Stretching our thinking
Module 4
Horizon scanning is a future-focused research method. It works by surprising us with the unexpected and inspiring us to imagine new possibilities for practices and contexts.
Horizon scanning isn’t about finding any one model to copy. It involves looking across the qualities and features of a number of examples in different sectors, countries and contexts to consider how any desirable aspects might work in our context, for our goals and ambitions.
The output of a horizon scan is often a set of case studies which provide information about the context of the example, the problem or opportunity they set out to address, and the innovative way they went about addressing it. They can be used by leaders in the process of creating a mandate for change and raising the level of ambition for what’s possible. They can also be used as an input to the ideation process, giving people fresh new ideas for how to approach sticky, long-standing challenges.
A great horizon scan…
Is clearly innovative, showing a new perspective on a challenge or solution to that challenge through seeking out leading edge ideas and practices, often from other sectors and diverse geographical contexts.
Demonstrates better outcomes - for users, service providers and other stakeholders
Outlines a set of key principles or insights that frame or shape the service or product, which may then inform your own direction and design.
To give you an experience of horizon scanning we’ve created two short exercises for you to try out.
Exercise 1
This exercise is ideally done in pairs. While it would be great if you can connect with a colleague to try this out (face to face or over a video chat platform), we know that isn’t always possible.
Instead you could ask a family member or friend if they would like to join you - they don’t require any pre-existing knowledge, just a willingness to have a go.
Read through the two horizon scan examples below. Once you’ve read them, reflect and make a note of the following:
What is striking about each example?
What is each one doing differently to the status quo?
What could you take from this example and apply to your context?
Share your thinking with a colleague, or use #LearningFirstBDA to share on Twitter!
SUGGESTED TIME:
15 minutes for exercise 1, and up to an hour for exercise 2LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:
MediumMATERIALS NEEDED:
NonePARTICIPANTS:
You will benefit from having a partner exercise, but it can be done by yourself too
Mini Horizon Scan
Exercise 2
Horizon scanning is all about finding inspiration in different, new and unexpected places. Here, use what you understand about horizon scanning so far to have a go at creating one.
Step 1:
Establish one horizon scan question or theme for you to explore - something you are passionate about learning more about or changing is ideal, as you will be naturally curious about it. This might be…
Different staff training models;
Making the welcome experience of school more meaningful and unique;
New ways of connecting with the community of local businesses;
Learning experiences for students with additional learning needs.
Step 2:
Once you’ve chosen a theme, have a go at finding one example you’re familiar with within this theme, and source a new example, preferably one that is from a different country to your first.
When doing a horizon scan we always try to move beyond our local area and country to find the examples that exist in other contexts. Looking at different contexts challenges us to expand our sense of possibility moving beyond how things have always been done.
If you aren’t sure about how to find a new example, we have suggested some tried and tested methods below!
Step 3:
When you find an interesting example, write it and your existing example up using this case study template. You can download this as a powerpoint file and type straight into it. The template gives you a description of what you can include in each section as guidance, but you can also revisit the example case studies above (Te Kura and High Tech High) for further inspiration for how the case study should sound and feel.
Step 4:
Share your case study with a colleague, or share your work on Twitter for feedback using #LearningFirstBDA - we would love to see what you have discovered!
Search methods you can try
Type in your challenge and the name of a country you’re interested to explore. Try adding words such as innovation”, “outcomes”, “impact”.
Influencers or experts
Search social media, such as Twitter, for influencers and experts from different countries and see what they post about.
Local news
Search for stories on the country’s major news sites e.g. the NYTimes for the US, the Guardian in the UK, Times of India, China Daily, Daily Nation in Kenya.