STEEP/Trends

For this module we had to use the STEEP analysis (social, technical, economical, environmental and political) I had to pick a few trends that belong in these categories, and find out what these trends would mean and what kind of influence these trends would have on a certain area. 

In the presentation below you can see which trends i picked and what those trends mean and influence.

Impact diagram

This impact diagram was created based on the trends investigated around the STEEP analysis. By considering the factors associated with these trends, I assessed the certainty and magnitude of the impact. I also made my own estimate for the trend line and visualised this line next to the trends in the impact diagram. 

Flowchart.

During innovation and future visioning, we were tasked with envisioning a particular scenario, selecting two driving factors. My group (BLUB) and I chose the following driving forces: Financial market and Biodiversity. The scenario I had to imagine involved a declining biodiversity alongside a thriving financial market. Focusing on these driving forces, I created a mind map illustrating the potential impact of prioritizing these factors on an area like Hoogkerk. Feel free to review this mind map. 

Story telling.

2030: "I woke up at 7 in the morning, only to realize that today the construction workers are beginning the new project. In 2028, plans were made to develop a new housing area that expands Hoogkerk. I am a bit skeptical of this project, I was not pleased by the government's change in policy, disregarding the greenery surrounding Hoogkerk in favor of expansion. The newly finished train station added to my frustration; it seemed the entire focus was on expanding Hoogkerk without regard for the beautiful nature being sacrificed. It is nice to go by train except of using te car to go to Groningen"

2035: "Reflecting on my diary from 2030, it's clear that Hoogkerk has indeed transformed. With a growing population came increased demands for infrastructure, leading to the removal of more green spaces to accommodate the influx of cars. It is obvious that there is a rising demand for additional facilities like supermarkets and pubs".

2040: "Exactly one year ago, the construction of a new center in Hoogkerk changed the urban environment further. By repurposing two older streets near the Albert Heijn, a new open area with several stores emerged. One of these stores was still searching for new employees. I applied for the job, and guess.... i got it! I earn more money now, and do not have to worry anymore about basic needs".

2045: "It's been a year since the power outage. At that time it left me envious of the newer housing areas equipped with solar panels. Because of the new housing area's the grid became overloaded, causing disruptions that took days to fix. Fortunately, investments were made to upgrade the infrastructure, including the installation of backup systems to prevent future outages".

"As weather patterns worsen, the government prioritizes protective measures. A sturdy wall now shields parts of Hoogkerk from flooding, while air conditioning is provided for the elderly during the warmer summers. However, it's clear these solutions are temporary, and long-term strategies are needed".

2050: "I got a recent raise! Despite just paying off my solar panels, the space in Hoogkerk is dwindling due to continued population growth. Plans have been made to replace my old house with apartment buildings, alongside efforts to elevate the infrastructure to withstand heavy rainfall. I have got to leave Hoogkerk, this place is getting to expensive for me".

Feel free to look at the feedback i received from my group: 

Our vision

As a group (BLUB) we had to visualise and think about our vision on Hoogkerk in 2050, and think about the most positive scenario. Our driving forces: The financial market and Biodiversity. With these forces in mind we thought about how we think hoogkerk would look like in 2050 and how to get there. First we presented our own scenarios from our own quadrants, before we presented the perfect scenario. In the end we made a combination of the positive aspects of our individual scenarios. By combining these aspect we made a story line with indicators and changes that would have been made between now and 2050 to create the perfect scenario for Hoogkerk. If you are interested in our vision take a look at our presentation below.

Reflection peer feedback and personal development.

By first exploring all the possibilities surrounding trends and topics at the beginning of the module, you get a clear overall picture of the options available for the assignment in this module. This way, you discover all the possibilities you can investigate. Additionally, because there are so many trends to explore and so many combinations you can make with these trends.

During this module, my group (BLUB) and I chose the following two driving forces: biodiversity and the financial market. With these two driving forces, you can create different combinations by looking at, for example, good or bad biodiversity. I have focused on poor biodiversity and a good financial market. I have focused too much on my global view of the good financial market and poor biodiversity, which is why my perspective on this combination was not completely compatible with Hoogkerk. I should have focused more on the analysis of Hoogkerk in these two areas: its current state of biodiversity and its financial market. Based on these two results, I should have further developed my story/prediction to optimize it. I can take this into consideration for a similar future assignment.

Apart from this, by creating a narrative around these two driving factors, you still gain a better understanding. You become more aware of the impact this can have on different individuals, including both positive and negative effects. 

During this module, I have learned a lot. By not only doing a general analysis of an area but also focusing on specific trends/driving forces, you get a clearer picture of the area and conduct more targeted research. By looking not only at what is needed today for this area or region but also at what the future will bring what kind of impact these future changes will have on these trends/driving forces, you can create a plan that is future-proof. Although the research around these trends/driving forces has still been somewhat superficial, I have learned a new way of analyzing and future visioning.

Given feedback: