Future Trends Projects Competition 2015 IS Briefing Daniel Siew

When you hear the phrase “Future Trends”, who/what comes to mind?

Predictions about the future are always heavily researched on. This involves research on past practices, an examination of current progress (e.g. economic progress, technological progress, cultural changes), and a bold but measured projection in the future based on trends. Hence, Future Trends is about imagination PLUS research. It is not limited to technological trends. It can be related to economic trends, geographical trends, sociological trends etc.

Working Principles of Cat 11: Future Trends While divergent thinking is highly encouraged, students must also be able to take on an evaluative function, hence a balance between originality and research is advocated. Focus on both process (documented research) + product (creatively-applied research).

6-Step Future Trends Process 1 Identify 10 Potential Problems 2 Identify Fundamental Problem 3 Identify 10 Potential Solutions 4 Select Best Solution 5 Design Action Plan 6 Evaluate Action Plan

Projects Competition Prelims Requirements for Students Students have been presented with a scenario set in the future Complete Steps 1 – 2, with research, in online portfolio. Presentation: Present Steps 1 – 2: Present 5 most significant potential problems substantiated with current and future trend research. Present Fundamental Problem and rationale. 6-Step Future Trends Process 1 Identify Potential Problems 2 Identify Fundamental Problem 3 Identify Potential Solutions 4 Select Best Solution 5 Design Action Plan 6 Evaluate Action Plan

Projects Competition Semis Requirements for Students Update Steps 3 – 4, with research, in online portfolio. Presentation: Present Steps 3 – 4: Present 5 most significant solutions (Step 3), each substantiated with research on current as well as future trends Explain decision-making process (Step 4), including list of criteria to evaluate solutions as well as ranking of potential solutions in a decision matrix. 6-Step Future Trends Process 1 Identify Potential Problems 2 Identify Fundamental Problem 3 Identify Potential Solutions 4 Select Best Solution 5 Design Action Plan 6 Evaluate Action Plan

Projects Competition Finals Requirements for Students Update Steps 5 – 6 and complete online portfolio Evaluate feasibility and effectiveness of action plan through research and/or expert validation. Presentation: Component 1: Creative skit that encapsulates the gist of action plan. Teams will also have to incorporate: An impromptu tagline A mystery object 6-Step Future Trends Process 1 Identify Potential Problems 2 Identify Fundamental Problem 3 Identify Potential Solutions 4 Select Best Solution 5 Design Action Plan 6 Evaluate Action Plan Component 2: Formal presentation that evaluates Action Plan.

Inspired by: FPS: Future Problem Solving (an internationally-recognised problem-solving programme) “The aim of Future Problem Solving is essentially to develop critical, creative and futuristic thinking skills. It challenges students to apply their imagination and thinking skills to some of the significant issues facing both the world of today, and the future, equipping them with the skills and vision needed to anticipate, comprehend and solve problems associated with these issues, helping them to have a positive impact in the society of the future.” – FPSP Australia But there are some differences between FPS and Future Trends, as you will find out for yourselves in the next month, and during the course of your project.

Training for students Sec 1 students will undergo mandatory foundational training on 3 Feb / 6 Feb (depending on grouping). These will teach you how to phrase your problems in Step 1 and Fundamental Problem in Step 2 to cope with Prelims Requirements. Another training session will be held on 2 Apr (Thu), which is a few days before Prelims on 6 Apr, to deal with final queries / insecurities. Training before Semis / Finals – To be arranged.

Some misconceptions of Cat 11 Future Trends 1. Since Cat 11 is meant for lower sec students, it must be easier. - You are not competing against others; you are competing against yourselves. That said, Cat 11 is built upon Future Problem Solving competition guidelines, so we do actively look out for potential talent. On the flipside, there really is a limit to the level of mediocrity we will tolerate too. 2. Since Cat 11 does not require me to develop a proposal (scenario is provided), it must be easier and well-suited for last-min work. - it is actually harder to be original when you work on the same scenario as everyone else. Judges look out for original ideas. 3. Since Cat 11 requires creativity, students can brainstorm on their own without consulting their mentors much. - Cat 11 requires you to be very precise with your language (based on Future Problem Solving competition guidelines). Because of this, you need even more mentoring, actually.

But as with all categories, you will be handsomely rewarded if the judges see evidence of creative, divergent thinking as well as discipline and commitment through your research and articulation of your ideas!

Seeking Mentorship Please only approach a mentor who has indicated an interest in Cat 11 as there is some specialist knowledge (on the part of both mentor and student) required for this category. Advice Approach your prospective mentors personally. Warning Do not spam us!

All the best! Further advice for prospective futurists: 1. Bookmark the Future Trends wiki page for constant reference (all crucial info is on there). 2. Always refer to the rubrics to know the requirements. 3. Check out the scenario on the Future Trends wiki (fresh out of the oven). You can’t embark on a Cat 11 project w/o analyzing the scenario. 4. Look at archives of Cat 11 projects (based on different scenarios). Contact Info Category Manager Daniel