Purpose – This paper introduces a generic structure for a futures workshop, developed especially to
be used in brief practically oriented foresight projects. Based on experiences of tens of dozens of
workshops where this method has been used, this paper aims to inform and educate practitioners of
futures studies on the method and discuss its characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach – The design of the ACTVOD workshop method was influenced by
the need to have a futures workshop design that would encourage creativity and allow for the hosting of
a futures workshop in a rather short amount of time. ACTVOD takes advantage from several theoretical
insights and methods within futures studies. It combines elements from heuristic problem-solving,
scenario workshops (focus on finding action plans towards desired future) and soft systems
methodology.

Findings – ACTVOD is a rather easy and time-efficient way of producing and collecting good-quality
insights on the future and bringing those insights to a practical level. Major challenges using it relate to
the transition between workshop stages and on reporting, which relies heavily on participants’ activity.

Originality/value – This is the first time the characteristics of the ACTVOD workshop method are
thoroughly introduced in an academic journal. Learning of the method would be useful for practitioners
of participatory futures studies methods, especially those who are frequently invited to facilitate short
workshops for varying audiences.