Reckon with the Past to Build the Future

Strategic Foresight’s 3 Horizons Framework Re-Tooled

An acknowledgement of the systemic injustice that fed the current status quo is necessary when designing the future.

In the below visual, the y-axis signifies the present moment, and the area to the left of it, the historical perspective, is generally left out of strategic foresight discussions. This is often for good reason, as imagining various possibilities for the future can be a daunting task, with little room left over for the past. Nevertheless, to bring an antiracist lens to strategic foresight, one which designs a future that is equitable and prosperous for all, the past must be acknowledged and accounted for.

The 3 Horizons Framework, within the realm of strategic foresight, has been a widely applicable tool. The horizons can signify a range of time periods, and it’s recommended to go at least as far back as the projections forward are going. However, since the rate of change is so much faster in the future, it might be best to go twice as far back as the future projections entail. For more insight into the original concept behind it, check out this International Futures Forum page or this International Training Center resource.

A Note on Context:

This article resides within an active and pluralistic movement to link design and justice.

This version of the 3 Horizon Framework emerged for me in conversation with a couple other MBA in Design Strategy alums serena chan and Sam Ha over the summer of 2020 when gathering to reckon with the role that design has to play in creating more justice in our world. I have also gathered some resources published at this link: bit.ly/Inclusive-Design-Resources. There is so much more work to be done, and everyone’s contribution is needed!