Foresight Assisted Design (FAD)
FAD (Futures Assisted Design) is a framework and toolkit developed by Romano Theunissen that combines Design Thinking with Strategic Foresight. It’s a deeply iterative approach to understanding problems, brainstorming solutions, and testing those solutions, not just for what we can understand today, but for what we can imagine tomorrow.
The Phases
FAD takes the form of 4 sequential phases that sees participants develop an understanding of the past, present and emerging trends in phase 1 to exploring and deepening alternative futures in phase 2 through to anticipatory testing, strategy development, and monitoring and evaluation plans in phases 3 and 4.
Each phase is made up of different stages where participants use tools and methods from design thinking, strategic foresight, Change Management, and Strategic Management.
On Iteration
In each phase, participants build prototypes. This early prototyping encourages participants to engage with their assumptions. As new information is uncovered in each phase, participants are compelled to question their assumptions and iterate in a controlled and safe environment. By creating controlled environments for iteration, it allows participants to go beyond simply using design and foresight tools and methods for innovation. Instead, FAD creates opportunities to question assumptions and ideas. In short, FAD embeds iteration and the challenging of assumptions not only as a method of improving ideas but as a guiding philosophy.
Learn More
Romano created FAD in his capacity as Director of Research and Innovation at InsightPact.