The "futures wheel" is a visual tool used for exploring the potential consequences of a specific event or trend. It helps individuals and groups think about how a change might affect various aspects of life, society, or the environment. By mapping out direct and indirect effects, the futures wheel encourages deeper analysis and discussion. Typically, the process begins with a central idea placed in the middle of a diagram. From there, branches extend outward to represent first-order effects, followed by second-order effects, and so on. This structured approach aids in understanding complex relationships and anticipating future scenarios related to the central idea, such as technology advancements or climate change.