Research, Foresight & Facilitation for an international futurists gathering

[y]our2040 (Switzerland)

Content creation, on-site field research and facilitation for an event gathering 120 people in the Swiss Alps

Scope: 120 international participants | 30 people interviewed | 3 days field research | 3 days facilitating for the conference in June 2024

Objectives • Ground the event content in lived experiences and local realities • Introduce life-centered design to structure foresight exploration • Ensure meaningful engagement through co-created tools and narratives

My Role • Designed the research methodology and led a team of 3 field researchers • Conducted 30+ in-depth interviews across diverse communities • Integrated life-centered design principles into the event structure • Created the participant personae and co-designed the event interaction tools (e.g. personae cards, field guide, etc.) • Co-led the 4-day facilitation and participant onboarding in the Swiss Alps

Approach

1. Field Research – Interviews and place-based immersion across 12 key locations
2. Design Strategy – Translation of insights into life-centered frameworks and foresight themes
3. Tool Creation – Personae and card-based tools used by participants during the gathering
4. Facilitation – Co-leading group work, guiding reflection sessions, and welcoming participants

Key Figures • 120 international participants from 63 cities, 20 countries, speaking 25+ languages • 1500 hours invested in content creation for the annual process • 30 in-depth interviews across 12 key locations • 16 personae (human, built, and natural) used in future scenario co-creation • 3 climate futures explored: +1.5°C, +2.5°C, +3.5°C • 126 guests, 92 hours of shared experience over 4 days

Outcomes • Life-centered design fully embedded in the event format and tools • Tools co-designed for use during participant workshops • Strong engagement and feedback from participants and organizers • Community building within international and locals actors