A futures wheel is a structured brainstorming tool used in strategic foresight to explore the ripple effects of a particular change, innovation, or event. It was developed by futurist Jerome C. Glenn in the 1970s to help visualize and analyze the first-, second-, and third-order consequences of possible future developments.
At The Futures Wheel, we help organizations navigate uncertainty and complexity by mapping the ripple effects of emerging technologies, policy shifts, and strategic decisions. Using the structured foresight method known as the “futures wheel,” we work with leadership teams to visualize first-, second-, and third-order impacts of potential changes, whether that’s the integration of conversational AI, evolving customer expectations, or industry disruption. This approach brings clarity to otherwise abstract trends, enabling teams to see beyond immediate outcomes and anticipate longer-term implications across functions, markets, and stakeholders.
Our process transforms planning from a reactive exercise into a proactive strategy. Through facilitated workshops and customized visual tools, we foster systems thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and innovation. The result is a shared strategic understanding that aligns leadership, uncovers hidden risks and opportunities, and supports more resilient decision-making. By turning complex change into actionable foresight, Futures Wheel empowers organizations to shape the future rather than be shaped by it.