*Hey look, experiential futurism.
http://lib.fo.am/resilients/prehearsal_pocket_guide
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"Step 7: Visualise the scenarios
"Find images that help visualise your scenario. You can use a single image, a moodboard or collage. One image gets the atmosphere across; a moodboard can be used as a visual story where all important elements are connected. (We found Pinterest a good tool to co-create moodboards.)
"Step 7a (optional): Design prototypes
"Depending on the time available and the needs of your scenario, you can go deeper into elaborating how some situations, products, technologies or services might work in your scenario. For example, if it is crucial to have a new technology developed for your scenario to work, think about how you could sketch or mock-up the way this technology could be used, what it would look like, etc.
"A speculative design can become a drawing, physical prototype, poster or makeshift interior design. It all depends on how much detail you need to get your scenario across. If you are in a group, it will be necessary to hold one or more co-creation sessions.
"Step 8: Identify a central question of the prehearsal
"Once you have chosen which scenario to prehearse, formulate what you want to examine in the prehearsal. Most likely you will be able to use your key question from Step 1 as a the starting point for the prehearsal. Create a new question to include the issue and critical uncertainties of your scenario. For example, “How will we draw in a future where wood is expensive and computers are wearable?”
"Step 9: Define time and space for the prehearsal
"Based on your prehearsal question think about how long you would need to prehearse to find satisfying answers. Sometimes an hour is enough, other times a day or a week. Define the duration.
"Decide on date(s) for the prehearsal. Leave at least two weeks between this step and the prehearsal, to allow people to prepare. It is useful to specify the exact hour when the prehearsal will start and end.
"Decide where the prehearsal will take place, based on the needs of your scenario. Also think about whether the prehearsal should be private or public. If it is public it will necessarily involve people who are not prehearsing. Think about how this will fit with the scenario.
"Finally, plan a briefing at least one day beforehand and a debrief one day after the prehearsal.
"Step 10: Create the framework of the prehearsal
"Translate your scenario narrative into the framework of the prehearsal. Brainstorm about:
"physical aspects of the prehearsal (infrastructure, objects, materials, tools, food)
atmosphere (interior/exterior design that brings out the tone of the scenario)
participants (who to involve, how many people, possibly specify roles if needed)
events and activities (what will people do, are there unexpected events, joint rituals)
"Step 11: Write a framing paragraph for the prehearsal
"In a few clear sentences, describe:
"the scenario in a nutshell (i.e. a description of the prehearsal situation)
what you want to prehearse (i.e. your central question)
what the roles and essential activities people can perform are
what the basic rules of conduct. These can differ from everyday expectations.
what to do if you need help during the prehearsal. (e.g. How to signal ''Timeout”)
"Step 12: Prototype the scenography
"Decide on the minimum amount of props (such as tools, furniture, costumes) that could be used give the participants a sense of being immersed in the scenario. Repurpose existing materials, borrow stuff and mock-up prototypes – there's no need to make big investments (unless your scenario demands it and you have the budget!). Use a minimum amount of materials and effort for maximum effect.
"There are quite a few methods you could use here, from design thinking, rapid prototyping, HCI, user-centred design and improv theatre that you could use to help with this step).
"Step 13: Create a set of instructions and hold a preparatory briefing
"Describe in simple instructions what the participants should do before, during and after the prehearsal. This should include anything that people might need to bring. Stress that it is crucial that people remain themselves, but adapted to different circumstances.
"To help everyone get into character, suggest that everyone individually think about who they would be and what they would do in the given scenario. How would they have got to where they are in the scenario from where they are today? What would have to happen in their lives and in the world to find themselves in this scenario? What aspects of their characters would come to the fore? What knowledge, skills or talents could be more useful than others?
"Even if you co-create the prehearsal together with a group, some people might overlook things that others think are crucial. Therefore it is essential to hold a preparatory briefing at least one day in advance. During the briefing, go through everything you think the participants need to know. Allow plenty of time for discussion afterwards. This will help everyone get into the situation and in character.
"Part III: Prehearse
"Step 15: Dive into your prehearsal role..."
