Forecasting the future; at least best guessing the future.

Science Fiction has an amazing track record of predicting future technology. H.G. Wells famously predicted submarines, airplanes, and even parachutes. Naturally, he got other things wrong, but then nobody is perfect. Wells wasn't the only fiction writer to make predictions though, and I find it remarkable how often writers have gotten it right.

There is a technique called "extrapolation," where you take something that you know and guess at the future. The technique is especially valuable in business, where they make educated guesses about future business, but is also used by writers to invent future stuff. Of course, it isn't restricted to technology and business, and can work well for cultures and whatever else you want to play with. I enjoy taking ideas for whole worlds and extrapolating out what sorts of creatures would make the place their home, and what sort of ecosystem would surround them. It's a neat mental exercise, and I think improves the imagination.

When I was a kid, there was all sorts of talk about 21st century technology. In DisneyWorld's Epcot Center there was (and probably still is) a large display of future tech. Sadly, most of it hasn't come true, though some has (like wireless technology). I'm still waiting on those incredible flying cars though. It'll be interesting to see how accurate our guesses were in 20 years.

- M