Posted by The Ontario College of Art and Design has a Master’s Degree Program in Strategic Foresight. I happened upon it via the work of many of their graduates and the way in which they position this work online as a generous and brilliant act of public scholarship. This post is really a love letter – of admiration, respect and gratitude for not only the solid academic work they are doing but the way in which they communicate it and make it so accessible. THANK YOU OCAD. You are amazing. Always inspired by your efforts!!!
Here’s a little bit about the program. And more about OCAD in general – located in Toronto.
Here’s a terrific little video piece they did ABOUT foresight in general.
Here’s a few of the Masters’ Thesis that I’ve found terrific synergy with social work futures. These bring fresh thinking and perspectives to everyday issues. They are imagination unleashed…and extremely thought provoking! They “use the future” in powerful and intriguing ways. You are going to want to get a little something to drink and take off your shoes…cause you’re going to spend a little time on this…and you’ll be glad you did.
Barreda, R. (2020). Participatory design methods of the displaced. Master’s thesis. OCAD School of Design. Toronto, Ontario.
Bell, T. (2021). The ethical cyborg: The futures of transhumanism and inclusivity. Master’s thesis. OCAD School of Design. Toronto, Ontario.
Bisht, P. (2017). Decolonizing futures: Exploring storytelling as a tool for inclusion in foresight. Master’s thesis, OCAD School of Design. Toronto, Ontario.
Black, R. & Rebello, S. (2021). Toward sustainable futures: Using strategic foresight in the design of transformative sustainability. Master’s thesis. OCAD School of Design. Toronto, Ontario.
Calayo, J. & Siu, M. (2017) Foresight walks: An exploration into new forms of public engagement through experiential futures. Master’s thesis, OCAD School of Design. Toronto, Ontario.
Clarke, A. (2019). Grassroots futures: Identifying long-term sustainability opportunities with women’s/girls empowerment. Grassroots NGO’s in Ghana. Master’s thesis, OCAD School of Design. Toronto, Ontario.
Feriolo, K. (2019). We must write a better ending: Using strategic foresight in social movement organizing. Master’s thesis. OCAD School of Design. Toronto, Ontario.
Hladky. A. (2019). Teacherless: The futures of design education.Master’s thesis. OCAD School of Design. Toronto, Ontario.
Kwan, S. (2021). Feminist Visions of the Future of Women’s Work: A systemic exploration of the past, present, and future of women at work in Canada. Master’s thesis. OCAD School of Design. Toronto, Ontario.
Juarez, O. (2015). Improving community engagement through urban physical technological experiences. Master’s thesis. OCAD School of Design. Toronto, Ontario.
Matters, S. (2019). Strategic foresight in Métis Communities. Master’s thesis. OCAD School of Design. Toronto, Ontario.
Nicolussi, R. (2017). Bigger thinking for smaller enterprises: Co-creating a shared vision of the future for small and medium enterprises in Ontario. Master’s thesis. OCAD School of Design. Toronto, Ontario.
Signh, P. (2019). Inclusive and plural futures. Master’s thesis. OCAD School of Design. Toronto, Ontario.
Zaidi, L. (2017). Building brave new worlds: Science fiction and transition design. Master’s thesis. OCAD School of Design. Toronto, Ontario.
Social Work Futures 