Future shaping

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How to feel the future and groove into it | Peter Oosterwijk | TEDxTwenteU
TEDx Talksยท 2025-07-24 14:49
Core Idea - The presentation advocates for "future shaping" by adopting a "B perspective," which involves looking back from the future to the present, rather than incrementally improving upon the past [2][7] - This approach emphasizes envisioning the future through the eyes of someone who will inhabit it, gathering diverse perspectives to create a vivid and compelling vision [9][10] - The methodology involves "feeling the future," "flipping the frame" (challenging assumptions), and "funking the mind" (embracing unconventional thinking) [12] Methodology - **Sensing the Future:** Involves paying attention to language and identifying words or concepts that feel awkward or uncomfortable, as these may indicate emerging shifts [15][16] - **Flipping the Frame:** Entails questioning existing assumptions by asking "what if the opposite were true?" to unlock new possibilities [19][20] - **Funking the Mind:** Encourages learning from diverse perspectives, especially those who think differently, and embracing the "offbeat" or syncopated rhythms of innovation [27][28][29] Innovation & Transformation - Traditional planning methods often fix yesterday's problems with slight improvements, leading to incremental progress rather than transformative change [6] - The presentation suggests that true innovation requires a clear and magnetic vision of the future, acting as a "love magnet" to attract and guide actions [26] - The speaker challenges the use of aggressive language in business, advocating for connection, time, and recognition as more valuable assets [18] Strategic Implications - Companies should focus on creating a compelling vision of the future that attracts individuals and drives action, rather than relying solely on roadmaps and processes [14][26] - Organizations should encourage diverse perspectives and unconventional thinking to break free from traditional problem-solving approaches [28][29] - Businesses should re-evaluate the impact of productivity tools, ensuring they genuinely provide value and do not contribute to stress or time constraints [17]