Vision Cone: A How-To Guide for Innovators

The Vision Cone is a strategic tool that helps innovators explore future possibilities and create a clear path from the present to the desired future. It provides a visual framework for mapping the past, present, and future to define opportunities and identify actionable steps. By using this tool, teams can clarify goals, identify challenges, and outline concrete steps for moving forward, all while considering multiple possible futures.

Credit: YouExec.com

Here's a simple guide on how to use the Vision Cone for strategic planning and innovation:

Step 1: Define the Subject

• Objective: Start by clearly stating the subject or challenge you are addressing.

• Action: Write a brief, focused description of the challenge or opportunity you want to explore. This will be the central theme that drives the entire exercise.

Step 2: Assess the Now

• Objective: Evaluate the current state of the situation.

• Action: Gather data on the present situation, technology, trends, and the stakeholders involved. Clearly define where things stand today to provide context for your exploration of the future.

Credit: The Design Thinking Toolbox

Step 3: Reflect on the Past

• Objective: Link related events from the past to the present.

• Action: Identify key events, trends, or shifts that have led to the current situation. These could include technological advances, market changes, or societal shifts. Use these reflections to understand how the present was shaped and how it might influence the future.

Step 4: Envision the Future

• Objective: Explore different future possibilities, from plausible to absurd.

• Action: Brainstorm potential future scenarios. Consider what the future might look like if certain trends continue, or if groundbreaking innovations or changes take place. Write down all findings, whether they seem realistic or not—this is about exploring possibilities.

Step 5: Future Perspectives

• Objective: Create different visions for the future.

• Action: Give each of the potential futures a name and describe the scenario in more detail. Examples might include "Technological Utopia" or "Resource Scarcity Crisis." Each future perspective should reflect a different set of assumptions and outcomes based on your exploration.

Step 6: Retropolating the Path Backwards

• Objective: Work backwards from the chosen future scenario to determine the steps needed to reach it.

• Action: After choosing a desirable or plausible future, think backwards to the present. What key milestones or steps need to happen for this future to become a reality? Identify the opportunities, actions, and resources required.

Step 7: Next Steps and Action Plan

• Objective: Define immediate actions based on the retroplation.

• Action: Break down the steps required to move from the present towards the desired future. This might include actions to start today, short-term goals, and medium-term strategies. Assign responsibilities and timelines to ensure progress towards the future scenario.

Key Tips for Using the Vision Cone

• Collaboration is Essential: Ensure the entire team participates in the exercise, bringing diverse perspectives to the future scenarios.

• Be Open to Absurd Futures: Consider even the most outlandish future possibilities, as they may uncover unexpected insights or opportunities.

• Iteration is Key: The Vision Cone should be revisited and updated as new information becomes available or as the project progresses.

• Use Tools: For a more interactive experience, tools like Miro or Mural can be used to digitally map your Vision Cone and collaborate in real-time.

Example of the Vision Cone in Action

Subject: Improving Remote Work Collaboration Tools

• Now: Current tools are fragmented, causing inefficiencies for teams working remotely.

• Past: Over the last five years, remote work has increased due to global events and technological advancements, but the tools have not evolved to support seamless, integrated workflows.

• Future: Imagine a future where AI-driven collaboration platforms streamline communication, automatically schedule meetings, and integrate seamlessly across all devices and time zones.

• Perspective: "AI-Powered Collaboration" – A future where remote teams are more productive than ever due to automated assistance and predictive tools.

• Retropolation: To reach this future, companies must invest in AI integration, cross-platform compatibility, and user-centric design.

• Next Steps: Develop partnerships with AI developers, begin pilot testing with select remote teams, and gather user feedback for improvements.

By following this step-by-step guide, innovators can use the Vision Cone to plan for the future and create actionable strategies that align with their goals and vision.

Reach out for more at innovation@growthinnovationstrategy.com.