postscenario

Postscenario is a term used in scenario-based planning and narrative design to denote the phase that follows the exploration or execution of a scenario. It focuses on synthesizing outcomes, identifying implications for strategy, and initiating subsequent actions. In practice, the postscenario stage aims to translate scenario insights into concrete decisions, plans, and learning points that can inform future work.

In corporate planning and crisis management, the postscenario stage involves debriefing to evaluate which assumptions held, which risks materialized, and what indicators signaled important changes. It produces an action plan, revised risk signals, and guidance for adapting policies, processes, or resource allocations. The goal is to close the loop between scenario exploration and real-world response, strengthening preparedness for similar futures.

In game design and interactive media, a postscenario describes the sequence of state changes and consequences after the main scenario concludes. It may determine transitions to new scenarios, endings, or ongoing simulations, and helps designers preserve narrative continuity and player learning across branches.

Postscenario analyses typically rely on structured debriefing, post-mortems, or after-action reviews. Deliverables can include updated risk registers, revised performance indicators, newly generated hypotheses, and documentation to support decision-makers and stakeholders. While not universally standardized, the concept aligns with related notions such as post-mortem, after-action review, and retrospective, but emphasizes forward-looking implications derived from a completed scenario rather than merely recording events. For example, after a hypothetical market disruption scenario, the postscenario would outline policy changes, system investments, and roles required to implement the learnings.