Future Technology Workshop (FTW) method¶
Research Method · All research methods
Evidence · 2 claims (1 for, 1 mixed) · 1 study (1 design),q2· 0 of 1 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study
Description¶
The Future Technology Workshop (FTW) is a structured participatory method in which participants with everyday knowledge of a domain envision and design interactions between current and future technology and activity. It organises this exploration as a four-box grid crossing current/future activity with current/future technology, and runs seven sessions: Imagineering, Modelling, Role-play, Retrofit, Everyday, Futurefit and Requirements. The aim is "to reach an informed understanding of how people might interact with technology in the future (box 4 in Table #2) by exploring the possibilities represented by all four boxes".
Accounts¶
- The Future Technology Workshop method for envisioning future technology-activity systems: The Future Technology Workshop (FTW) is a structured participatory method in which participants with everyday knowledge of a domain envision and design interactions between current and future technology and activity. It organises this exploration as a four-box grid crossing current/future activity with current/future technology, and runs seven sessions: Imagineering, Modelling, Role-play, Retrofit, Everyday, Futurefit and Requirements. The aim is "to reach an informed understanding of how people might interact with technology in the future (box 4 in Table #2) by exploring the possibilities represented by all four boxes". (Giasemi N. Vavoula et al. (2007))
Claims¶
- Starting the FTW process in the far future (Box 4) frees participants from present technological limitations [+M]
- Early FTW pilots produced only general non-functional requirements, prompting method modifications [~M]
Related Research Methods¶
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Key Sources¶
- Giasemi N. Vavoula and Mike Sharples. (2007). Future Technology Workshop: A Collaborative Method for the Design of New Learning Technologies and Activities. Pre-print, to appear in International Journal of Computer Supported Collaborative Learning, Volume 2, Issue 4, December 2007. https://www.ftw.org.uk
Page metadata
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
type |
research-method |
id |
future-technology-workshop-ftw-method |
title |
Future Technology Workshop (FTW) method |
description |
The Future Technology Workshop (FTW) is a structured participatory method in which participants with everyday knowledge of a domain envision and design interactions between current and future technology and activity. |
status |
review |
generated |
by process:settle-candidates on 2026-10-18 |
trust |
unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content |
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