4CF FLEx: The use of gamebooks in foresight – an interactive scenario experience

Speculative Futures Berlin is initiated by Ellery Studio.
—————————————————

How can we improve the learning experience of scenario analysis?
While the learning aspect of scenario processes is vital, access to this experience has been rather limited for users who are not practically involved in the scenario-making process (Ramirez and Wilkinson from Saïd Business School in Oxford). 4CF FLEx is a new tool for futurists that is trying to change that. It bridges the gap between the rich learning experience of scenario-makers and the comparatively dry encounter of individual scenario-users applying the immersive capabilities of interactive fiction – gamebooks.

What are gamebooks?
Gamebooks (Spielbücher) are works of fiction that allow the reader to participate in the story by making choices. Examples of gamebooks range from the classical American 'Choose your own adventure' series and 'Lone Wolf' fantasy gamebooks by Joe Dever, to the interactive nonlinear film Black Mirror: Bandersnatch which allows viewers to make choices, giving them control over how the plot unfolds. The narrative of a gamebook branches following the choices made by the reader either about the actions of a protagonist or even about some elements of the setting.

What is the use of gamebooks in futures and foresight?
Gamebooks allow the reader to immerse themselves in the scenario better than just passively reading or watching a video clip. They present the intricacies and dilemmas of the futures presented in a given scenario as actual events experienced from a first-person-perspective instead of mere future-someone problems.

What can you expect?
During the workshop you will be able to go through a scenario+gamebook pathway facilitated by experts from the 4CF team, as well as discuss the benefits and limitations of this novel foresight technique. Gamebooks based on futures scenarios improve and expand this interactive experience of reading and make it more explicit, thus creating a space for a stronger emotional reaction, a deepened reflection and inspiration from scenarios accessible to just about anyone, regardless of their understanding of the modern scenario-making techniques.

Who should attend?

• Anyone who wants to try out this foresight innovation and 'live' a scenario instead of just reading about it.
• Everyone who wants to improve their scenario processes and seeks inspiration to do so.
• No previous experience in scenario planning is required

More details about the speaker below.

—————————————————

Access to the zoom conference:
Date: 11.05.2022
Digital doors open at 18:25 CET.
Begin is at 18:30 CET.

As part of providing a safe experience you need to RSVP with a valid MeetUp account. On the day of the event we will send an email with the zoom link. Please join the event with a valid zoom account and your full name. In case we need to launch a new event due to zoom bombing or other technical issues it would be really helpful if you could provide your email address to avoid the new link being sent to your spam box.

The workshop will be held in English. By joining the event, participants give their consent that we may use the recording for potential social media purposes. Digital doors open at 6:25pm CET. Please be punctual as spots are limited to 100 people and it's first come first served regardless of when you registered on Meet Up.

—————————————————

Kacper Nosarzewski is a partner at 4CF and a board member of the Polish Society for Futures Studies. Kacper advises on strategic foresight enterprises and international institutions, such as UNESCO and UNDP, and managed projects for medium and large companies and government agencies around the world. He is a member of the Polish branch of The Millennium Project - the world's largest foresight think tank and a member of the World Future Society, and author of scientific articles, workshops, and media commentaries on the future of industries, cities and companies. He teaches foresight at the Naval Academy, AGH University of Science and Technology and has a seminar on future cities at the Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies, University of Warsaw.

4CF is the only consulting company on the Polish market that specializes in strategic foresight and long-term development strategy. For over a decade, the 4CF team has been helping companies, public administration and international organizations such as UNESCO, UNDP, WHO to prepare for an uncertain tomorrow. 4CF is a member of the Association of Professional Futurists, the Foresight Educational and Research Network and the founder of the Polish node of The Millennium Project. As part of EIT Climate-KIC, the Company works towards a zero-carbon transition and a climate-resilient world.

Visit the website for more information.