Making Futures Work

Chapter 6. Framing the Project

When it comes to setting up the logistics and parameters for a futures project, many organizations will have their own way of organizing the timeline, activities, and team. In this chapter, I’ll mention a few items that you might want to think about or at least be aware of, as they will inform your activities and provide a safety net as the work builds up over time during and after the project. As both a facilitator and a futures practitioner (and captain of the boat), you will want to make sure you are directing, synthesizing, and delivering on the assets that the process generates. If you can afford to bring in others to assist, make sure they are fully aware of the process, define goals, and set expectations so that you can maintain guidance of the ship as you sail it through potentially turbulent waters. Design teams can have different configurations at different companies, so whether you are a lead designer, a director, or a strategist, the importance of keeping organized won’t really be different than it would be with any other type of design-led engagement.

Project Logistics

If you don’t have a product or project manager, you might be the one in charge, and that can work for or against you. Being the project lead as well as liaison, subject matter expert (SME), and facilitator is an excellent role for you as a futurist and leader. It gives you the opportunity to exercise management qualities and allows you to maintain control of every aspect ...