PwC Consulting LLC’s Future Design Lab offers advisory services to government agencies, educational and research institutions and businesses with the goal of envisioning and actualising groundbreaking, ambitious futures. As an interdisciplinary team of strategists, designers and technologists, we aspire to become a driving force for transformative innovation and positive social impact.
Together towards a desirable future
The world is now at a turning point, as existing paradigms like capitalism and consumer society are reaching their limits. What new social structures will emerge from today’s changing demographics and cultural norms? How will technology impact the economy, job market, healthcare, education and other services? How can corporations balance profitability with social and environmental responsibility? How will individuals adapt to changes in turbulent times?
As the world faces increasingly complex and interrelated changes, it has become increasingly clear that no organisation can provide answers to these questions alone. At the Future Design Lab, we aim to foster collaborative efforts across industries, sectors and geographical boundaries by developing shared visions and leading the co-creation of desirable futures. Harnessing the powerful synergy of collective imagination, strategic foresight and transformational strategy, we help organisations anticipate a wide array of potential futures while also discovering unforeseeable opportunities. More importantly, we are committed to working together to motivate people, develop strength and resilience and build a movement towards a better future.
Bridging the gap between imagination and execution
At the Future Design Lab, we are committed to forging strong partnerships with our clients. By collaborating through the process of envisioning, strategising and implementing transformative change, our holistic approach enables us not only to envision any number of futures but also to transform ambitious visions into viable business opportunities and tangible realities.
Stretch the imaginable
In a world where sudden game-changing events can occur at any time, it is crucial to envision futures through bold speculation of possible changes, rather than relying on a linear projection of the future based on past experiences. We provide space and tools for future leaders to overcome the limits of rationality and present biases, unleashing the power of their imagination.
Unfold the desirable
Combining human-centred design and strategic foresight methods, we empathise with the evolving needs of future generations, gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between different factors that shape the future, and build a shared vision of a better future which we are commited to bring to life by working together.
Measure the actionable
To transform the ambiguities of the future into business opportunities with endurable strategies and actionable plans, we analyse and assess the level of uncertainty and the potential impact of each future scenario, tailoring a future-proof portfolio of initiatives that help our clients to secure long-term success.
Envision tomorrow; act today
Through our four-step ‘speculative future design’ process, we embark on a journey to the future, bringing back compelling visions and deep insights that inspire meaningful actions.
Stage the future
First, we develop a detailed understanding of the macro-trends that are likely to shape the future through horizon scanning and trend analysis. Then, we use this information to create vivid and compelling scenarios of what the world of the future might be like. This process sets the immersive stage for the subsequent phases where we explore the potential opportunities and challenges that the future may hold.
Engage the future
We explore, experiment and communicate visions of potential futures through storytelling and prototyping. By sharing tangible representations of the future, we engage the imagination of our stakeholders and audiences, evoke emotions, generate insights, gather feedback and inspire actions.
Lead the future
We transform visions into strategic agendas by identifying gaps between the future the client desires and the current state and establishing the necessary steps to bridge those gaps. We create a proactive roadmap that helps transform our clients’ organisaitons and lead their industries into the future.
Shape the future
We convert transformational strategies into actionable plans that both align with the client’s vision of a desirable future and suit their organisatoinal culture and capabilities. By leveraging the capabilities of the PwC global network, we provide a wide range of customised services to help our clients shape a future-ready organisation.
Our services
- Long-term strategy consulting
Development of ambitious yet achievable long-term strategic plans combining future design and forecasting-based approaches - Business development
Business development aimed at achieving a desirable future through future-integrating backcasting and agile methods - R&D strategy consulting
R&D strategy planning consulting that utilises backcasting methods and AI
- Inorganic growth consulting
Growth strategy planning consulting incorporating medium- to long-term expansion of specific areas through M&A, joint ventures and partnerships - Policy design
Design of policy proposals to help our clients achieve their business and research goals through backcasting - Organisational design
Organisational design and human capital development to enable unprecedented game-changing opportunities
Our team
Our interdisciplinary team of designers, strategists and technologists works collaboratively to enable a seamless process of envisioning, strategising and implementing the future.
Future designer
Future designers navigate ambiguity, generate original ideas and make those ideas tangible and engaging. By blending imagination, empathy and a collaborative mindset, future designers foster an innovation culture that paves the way for breakthroughs.
Future strategist
Future strategists assess the complex and dynamic landscape of the future, anticipate emerging challenges and opportunities, and develop comprehensive strategic plans that are aligned with each organisation’s vision.
Future technologist
Future technologists identify cutting-edge technologies, evaluate their potential impact and translate technical concepts into tangible solutions. Our technologists work collaboratively with our designers and strategists to ensure that innovative use of technology is integrated into the overall vision and strategy for the future.
Partner, PwC Consulting LLC
