Futures wheel
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The Futures wheel is an instrument for graphical visualisation of direct and indirect future consequences of a particular change or development. It was invented by Jerome C. Glenn in 1971, when he was a student at the Antioch Graduate School of Education.
The Futures Wheel is a way of organizing thinking and questioning about the future -- a kind of structured brainstorming. (Jerome C. Glenn (1994) The Futures Wheel)
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[edit] Description
To start a Futures wheel the central term describing the change to evaluate is positioned in the center of the page (or drawing area). Then, events or consequences following directly from that development are positioned around it. Next, the (indirect) consequences of the direct consequences are positioned around the first level consequences. The terms may be connected as nodes in a tree (or even a web). The levels will often be marked by concentric circles.
[edit] Usage
The Futures wheel is usually used to organize thoughts about a future development or trend. With it, possible impacts can be collected and put down in a structured way. The use of interconnecting lines makes it possible to visualize interrelationships of the causes and resulting changes. Thus, Futures wheels can assist in developping multi-concepts about possible future development by offering a futures-conscious perspective and aiding in group brainstorming.
[edit] Relatives
- Implementation Wheel
- Impact Wheel
- Mind Mapping
- Webbing
[edit] Literature
- Glenn, Jerome C. "Futurizing Teaching vs Futures Course," Social Science Record, Syracuse University, Volume IX, No. 3 Spring 1972.
- Snyder, David Pearce. Monograph: "The Futures Wheel: A Strategic Thinking Exercise," The Snyder Family Enterprise, Bethesda, Maryland 1993.
[edit] Internet
- Learning, Teaching and Assessment Guide Glossary at Tasmania's Department of Education's homepage.
- Downloadable template of a Futures wheel at the Australian Global Education website.
- How to Create a Futures Wheel
