Speculation beyond technology: building scenarios through storytelling

‘Modern methods of construction’ is a term largely synonymous with the prefabrication product components in factories. Emerging technologies, e.g. robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), are redefining concept modern construction destabilising structure sector to meet conditions their implementation. Robotics machine-based automation, for example, expected transform manufacturing techniques rapid significant ways, but extent change associated impacts on organisations, supply chains business models that constitute remains unknown. Existing foresight dominated by trajectorial perspectives overemphasise technological predictions underemphasise contextual stories implementation most helpful understanding technology adoption. An alternative approach presented here focuses storytelling, design scenarios visual images used help convey these scenarios. These allow practitioners explore how automation may play out different characterisations industry. The research involved analysis an existing dataset create four scenarios, before adapting extending through participatory workshops interviews. Project participants were comprised seven small medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) architectural fabrication, one tier 1 contractor, two acclaimed industry experts from advisory board education centre. Practice relevance uses scenario creation understand implications automation. explored at project, firm levels. This will assist decision-makers responsibly turn promise into substantive change. Four future where as usual described. As often-overlooked stakeholder, SMEs centre development process. Each has dominant player centre: contractors, SME cooperatives, software vendors original equipment manufacturers, government. illustrate potential non-technological innovations resolve them (e.g. model modification, opportunities contractual relationships), co-constructed professionals.