Futurists are scientists that use data analysis, ethnographic methods and other scientific procedures to design and make predictions about our future. To do this, they do something called futurecasting. Futurecasting is the process of mixing of social science, data, economic analysis, technology and conversation as a predictor of what may be the future of humans. This information is put into an experienced based model that shows what that future will feel like or how it will exist. Futurists also use this model to develop a story- a science fiction tale based on science reality. This is known as science fiction prototyping.
http://www.anthropology-news.org/index.php/2015/10/07/futurecasting-anthropology/
