Heat-map – Expected and Preferred Futures

Heat-map – Expected and Preferred Futures

The development of Expected and Preferred Futures ‘Heat-maps’ is a key part of creating the alignment for a shared vision. During the survey, people were asked to indicate on a 10 x 10 matrix (overlaying the scenario quadrants), the location of what we call the ‘Expected’ and ‘Preferred’ future.

  • The Expected future is in green, and it is where people believe the community will ‘end up’ in 2040, if there is ‘no change in what we are currently doing’
  • The Preferred future is in blue, and it is what people have identified as the most desired and optimal future outcome for the community.

The circles (or dots) represent the cohorts responses based on a first level of averaging, derived by averaging the heat map responses in the cohort groups of age, gender and ethnicity. The responses may be further filtered, using the filters’ drop-down menus to the right of the chart. The number of responses for each point on the chart may be seen by hovering over the circles within the graph.

Key things to note:

  • Within the cohorts defined by the first level of averaging, there is a significant concentration of responses around each of the Expected and Preferred clusters. This suggests there is a high level of agreement between major cohort groups within the community.
  • There is a significant distance between what has been identified as the Expected and the Preferred futures. This suggests change is required in the current trajectory, in order to realize the Preferred Future.
  • While there is a ‘concentration of agreement’, there is some cohort variation. For example, younger cohorts (10-50 years) generally have a different view than older cohorts (60-80+ years). There is another major cohort divider, which is between people who live in gated communities, and those who live outside gated communities.

More Information

For more information, and to engage in further discussion regarding the Hilton Head Island – Our Future project, please contact:

Emily Sparks, Project Lead
Town of Hilton Head Island
Phone: 843.341.4683
emilys@hiltonheadislandsc.gov