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Method: Yellow teaming
A foresight technique for surfacing hidden harms and broader impacts of any proposed solution—usable across disciplines and settings.
Duration: ~45 minutes
Group Size: 3–6 participants
1. Scope & Team Formation (5 min):
- Select a project, policy, or prototype to evaluate.
- Assemble a small, diverse “yellow team” representing varied perspectives.
2. High-Level Probing (10 min):
Pose 2–3 broad questions such as:
- “What upstream resources and processes feed into our solution?”
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“Which communities or ecosystems might be affected—positively or negatively?”
3. Domain Deep-Dive (15 min):
Divide your paper/chart into zones (e.g., Environment, Society, Economy, Culture, Futures).
In pairs, rotate through zones and answer targeted prompts:
- Environment: “Where in the supply chain could pollution emerge?”
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Society: “Which groups gain or lose power?”
- Futures: “What affordances enable misuse or weaponization?”
4. Rotation & Synthesis (10 min):
Swap charts with another pair. Review their insights, add one new concern or mitigation idea.
Return charts and consolidate findings in a shared summary—cluster related risks and note possible safeguards.
5. Reflection & Next Steps (5 min):
Discuss: “Which externalities demand immediate attention?” and “What first precaution will we embed in our design?”
Capture these commitments visibly to guide future development.
Cultural & Contextual Sensitivity:
Ensure your yellow team includes voices from affected and marginalized communities. Adapt prompts to local norms and languages, respect diverse knowledge systems, and frame every insight as a co-created step toward more equitable, responsible innovation.