Co-Creating the Future !!

The future is inevitable (really…unlike Thanos’s claims to inevitability). The conventional approach to prepare for the future is to take cues from the past and proceed. This is logically absurd …kind of like attempting quantum computing with an IBM System/23 Datamaster (IBM’s first attempt to microcomputing in 1978) and hoping for success….or like taking a Ford Model T to Grand Prix in 2020 and hoping to win. And we guide young people based on our outdated experience in an everchanging world and wonder why they are sometimes reluctant to take it (and if you have sons like mine then rejoinders like “Next Level Legend” cannot be ruled out) …and get upset about it !!

It is time for a change…time to learn from the young people and put our combined experiences to co-create...co-create the future !! This is applicable at home, at work, and at educational institutes. It is high time we get down from our high horses and start learning to live in a world which in parts the youngsters know to navigate better. And in the process make the youngsters more comfortable, less conscious and more confident & assured.?

Currently, I am dabbling between two passions of mine: 1. Design thinking and 2. Discussions and debate with young bright minds to understand their world/world-view. I find a very strong theme uniting both: Co-learning & Co-creation. I present here my observations in the framework of Design Thinking when I am working with youngsters on learning projects.

Step 1. Empathize – I try to understand what the youngsters are saying, why they are saying whatever they are saying, how is the environment responsible for whatever they are saying, question their assumptions in a way that they themselves sometimes come out with solutions and so on (informally applying 5Ws1H, Journey Mapping, Personas, etc.). This gives me an opportunity to test my perception of reality against theirs; for many a times they have a better idea of what is the trend. Also, when I listen to youngsters and act on their opinion, they feel important and respected…and motivated!! I get a sensing of their world and feel connected.

Step 2 : Ideate. We jointly deliberate on opportunities for a solution. We brainstorm sometimes in a structured format, sometime without any. We come out with ideas…wild fanciful ideas to what an ideal situation would be… and ridiculously funny extreme situations of what perhaps can never be. We enjoy at the absurdity, add on to it and laugh our hearts out. Then with a cool rational head, look at them with a “feasibility glass”, perform dissections & integrations, to come out with alternatives (Concept sheet). The advantage of this approach is that it keeps the creative juice flowing and people are in good humour. The fun element leads to a healthy and happy environment. It also sends a very strong message that it is perfectly acceptable to be wrong and commit mistakes. Fear of failure takes a back seat and untapped potential come to the fore. Soul is nurtured. Accountability & Ownership increases. Work gets done.

Final step: Prototype (PoC/Pilot).?We apply the concept in a low-risk environment...?basically, test our hypothesis. I generally contribute with functionality and ask them to work on the technology and the form. See if it holds or fails, make iteration, test again and so on. This brings in practicality and insight. It validates not only ideas and beliefs but also capabilities. The success encourages team and individuals to take on bigger roles/assignments/responsibility. Failure teaches caution, reflection and introspection. Mental notes are no longer in the memory but goes in to refine processes. Apart from speed, the process brings in a culture of collective success or failure…unity of purpose - we are in it together !!??

Best way to predict the future is to create it...Co-create it !! Along with the people who are going to spend a longer time in it than us…With hope, energy, perspective and some experiences. Not linear, a bit messy…more connected…fun and exciting…and with everyone on the same page!! My experience says that young people need direction...someone to work hard along with them, to be positive and make things happen for the first time...they will pick up and follow suit. The generation at hand is sensitive, intelligent, confident and dreams big. These are exciting times…Youngsters are our future…it’s high time we treat them as intelligent allies !!

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