Horizon scanning
Horizon scanning is the systematic search for early signals of change. Observations from media, research and everyday life are collected and sorted by connections, contradictions and emerging patterns. This brings developments to attention before they reach the mainstream. The results often feed into trend analyses or scenarios.
Igor Ansoff coined the term weak signals in 1975.
Guiding questions
- Which signal seems marginal today and could be central in five years?
- Where do two trends contradict each other?