What is Futures Design, and how does it differ from traditional strategic planning?

As Future Designers, our team at OCAD U CO designs not just for the present but with a thoughtful eye on what lies ahead. We pride ourselves on a Futures Design approach, ensuring that our clients' projects are not only impactful today but continue to resonate and function in the years to come. Our mission is to guide our clients in understanding how to evolve their products and services to withstand the test of time as society, technology, and customer preferences change and evolve.

With a focus on how to sustain futures for generations to come, we use smart methods and tools to overcome the systemic barriers of our current environment and design strategic solutions for the world moving forward. In our future design practice, we create more sustainable futures, equity at the forefront of design, and a greater emphasis on human-first solutions.?

"In my practice, systems design was such a strong foundation for futures design. Once your eyes open to what is happening now, how everything is connected, and how one decision in this area could impact another area – it allows you to start to see the possibilities," said Alyssa, Designer, Futurist and OCAD U CO Associate. "How futures design is less of a prediction and more of an understanding of the web of impact and how over time, change will happen. And then you get to be a part of seeing the opportunity in that future change."

With an ever-evolving world, we face new challenges where Futures Design will be integral to finding powerful solutions. We believe that implementing creative, human-centered solutions with an emphasis on strategy and data-driven results are key. To tackle these challenges, we equip today’s leaders with the information and confidence needed to deliver more effective services, products, and strategies for generations to come.

Our approach to Futures Design is rooted in the knowledge that many possible futures exist, and that choosing preferable ones is essential to continue to thrive. By embracing this concept, we encourage organizations to explore and prioritize from a broader horizon of future opportunities while proactively identifying and mitigating potential risks. Future designers are instrumental in securing more equitable and profitable futures and establishing new, more progressive methods and systems to manage and measure your organization's products and services portfolio.

"A Futures Designer understands trends, understands the market and then tries to build products and services that are not just for now, but also for the future." - Everton Lewis, OCAD U CO, Interim Managing Director & Head of Consulting

Every new challenge demands a unique solution. By adopting a forward-thinking approach, innovative solutions are brought to light. ??

To learn more about the importance of Futures Design and how our designers bring innovations to life, please contact [email protected] and follow OCAD U CO .