Uncertainty can leave us feeling lost, or helpless. But what if it could become an ally?

This question is at the heart of a new insight-driven board game. “In times of uncertainty, those who grasp the impacts of technological change will shape the future,” say the team behind Impact, the game from Idea Couture, a strategic innovation and experience design firm.

In the game, each player takes on the role of a character, with his or her own set of ideal conditions for a prosperous future. “Impact” cards are played each round, signalling major technological changes or innovations which alter rates of growth in different domains, like medicine or energy. Players win by securing the conditions needed to ensure the prosperity of their roles for the future. Throughout the game, each player grapples with uncertainty about what changes will occur next, and how they will influence the future of their character.

Impact’s premise is simple, but powerful. How often do we think about the future in these terms? How often do we imagine ourselves living as characters, decades from now, with specific needs?

Games can be more than just diversions. They teach us about ways of interacting with others, and they can re-create larger trends in our culture. In the end, they help us see who we are, and who we want to be.

For now, we’re leaning into our uncertainty.

Uncertainty can leave us feeling lost, or helpless. But what if it could become an ally?

This question is at the heart of a new insight-driven board game. “In times of uncertainty, those who grasp the impacts of technological change will shape the future,” say the team behind Impact, the game from Idea Couture, a strategic innovation and experience design firm.

In the game, each player takes on the role of a character, with his or her own set of ideal conditions for a prosperous future. “Impact” cards are played each round, signalling major technological changes or innovations which alter rates of growth in different domains, like medicine or energy. Players win by securing the conditions needed to ensure the prosperity of their roles for the future. Throughout the game, each player grapples with uncertainty about what changes will occur next, and how they will influence the future of their character.

Impact’s premise is simple, but powerful. How often do we think about the future in these terms? How often do we imagine ourselves living as characters, decades from now, with specific needs?

Games can be more than just diversions. They teach us about ways of interacting with others, and they can re-create larger trends in our culture. In the end, they help us see who we are, and who we want to be.

For now, we’re leaning into our uncertainty.