Are you trying to create a different and more just future? Then give this basic question a second thought: How is your future scenario different from today’s status quo? 🔮🤔
Because creating those futures without reproducing similar discriminatory patterns we want to change can be challenging. This is evident in the numerous debates about discrimination issues in many new technologies, framed as “the future” or tech policy regulations (e.g. see our last post). Moreover, each of us brings along our own (unconscious) biases, like class or gender when thinking about futures. And these are even more difficult to tackle.
But how can we uncover our biases and status quo thinking? How can we create more just futures? We have been working on these questions with our partners and allies.
➡️ The result? “Critiquing Futures”, a set of reflective questions that aim to support practitioners and others in critically interrogating futures and detecting biases and status quo thinking.
✊🏽 Examine your future idea from a perspective of power:
How do people affected by your scenario shape this common future? How is power distributed and exercised in your scenario?
🫱🏾🫲🏻 Actively question inclusivity:
For whom is your future scenario built, and for whom is it not built? Is that what you intended?
🕊️ Unpack the underlining values:
What assumptions and values underpin your future scenario? Are these the assumptions and values you intended to use?
If you need more inspiration for how to critically examine future ideas, take a look at the full set of questions in our blog post 👇🏽👇🏽
Global Security Executive | Board Member | C-Suite Advisor AI/Quantum Risk Management | Founder & SME for Emerging Tech | Investor | Keynote Speaker
1moAngela McGregor such a pleasure to meet you. Vibrant. Smart. Loved meeting the Women’s Bond Club. Great way to convene over a timely topic.