Future telling

Predicting the future can be a matter of understanding current trends and then exploring their consequences and symptoms. Evaluate these symptoms and consequences in depth, almost like building branches of a tree. Each consequence or symptom should create a new branch. The trick is to consider what there is more or less of as a result. Keep in mind that no new trend is purely good or bad, so always find how a symptom leads to both increases and decreases, considering both perspectives. It will look something like this:

For example, on the topic of a universal minimum salary for everyone, one consequence could be that kids no longer have to drop out of school to support their families. As a result, the minimum education level could be higher, but the number of people entering trades might be lower, leading to a shortage in key areas of our society. This symptom can be explored further, leading to thoughts about opportunities to avoid, mitigate, or remove these negative consequences or to find other opportunities.

Any consequence or symptom can lead to new ideas, especially helping you discover new opportunities. You may find that, as a consequence, something is reduced (there is less of it), and you can think of a way to increase it or support that gap in the market. Maybe something increases, and as a result, a product will be needed to support it. Consider the opportunities you have spotted, add them to the board, and use the "star"⭐ label to highlight them. When done, write down your overall notes in the conclusion section.