by Andreas Ligtvoet & Emile J. L. Chappin
ABSTRACT
In our energy-restricted world, planners and engineers have to cope with problems of CO2 emissions and oil- and gas-shortages. Many planning activities not captured under the heading of “futures studies” share common goals like dealing with an uncertain, complex future. We focus on two novel approaches: agent-based modelling and serious games. These approaches, even though they stem from the same general systems theory roots, allow its users to experience “reality” in different ways. This has implications for when and how to use these methods in scanning future developments and how these are communicated.