As New Zealand seeks to redevelop and rebuild the city of Christchurch in the wake of the February 22, 2011 earthquake and continuing aftershocks, some of the decisions made today will shape the city well into the future. But how do residents know what will be needed 20 or 30 years from now?
In the present, people often forget that you can't even imagine what could happen in the future—in 1981, hardly anyone would have guessed that the Internet would be central to how Christchurch does business and keeps in touch. With so much change and uncertainty happening so quickly, how can Christchurch make sure what is put in place now continues to make Christchurch attractive—a magnet—for the future.
Magnetic South: a Foresight Engine engagement
Magnetic South is using IFTF's Foresight Engine, an online discussion game designed to help people explore the future together. Whether you have five minutes or five hours, you can help explore what the future will be like, and help create the future of Christchurch. Draw on the collected knowledge and creativity of everyone playing to spotlight unexpected challenges, and help reveal new solutions to keep Christchurch vibrant and thriving in the next few decades.
Foresight Engine drives engaged forecasting. It creates a fast flow of micro-forecasts from hundreds or thousands of participants in just a day or two. It’s all about innovative ideas and focused insights—and ultimately the power of social wisdom.
At the start of an engagement, forecasters from around the world get a quick video briefing on a future scenario. Then they play cards: Twitter-length forecasts (140 characters or less) that represent their best thinking. They can start a chain of cards or they can build on cards that others play. It’s just what you’d expect from a Foresight Engine: rapid conversion of potential energy into ideas that can drive decisions.
When will Magnetic South take place?
Start: 2pm Thursday, June 23 Pacific / 9am Friday, June 24 NZ
End: 5pm Friday, June 24 Pacific / 12pm Saturday, June 25 NZ
Location: foresight.magneticsouth.net.nz
