Have you ever had an idea that you’re sure can be a success, but don’t quite know how to refine and flesh it out? An effective and creative way to process and develop your ideas is to write a future article describing the success of your idea – a kind of “future journalism” that puts you in a position where you are forced to think the idea through carefully.
What is a future article?
A future article is a fictional but realistic story about how your idea has succeeded and become part of people’s everyday lives. This method is based on the concept of “backcasting,” where you work from the future and go backwards to understand the steps that got you there. By thinking and writing as if your idea has already become a reality, you push yourself to:
- Clarify what makes your idea unique and interesting.
- Identify obstacles and how they were overcome.
- Understand how the product is used and valued by customers.
- See market strategies and competitive opportunities in a new light.
In the process, you may discover hidden problems, solutions, and even new opportunities you might otherwise have missed.
Step by step: How to create a future article about your idea
1. Imagine that the idea has succeeded
Imagine your idea as a finished product or service that has had a positive impact on the market.
2. Describe the core and benefits of the product
Start by clearly explaining what makes your idea unique and why it has been successful.
3. Focus on the customer perspective
What problems does your idea solve for the user, and how does it contribute to their everyday life?
4. Describe the journey there
Address how the idea developed, what challenges arose and how these were resolved along the way. This can help you understand what it takes to make the idea a reality.
5. End with future opportunities
How can the product be further developed? Are there expansions into new markets or new areas of use?
By formulating all this as a credible future article, you get a detailed picture of your idea and how it can turn into reality.
Example of a future article
“The coffee mug with built-in camera that changed working life”
Published: November 10, 2033
Author: Anders Andersson, Tech & Innovation Weekly
Title: SmartMug – The coffee mug that captures the moments as they happen
A few years ago, when the SmartMug was first launched, few thought that a coffee mug with a built-in camera would be a revolutionary product. But today, in 2033, the SmartMug has not only become an iconic tool in offices around the world; it has also changed the way we capture and share moments from our working day.
A coffee mug and camera in one – An ingenious combination
It sounds like a crazy idea, why combine a coffee mug with a camera? The answer, according to SmartMug’s founder, Beata Bertilsson, is simple: “The best ideas are often born at the coffee machine.” Right there, in the spontaneous conversations, insights, strategies and memories arise. The idea behind the SmartMug was to create a discreet and accessible way to document these precious moments, without interrupting the moment or creating an artificial atmosphere.
SmartMug as the office’s best friend
With its minimalist design, the SmartMug looks like an ordinary coffee mug, but with a subtle and high-quality camera built into the handle. At the press of a button, the camera captures a photo or short video, which is then sent directly to the user’s cloud-based work record. In this way, creative ideas, spontaneous comments and memorable meetings can be easily stored and reused in future projects.
Changed work habits and better collaboration
According to a study from Business Review, SmartMug has improved the work environment and collaboration at companies that introduced the product. By giving employees the opportunity to easily document their working days – from brainstorms to coffee breaks – SmartMug has contributed to a more open and engaged work climate. The employees feel more seen, and ideas that would otherwise have been forgotten can be taken up more easily.
Calle Carlsson, marketing director at a Swedish technology company that introduced SmartMug in the office, describes how her teams have become more creative and self-confident: “We have seen how employees become more spontaneous in their ideas, and they know that their efforts are actually documented and appreciated.”
Challenges along the way – but a success after all
The journey to bring SmartMug to market was not without obstacles. Privacy issues were a hot topic of debate, and the team behind SmartMug had to put a lot of work into ensuring that photos and videos were taken in a respectful and privacy-protecting manner. The solution was a feature where each photo must be approved before being saved, and a policy emphasizing that the SmartMug should only be used in creative environments where everyone understands its function.
A product with future potential
In the future, the SmartMug team sees their product being used in environments other than the office. For example, imagine the use at conferences or fairs, where participants can document and share highlights without asking or have to use their phones.
Closing words
With its unique design and function, SmartMug has done more than just combine a coffee mug with a camera. It has become a symbol of creativity, innovation and spontaneity in working life. SmartMug has shown that even a simple idea, like a coffee mug, can become something much bigger when combined with smart technology and an understanding of people’s need to create and share memorable moments.
The power of the article method to develop ideas
Writing a future article can be a simple but powerful tool for developing your ideas. By describing the idea as if it has already succeeded, you can see new opportunities, anticipate challenges and truly understand how your idea can be realized and appreciated.
