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Rethinking the 2×2 scenario method: Grid or frames?

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  • Ramirez, Rafael
  • Wilkinson, Angela

Abstract

Is a well-accepted method widely used by practitioners unproblematic? In this study, we suggest that this is not the case. The 2×2 matrix approach has been stated by researchers to be the ‘standard’ approach in scenario planning. However, as we show in this paper, interpretations of this method vary significantly, even within the same ‘scenario school’—in this case, the intuitive logics—plausibility-based scenario tradition. We explore both the highly attractive apparent simplicity of the method and its more problematic aspects by contrasting two distinct interpretations used by scenario planners. We articulate the advantages and drawbacks of the 2×2 matrix method according to these two different interpretations. The paper makes two contributions. First, in rendering methodological conundrums explicit, it clarifies choices scenario planners can now explicitly make when choosing a scenario building method. Second, by clarifying the choices that the method offers, we contribute to make it more rigorous, debunking some of the purported ease it advertises for the unwary.

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  • Ramirez, Rafael & Wilkinson, Angela, 2014. "Rethinking the 2×2 scenario method: Grid or frames?," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 254-264.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:86:y:2014:i:c:p:254-264
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2013.10.020
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Geels, Frank W., 2002. "Technological transitions as evolutionary reconfiguration processes: a multi-level perspective and a case-study," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 31(8-9), pages 1257-1274, December.
    2. Wilkinson, Angela & Kupers, Roland & Mangalagiu, Diana, 2013. "How plausibility-based scenario practices are grappling with complexity to appreciate and address 21st century challenges," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 80(4), pages 699-710.
    3. Fabrice Roubelat, 2006. "Scenarios to challenge strategic paradigms: Lessons from 2025," Post-Print hal-02148887, HAL.
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    Cited by:

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    4. Ramirez, R. & Bhatti, Y. & Tapinos, E., 2020. "Exploring how experience and learning curves decrease the time invested in scenario planning interventions," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
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    6. Carlos E. Barbosa & Yuri Lima & Matheus Emerick & Fabio Ferman & Fernanda C. Ribeiro & Jano Moreira de Souza, 2023. "Supporting distributed and integrated execution of future‐oriented technology analysis," Futures & Foresight Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 5(1), March.
    7. Derbyshire, James & Wright, George, 2017. "Augmenting the intuitive logics scenario planning method for a more comprehensive analysis of causation," International Journal of Forecasting, Elsevier, vol. 33(1), pages 254-266.
    8. Habicher, Daria & Windegger, Felix & von der Gracht, Heiko A. & Pechlaner, Harald, 2022. "Beyond the COVID-19 crisis: A research note on post-pandemic scenarios for South Tyrol 2030+," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 180(C).
    9. Crawford, Megan M., 2019. "A comprehensive scenario intervention typology," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 149(C).
    10. Bauwens, Thomas & Hekkert, Marko & Kirchherr, Julian, 2020. "Circular futures: What Will They Look Like?," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 175(C).
    11. MacKay, R. Bradley & Stoyanova, Veselina, 2017. "Scenario planning with a sociological eye: Augmenting the intuitive logics approach to understanding the Future of Scotland and the UK," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 124(C), pages 88-100.
    12. Bourgeois, Robin & Penunia, Esther & Bisht, Sonali & Boruk, Don, 2017. "Foresight for all: Co-elaborative scenario building and empowerment," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 124(C), pages 178-188.
    13. Matthew J. Spaniol & Nicholas J. Rowland, 2019. "Defining scenario," Futures & Foresight Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 1(1), March.
    14. Frith, David & Tapinos, Efstathios, 2020. "Opening the ‘black box’ of scenario planning through realist synthesis," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    15. Matt Sinclair & Leila Sheldrick & Mariale Moreno & Emma Dewberry, 2018. "Consumer Intervention Mapping—A Tool for Designing Future Product Strategies within Circular Product Service Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-21, June.
    16. Schulhof, Vera & van Vuuren, Detlef & Kirchherr, Julian, 2022. "The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): What Will it Look Like in the Future?," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 175(C).
    17. Camille Jahel & Robin Bourgeois & Denis Pesche & Marie de Lattre‐Gasquet & Etienne Delay, 2021. "Has the COVID‐19 crisis changed our relationship to the future?," Futures & Foresight Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 3(2), June.
    18. Hussain, M. & Tapinos, E. & Knight, L., 2017. "Scenario-driven roadmapping for technology foresight," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 124(C), pages 160-177.
    19. Seeve, Teemu & Vilkkumaa, Eeva, 2022. "Identifying and visualizing a diverse set of plausible scenarios for strategic planning," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 298(2), pages 596-610.

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