“…Decision-makers are more likely to sit up and listen if future threats, and the methods to combat them, are presented in a gripping story rather than in a plodding report.”
The Economist on Useful Fiction
Useful Fiction works at the intersection of strategic narrative, foresight and change management, helping organizations to identify and better tell their key “stories.”
Our work has been presented at the White House and the Nobel Institute, featured in media like The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, and Wired, and used by partners that range from NATO and US Special Operations Command to Fortune 100 corporations.
Who we serve
Having collaborated with organizations that range from the US military and Hollywood production companies to the world’s leading tech firms, we pioneered a new methodology to envision, innovate, and communicate. Known as Useful Fiction™ or FICINT™ (Fictional Intelligence), it melds nonfiction research with the power of narrative to reach target audiences with greater effect.
VISUALIZING STRATEGIES, RESEARCH, AND REPORTS
Organizations’ strategy papers and reports are transformed into narrative scenarios and visual art, designed to illuminate and communicate the key points and lessons, but in a form more likely to be read, shared, and remembered. Our team literally pioneered the concept, applying it in projects that range from authoring New York Times-best selling books and consulting on the video game that is the best-selling entertainment project in history. These can be assembled into a publication series or even anthology book.
CONFERENCE, WARGAME, AND EVENT VISUALIZATIONS
Engaging “pre-reads” and graphics are created for leader conferences, events, and wargames. These create both a “scene-setter” and unifying experience for attendees, while conveying key event themes through a mechanism more likely to hit with effect. After the event, they can also provide a better means for distilling and sharing out the event findings, AARs, and lessons learned, especially to those unable to attend.
LEADERSHIP AND TRAINING EVENTS
Structured as half, 1, or 2 day events, Useful Fiction’s in-person or online teaching blends world class experts sharing key principles and lessons learned through a mix of lecture and conversations, along with exercises that allow hands-on experiences. We have provided such classes to organizations that range from the NATO military alliance to Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs training program for US government executives.
Testimonials
“Through their creative talent and subject matter knowledge, the authors realistically portray what is within the realm of the possible. They draw upon the lessons of the past, while imagining the future.”
- General Bryan Fenton, US Army, Commander of US Special Operations Command.
“…What inspiration, what insight, what Useful Fiction.”
– Commandant, Canadian Forces College
“Useful Fiction makes facts compelling.”
– Ministry of Defense, United Kingdom
“…Decision-makers are more likely to sit up and listen if future threats, and the methods to combat them, are presented in a gripping story rather than in a plodding report.”
– The Economist on Useful Fiction
“A visionary new form of storytelling—a rollercoaster ride of science fiction blended with science fact."
- Damon Lindelof, writer/creator of Lost, Star Trek: Into Darkness, and Watchmen
“Filled with enthralling characters and scenes, but also key real world issues and questions, which you’ll be thinking about long after you finish.”
- Reid Hoffman, Founder of LinkedIn
“Fantastic”
- Bloomberg
Our Core Principles
Strategic Narrative
The Goal Is Not Just Compelling And Creative Storytelling, But To Drive Change
Tell Your Story
Customer Goals, Experiences, And Audiences Determine The Best Narrative
The Rules of the Real
To Be “Useful,” The Narrative Must Convey Both Facts And The Human Dimension
Events by Useful-Fiction
Report / White Paper Visualizations
Arts by Useful Fiction
US Special Operations Command
US Special Operations Command
NATO
Chief of Staff, US Air Force
US Special Operations Command
NATO
Australian Defense Forces
Vice
Useful Fiction™ artwork on display for an event at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Display of Useful Fiction™ “Quantum” project at NATO’s headquarters lobby
NATO
