In the not-so-distant future, people will take calculus in kindergarten, design their own clothes and cars on handhelds, and enthusiastically keep their culture and traditions alive whether they are on Earth, the Moon, or Mars. Future-ish: Context and Case Studies for Exploring the Science, Design, and Culture Shaping our Future invites readers to think about and plan for the future in a new, more robust, and more inclusive way and provides an introduction to the field of future studies.

Future-ish: Context and Case Studies for Exploring the Science, Design, and Culture Shaping our Future explores the author’s nonlinear and eclectic path to becoming an enthusiastic but also “reluctant” futurist, as well as sharing context, tools, and case studies that are valuable in the growing field of future studies. Chapter 1 provides the story behind the term “future-ish” and this book. Chapters 2 and 3 explore the landscape and tools of future studies, such as strategic foresight, design thinking, and alternative futures. Chapters 4 through 6 present real-world case studies on topics including astronomy, architecture, fashion, film, space travel, and sports that can be used by universities, businesses, nonprofits, agencies, and general readers to develop competency in exploring opportunities and challenges through a future-ish lens. Chapter 7 declares that “STEM is not enough” and that we need DACT andCHAT as well. Chapter 8 shares how anyone can become a ‘Citizen of the Next Century.’ Also included is an appendix that contains a list of future studies programs around the world. Lastly, a suggested reading list is provided that includes noteworthy books and articles from the science, design, and culture spheres. 

A distinctive aspect of Future-ish: Context and Case Studies for Exploring the Science, Design, and Culture Shaping our Future is the inclusion and emphasis on culture that is shaping the future and the value of ensuring that culture is part of shaping the future going forward. Science and design are certainly classic future-shaping fields, but it has become clear, as we start into the 21st century and begin thinking about the 22nd century, that culture must be part of the vision and planning for the future. For that reason, alternative futures, inclusive futures, preferred futures, and their related fields are emphasized as particularly important tools.