In the latest episode Chris introduces co-host, Debbie Mitchell, and guest Graham Norris, an Organisational Psychologist and Speaker. The focus of this episode is on HR professionals’ abilities to think strategically and long-term. The summary delves into various aptitudes necessary for navigating future HR challenges.

HR professionals need to confidently engage in strategic conversations about the future, thereby positioning themselves as drivers of change and innovation within their organisations. Listen now to learn how to cultivate a mindset that embraces uncertainty and anticipates change

Why does HR need to start thinking long-term?

Have you ever wondered how visualizing complex futures can help you take actions and decisions today? Fabien Girardin and Nicolas Nova, pioneers of the practice of Design Fiction, take us on a journey into it to explain what it is for and what comes beyond it.
This episode reveals what it means to create tangible expressions of potential futures while considering its complex relationship with technology, global trends, and societal implications.
They share real-world examples of scenario building and discuss how to operationalize future thinking in organizations through the use of co-creation, AI, and other tools.  

Fabien and Nicolas have spent decades guiding small and large organizations to envision and prepare for future scenarios. They are now working to expand the design fiction practice beyond its initial decades of practice. 
Their work has helped organizations move beyond abstract predictions by engaging with diegetic and relatable prototypes, creating thousands of tools for strategic reflection.
Taking the example of the “IKEA Catalog for the Future,” they highlight how everyday objects can become evocative representations that make future concepts more accessible. 
This episode will serve as a comprehensive guide to visualizing imagination, including insights into AI's potential role as a creative accelerator in building such prototypes.
Tune in to discover actionable methods to help you navigate the complexities of the future before it happens.

Discount Code for Listeners!

Fabien and Nicolas have been kind enough to offer all our listeners a 20% Discount for the Manual of Design Fiction Book (Paperback Edition): 
Discount Code: BOUND-7BDS4

Link to the book page: https://www.girardinnova.com/the-manual-of-design-fiction/ 

Link to the shop with discount: https://books.girardinnova.com/discount/BOUND-7BDS4?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fthe-manual-of-design-fiction

Disclaimer: this is not an affiliate link, Boundaryless doesn’t monetize your book purchase.

Key Highlights

👉 Design Fiction shifts future thinking from abstract complexities to tangible prototypes, making it easier for organizations to grasp the potential impact of future scenarios.
👉 Using mundane, everyday objects is important to bring complex technological and societal changes to life while making it more relatable.
👉 Building a "Design Fiction muscle" involves integrating future thinking as a regular practice within organizations rather than relying on occasional workshops.
👉 AI is transforming future prototyping by accelerating the process and providing a larger perspective for creative explorations.
👉 To stay ahead of disruption through continuous improvement, it’s important for organizations also to involve diverse perspectives.
👉 Design Fiction can go beyond product and service prototypes to also reimagine organizations themselves. 

Topics /chapters

(00:00)	Quote
(00:53) Guest Introduction
(02:48)	 Introduction to Design Fiction
(06:43)	 Changes of Design Fiction over the decades
(11:28)	Methods in deploying Design Fiction
(16:07)	Being “Diagetic”
(18:58)	Use Cases, Competitive Advantage, and Motivations for Design Fiction
(21:34)	Operationalizing Design Fiction Capabilities
(27:36)	 What’s the hard part in adopting Design Fiction
(31:27)	 AI in Design Fiction
(37:41)	 The Implications of Design Fiction
(42:26)	 Future of Design Fiction
(45:32)	 Breadcrumbs and Suggestions

Remember that you can always find transcripts and key highlights of the episode on our website: https://www.boundaryless.io/podcast/Girardin-Nova

Episode recorded on Oct 01, 2024

Get in touch with Boundaryless:

Find out more about the show and the research at Boundaryless at https://boundaryless.io/resources/podcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/boundaryless_
Website: https://boundaryless.io/contacts
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boundaryless-pdt-3eo

Music
Music from Liosound / Walter Mobilio. Find his portfolio here: https://blss.io/Podcast-Music

The Boundaryless Conversation Podcast: Season 6

#107 - Understanding Design Fiction with Fabien Girardin and Nicolas Nova

🏡 Why are children playing less freely than ever before? Over the past few decades, fears, urban planning, and modern lifestyles have reshaped childhood—keeping kids indoors and reducing opportunities for independent play.

In this episode, Jono Baggaley and Dr. Elly Hanson sit down with Tim Gill, a leading expert on play and childhood, to discuss how we got here and why it matters. We explore the impact of restricted play on child development, mental health, and creativity—and what can be done to reclaim space for free, adventurous play.

🎧 Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of childhood.

#childhood #play #education #urbanplanning #parenting #riskandplay #freerangekids #mentalhealth #fullyhumanpodcast

From free play to play-free: childhood in the shadow of the home

🌍 The climate crisis is here. How do we cope—and act?

As young people grapple with eco-anxiety, fear, and frustration, we explore how to respond constructively. In this episode, Dr. Elly Hanson speaks with climate activist and Force of Nature founder Clover Hogan about the emotional and societal barriers to effective action.

We discuss how to move beyond doom, reclaim agency, and cultivate resilience in the face of environmental uncertainty. This conversation is essential listening for those supporting young people through the climate crisis.

🌱 What if we could turn anxiety into action? Tune in to find out.

#climatecrisis #ecoanxiety #youthactivism #sustainability #resilience #mentalhealth #environmentaljustice #postdoom #fullyhumanpodcast

Facing the storm: a post doom response to the climate crisis

In The Uncertainty Principle, Thomas Koulopoulos explores one of the most defining forces of our time—uncertainty. Drawing from history, economics, psychology, and personal insights, Koulopoulos reframes uncertainty not as a threat, but as a catalyst for innovation, resilience, and transformation.

From conversations with Peter Drucker to lessons drawn from military strategy, quantum mechanics, and global economic shifts, this book delivers a compelling argument: those who learn to embrace and leverage uncertainty will shape the future. Koulopoulos offers practical strategies for individuals and organizations to navigate uncertain times with confidence, turning unpredictability into a competitive advantage.

Engaging, thought-provoking, and rich with real-world applications, The Uncertainty Principle is an essential listen for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to thrive in an unpredictable world.

The Uncertainty Principle

Tomorrow is the Question is the podcast from Fully Human — bringing fresh perspectives on technology, childhood and the future of education.

Boundaryless helps global customers with Business Strategy and Organization Design for the age of Ecosystems.
We do it by creating openly accessible frameworks and by supporting a community of organizations, institutions, and individuals through workshops, training, and consulting services. 

In this space we host all our audio recordings, including the Boundaryless Conversations podcast, a show focused on exploring the future of large scale organising by leveraging on technology, network effects and shaping narratives. We explore how platforms can help us play with a world in turmoil, change, and transformation: a world that is at the same time more interconnected and interdependent than ever but also more conflictual and rivalrous. 

We used to be online at platformdesigntoolkit.com... now find us on our new website: www.boundaryless.io!

Email: hello@boundaryless.io

Are you an HR leader grappling with the complexities of HR tech, transformation, or change management? Then, listen to the People Agenda podcast (previously the HR on the Offensive podcast) for cutting-edge insights, actionable strategies, and real-world success stories to tackle your biggest HR challenges.

In each episode, we dive into the latest trends, expert advice, and practical solutions to help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving workplace.

Whether you're looking to drive adoption of new technology, lead organisational change, or simply optimise your HR strategy, you'll leave every episode with fresh perspectives and tools to take your initiatives to the next level.

Subscribe now and join us on the journey to reshape the future of HR

New tracks tagged #FutureThinking