After defining extremes for each driver, which step comes next in the process?

• A. Pair drivers in matrices
• B. Develop stories for quadrants
• C. Validate indicators
• D. Select compelling stories

Answer: (A)

Pairing drivers in a matrix creates the framework to explore how two drivers interact and what combinations they produce. Once each driver has defined extremes, you need a concrete way to see how these extremes could line up in practice. A matrix that puts one driver on each axis helps you map cross-impacts and surface a set of plausible, high-impact combinations—these become the quadrant scenarios. With that matrix in place, you can then develop stories for the quadrants, which describe how the futures unfold under each combination. After stories are drafted, you validate indicators to monitor signals that show which quadrant is actually unfolding, and finally you select the most compelling stories to communicate. So the step that comes next is to pair the drivers in matrices.