To stimulate visionary thinking and clarify desired outcomes by asking participants to imagine a future where their innovation challenge has been resolved.

This tool helps unlock creativity, shift perspectives, and identify small steps toward change.

This tool originates from solution-focused coaching and is adapted here for innovation contexts. Participants are asked:

“Imagine that overnight, a miracle happened and your challenge was solved. What would be different tomorrow?”

This question encourages participants to describe their ideal future without worrying about how it was achieved. The exercise helps uncover hidden assumptions, clarify goals, and generate ideas for action. It can be used individually or in groups, and is especially effective in early-stage innovation, strategic planning, or when teams feel stuck.

Tips for use:

• Encourage participants to stay in the “miracle” mindset before jumping to solutions.
• Use prompts like “What would others notice?” or “What would you be doing differently?”
• Capture visions visually to support group discussion.
• Use as a warm-up before more structured planning tools.
• Abstract thinking may be difficult for some—use examples to guide them.
• Avoid rushing to action planning; let the visioning process unfold.
• Ensure psychological safety so participants feel free to imagine boldly.

Suggested combinations with other ISS tools and methods:

• Empathy Mapping – to deepen understanding of stakeholder needs
• Value Proposition Canvas – to refine ideas based on desired outcomes
• Innovation Spiral Board – to situate visions within broader innovation processes
• Post Cards – for creative reflection and sharing
• Dinner Hack – to rapidly generate ideas based on the visions created

• Flipcharts or whiteboards
• Markers or post-its
• Printed “Miracle Question” prompt cards (optional)
• Quiet space for reflection
• Reflection sheets (individual or group)