Growth Rings

Growth Rings, a methodology developed by Marjolein Pijnappels, invites the participant to explore their own past, present and future as a layered and interconnected experience, where time is not linear, but radial and the future an open space.

Growth Rings is developed by Marjolein Pijnappels as a reflective tool for scenario and prototyping workshops. By reflecting on their personal past, present and future, participants are better able to position themselves with regard to the topic explored and embody the future not just from an abstract viewpoint, but as an embodied and personal experience.

Why Growth Rings?

Like a tree that adds a new layer every year, you as a person add layers and change with the years. These layers make you who you are.

At the heart of the tree is the past and near the bark the present. The future is in the air around the tree. The potential space that has yet to be inhabitated.

The framework of the growth rings offer a structure for participants to reflect on their past, present and future and how they influence each other By mapping their aspirations, experiences, dreams, successes and failures patterns emerge that help position the self in possible futures and understand how the past influences our future and how we think about the future reflects our actions in the present.