1. Discover the scenario.

Watch the short welcome video to find out what future we’re forecasting. Think about the scenario questions for a minute or two, and you’re ready to play! (There’s also background on the scenario if you want to learn more.)

2. Play a card.

A card is a “micro-forecast” about the future. Your first card is either “positive imagination” — something good that might happen as a result of the scenario — or “dark imagination” — something not-so-good that might happen as a result of the scenario. If you’re optimistic about the scenario, play a positive imagination card. If you’re pessimistic, play a dark imagination cards. And if you can picture both positive and dark outcomes, then play one of each!

3. Build on other players’ forecasts

Check out the forecasts created by other players! Look for ideas that really catch your eye — and then take them one step further, in one of four possible directions.

“No way!” If you disagree, play an antagonism card.
“Yes! And…” If you agree, play a momentum card.
“Yes! But…” If you agree, but if you can imagine the forecast playing out differently in your field or part of the world, play an adaptation card.
“Hmmm…” If you have a follow-up question, play an investigation card.

Forecasting Tips

Make your best guess… but don’t worry about being “right. ” If you think something is possible, share it! Your forecasts don’t have to be probable. They just have to be possible.

Play to your personal strengths. The Foresight Engine is a collaborative community. Everyone is encouraged to draw on their individual expertise. What do you know a lot about? What do you care a lot about? Where do you live? Who do you know? What are you good at? Whoever you are, there are ideas about the future only YOU could have, and there are thoughts only YOU could think. Please share them with us!

Make multiple forecasts. Don’t try to come up with the one “best” forecast. Share all your ideas, one card at a time. Then watch and see which of your ideas spark the most conversation!

Don't get into forecast wars. We will frequently disagree with each other's ideas and forecasts! But we can still treat each other with respect. If you disagree, make your best case, and then move on to other ideas.

Push yourself to be original. Feel free to play the first ideas you think of. But after that, try to push your ideas to the extreme. Go beyond the obvious. Try to think something you’ve never thought before!