-the-moment’ perspective on the future. Moning argues that true understanding of emerging trends and innovations cannot occur within the isolated confines of an office. Real value arises from engaging with the world, assessing the tangible impact of trending topics alongside unexpected possibilities. This approach not only affirms existing insights but also challenges preconceived notions, fostering a more nuanced understanding of futurism that is informed rather than speculative.