Introducing Mapping the Edges

—by Eileen Clegg

Why visual maps?

Information maps compress ideas and provide a literal landscape for emergent themes. They have been used by future-thinkers for decades as conceptual frameworks for scenario planning.

How do future maps work?

Experts in a content area are interviewed for initial maps on a subject, then those ideas are connected to current research and provocative links. This process is repeated several times until future trends emerge and a synthesis map captures the forecasts.

How does “Mapping the Edges” work on the web?

Experts can be interviewed virtually (e.g., telephone conference) while watching a visual capture of their ideas for the initial map. The map is then posted on the Web with interview audio and links to research. Then, others can add their input, ideas, links, blog comments and map suggestions toward the next iteration of the map. Every element is tagged so that the site can be navigated multiple ways. (MOTF is Web 2.0)

What is a “miki”?

“Miki” (map+wiki) is a term recently coined for group mapping. We now have technologies enabling people to work together on a visual tableau. So in addition to aggregating expert interviews, research and content, our “Mapping the Edges” site will have a place for people to collaborate on images.

What is the philosophical basis for Mapping the Edges?

Eileen Clegg was inspired to create “Mapping the Edges” through her collaboration with Dr. Douglas C. Engelbart (inventor of the computer mouse, creator of original personal computing demo in 1968, US Inventor of the Year 2000) Engelbart’s technology inventions were based on his idea that humanity could raise its collective IQ through technology-enabled collaborative tools showing future trends.

What will differentiate Mapping the Edges from other online portals?

Visual branding, future-oriented topics, quality of interviews, calibre of interviewees, journalistic credibility, “multi-multi”-media, building a track record for breaking ideas and accurate forecasts.

Current status

We have:

• A very early prototype (on “Personalization”) showing some of the possibilities for an initial map;
• Advisors for the project who are leading thinkers in future mapping methodology and Web 2.0;
• A team capable of expanding the Personalization Map toward a futures forecast, and ready to launch new topics, immediately.