Presentation on the use of Backcasting as a strategic discovery process tool for information architects. Presented by Matthew Milan and Sam Ladner at the 2007 IA Summit in Las Vegas

1. Backcasting “ or how I learned to stop predicting and help my clients “ IA Summit 2007 Las Vegas Matthew Milan Critical Mass Sam Ladner York University

3. Turbulent Environments “ Take me to the river… “

4. Turbulent Environments

5. Strategy is Turbulent How do you navigate a turbulent environment?

6. Every River Needs a Guide You are your client’s guide

7. Backcasting is a Navigational Tool It helps you to create plans for changing environments

8. There’s more then one path But you don’t always know the right path beforehand

9. Scouting Ahead Not “ how DO we get here ”, but “ how DID we get here ”

10. Backcasting Background “ A recipe for people who hate to predict “

13. Why do backcasting? Good strategy lets you see the entire landscape

15. Backcasting as Information Architecture “ The Strategic Design of Shared Information Environments “

23. A Discovery Process in Your Pocket “ Stop Predicting and Start Helping “

27. Mapping OmniBank Strategy Focus on the map, not political agendas

28. Capture Everything … including insights about your clients

29. Elicit Problems and Solutions Ask hard questions and you’ll get solutions

30. Deep Dive on Indicators Robust indicators of success mean robust success

31. Identify Immediate Actions 30, 60 and 90-day action plans move projects forward

32. Take Me To The River