3.2.3 Writing Process and Timeframe

What to write and how

• Scenarios can take different forms, there is no fixed format.
  Typically they resemble a story or an essay.
• The important thing here is to adapt the writing to the target group, stakeholders and all those that will use the scenarios!
• Who should the scenario convince? Will it be used often and must be easy to grasp, or will it be used sparingly and can be longer? Would a short summary be helpful? 
• Sometimes it’s a good idea to get creative;
  “1 day in the life of a future user”, a press release from 2053 that tells the company’s anniversary story, photos and images that visualize the future.

Creativity can help!

Timeframe setting

Finding the right time frame for future scenario writing is crucial for several reasons

1. Relevance:
   The selected timeframe should align with the decision-making horizon of the stakeholders involved. If the time frame is too short, the scenarios may not capture significant long-term trends or changes. Conversely, if it’s too long, the scenarios may become overly speculative and less actionable. We recommend somewhere between 15 and 40 years. 
2. Strategic Alignment:
   Aligning the timeframe with strategic objectives ensures that the scenarios provide actionable insights for guiding long-term planning and decision-making processes effectively.
3. Resource Optimization:
   Selecting an appropriate time frame allows you and your organization to allocate resources efficiently, focusing efforts on areas that are most pertinent to their long-term objectives while avoiding unnecessary investment in speculative or distant future scenarios.

In summary, finding the right time frame for future scenario writing ensures that the scenarios are relevant, accurate, and useful for strategic planning and decision-making processes.