The Future of American Dream
The American Dream Report was a collaborative research initiative between Deloitte and SCADask aimed at redefining and predicting the trajectory of the American Dream in an era of rapid social and economic change. As a Design Research Strategist, I led the synthesis of a massive qualitative dataset, comprising over 50 in-depth interviews and 2,500 data points into actionable strategic foresight. The project examined the American Dream through six critical domains: Education, Housing, Career, Health, Community, and Finance, providing a ground-level view of how diverse populations experience and perceive their future.
Client
Deloitte | SCADAsk
Timeline
Jun 2025 - Aug 2025
Skills & Methods
Design Research Strategy
AI-Augmented Synthesis
Strategic Foresight & Futurecasting
Strategy
Ripple Framework
Archetype Mapping
Fit Analysis
Scenario Development
Primary Research Management
Human-in-the-Loop Protocol
Workshops Facilitation
Qualitative Data Affinitization
Data Synthesis & Storytelling
Multimodal AI Workflow Design
Responsible AI Design
Team
Prathamesh Patil + 9 SCADAsk Employees
Research Goal
The primary objective was to move beyond traditional economic metrics to understand the human-centric reality of the American Dream for different archetypes across the United States. The research sought to identify systemic barriers and emerging cultural shifts that influence long-term stability and opportunity. For Deloitte, the goal was to provide the U.S. Government with a predictive framework to identify potential adversaries, mitigate risks, and design more inclusive public policies that address the evolving needs of the citizenry.
Research Outcome
The study revealed a significant shift from a material-based definition of the American Dream to one centered on autonomy and holistic well-being. Key findings highlighted deep-seated anxieties regarding financial volatility and the rising cost of traditional milestones like homeownership and education. However, it also uncovered a resilient commitment to community and local agency. By identifying these "undercurrents," the research produced four distinct future scenarios, allowing stakeholders to visualize how different archetypes would navigate various socio-economic "Black Swan" events.
VALUE DELIVERED
AI Augmented Synthesis: Developed a semi-autonomous workflow using Otter.ai, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Microsoft Co-pilot to affinitize 2,500+ data points, drastically reducing cognitive load and project timelines.
Strategic Policy Foundation: Provided Deloitte and the U.S. Government with a ground-level evidence base to identify systemic adversaries and draft informed public policies.
Predictive Risk Assessment: Delivered four distinct future scenarios that allow stakeholders to stress-test projects against potential socio-economic disruptions and "Black Swan" events.
Archetypal Clarity: Humanized massive datasets into relatable user archetypes, ensuring that strategic decisions are rooted in real-world experiences across the six core domains.
APPROACH
Along with the traditional mixed methods of research, my approach consisted of -
Multimodal AI Orchestration: Crafted a unique tech stack to automate the transcription and initial categorization of over 50 primary research interviews.
Human in the Loop Validation: Implemented a rigorous protocol where researchers verified AI-generated insights to maintain qualitative integrity and prevent data loss.
STEEP & Ripple Frameworks: Facilitated workshops to analyze Social, Technological, Economic, Environmental, and Political trends and their cascading secondary effects.
Futurecasting & Scenario Development: Led the team in creating plausible future narratives by combining identified trends with potential "Black Swan" triggers.
Persona Fit Analysis: Conducted a final analysis by placing specific user archetypes into predicted future states to observe potential outcomes and resilient behaviors.
SUMMARY
In a nutshell, this research project represents the intersection of Design Research and Strategic Foresight. By managing one of the most extensive qualitative studies on the American Dream, I helped provide the strategic foundation for future government policy. The project proved that AI-augmented research can deepen human empathy at scale, turning thousands of individual voices into a cohesive, predictive vision for the future of the nation.
The Future of American Dream
The American Dream Report was a collaborative research initiative between Deloitte and SCADask aimed at redefining and predicting the trajectory of the American Dream in an era of rapid social and economic change. As a Design Research Strategist, I led the synthesis of a massive qualitative dataset, comprising over 50 in-depth interviews and 2,500 data points into actionable strategic foresight. The project examined the American Dream through six critical domains: Education, Housing, Career, Health, Community, and Finance, providing a ground-level view of how diverse populations experience and perceive their future.
Client
Deloitte | SCADAsk
Timeline
Jun 2025 - Aug 2025
Skills & Methods
Design Research Strategy
AI-Augmented Synthesis
Strategic Foresight & Futurecasting
Strategy
Ripple Framework
Archetype Mapping
Fit Analysis
Scenario Development
Primary Research Management
Human-in-the-Loop Protocol
Workshops Facilitation
Qualitative Data Affinitization
Data Synthesis & Storytelling
Multimodal AI Workflow Design
Responsible AI Design
Team
Prathamesh Patil + 9 SCADAsk Employees
Research Goal
The primary objective was to move beyond traditional economic metrics to understand the human-centric reality of the American Dream for different archetypes across the United States. The research sought to identify systemic barriers and emerging cultural shifts that influence long-term stability and opportunity. For Deloitte, the goal was to provide the U.S. Government with a predictive framework to identify potential adversaries, mitigate risks, and design more inclusive public policies that address the evolving needs of the citizenry.
Research Outcome
The study revealed a significant shift from a material-based definition of the American Dream to one centered on autonomy and holistic well-being. Key findings highlighted deep-seated anxieties regarding financial volatility and the rising cost of traditional milestones like homeownership and education. However, it also uncovered a resilient commitment to community and local agency. By identifying these "undercurrents," the research produced four distinct future scenarios, allowing stakeholders to visualize how different archetypes would navigate various socio-economic "Black Swan" events.
VALUE DELIVERED
AI Augmented Synthesis: Developed a semi-autonomous workflow using Otter.ai, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Microsoft Co-pilot to affinitize 2,500+ data points, drastically reducing cognitive load and project timelines.
Strategic Policy Foundation: Provided Deloitte and the U.S. Government with a ground-level evidence base to identify systemic adversaries and draft informed public policies.
Predictive Risk Assessment: Delivered four distinct future scenarios that allow stakeholders to stress-test projects against potential socio-economic disruptions and "Black Swan" events.
Archetypal Clarity: Humanized massive datasets into relatable user archetypes, ensuring that strategic decisions are rooted in real-world experiences across the six core domains.
APPROACH
Along with the traditional mixed methods of research, my approach consisted of -
Multimodal AI Orchestration: Crafted a unique tech stack to automate the transcription and initial categorization of over 50 primary research interviews.
Human in the Loop Validation: Implemented a rigorous protocol where researchers verified AI-generated insights to maintain qualitative integrity and prevent data loss.
STEEP & Ripple Frameworks: Facilitated workshops to analyze Social, Technological, Economic, Environmental, and Political trends and their cascading secondary effects.
Futurecasting & Scenario Development: Led the team in creating plausible future narratives by combining identified trends with potential "Black Swan" triggers.
Persona Fit Analysis: Conducted a final analysis by placing specific user archetypes into predicted future states to observe potential outcomes and resilient behaviors.
SUMMARY
In a nutshell, this research project represents the intersection of Design Research and Strategic Foresight. By managing one of the most extensive qualitative studies on the American Dream, I helped provide the strategic foundation for future government policy. The project proved that AI-augmented research can deepen human empathy at scale, turning thousands of individual voices into a cohesive, predictive vision for the future of the nation.
The Future of American Dream
The American Dream Report was a collaborative research initiative between Deloitte and SCADask aimed at redefining and predicting the trajectory of the American Dream in an era of rapid social and economic change. As a Design Research Strategist, I led the synthesis of a massive qualitative dataset, comprising over 50 in-depth interviews and 2,500 data points into actionable strategic foresight. The project examined the American Dream through six critical domains: Education, Housing, Career, Health, Community, and Finance, providing a ground-level view of how diverse populations experience and perceive their future.
Client
Deloitte | SCADAsk
Timeline
Jun 2025 - Aug 2025
Skills & Methods
Design Research Strategy
AI-Augmented Synthesis
Strategic Foresight & Futurecasting
Strategy
Ripple Framework
Archetype Mapping
Fit Analysis
Scenario Development
Primary Research Management
Human-in-the-Loop Protocol
Workshops Facilitation
Qualitative Data Affinitization
Data Synthesis & Storytelling
Multimodal AI Workflow Design
Responsible AI Design
Team
Prathamesh Patil + 9 SCADAsk Employees
Research Goal
The primary objective was to move beyond traditional economic metrics to understand the human-centric reality of the American Dream for different archetypes across the United States. The research sought to identify systemic barriers and emerging cultural shifts that influence long-term stability and opportunity. For Deloitte, the goal was to provide the U.S. Government with a predictive framework to identify potential adversaries, mitigate risks, and design more inclusive public policies that address the evolving needs of the citizenry.
Research Outcome
The study revealed a significant shift from a material-based definition of the American Dream to one centered on autonomy and holistic well-being. Key findings highlighted deep-seated anxieties regarding financial volatility and the rising cost of traditional milestones like homeownership and education. However, it also uncovered a resilient commitment to community and local agency. By identifying these "undercurrents," the research produced four distinct future scenarios, allowing stakeholders to visualize how different archetypes would navigate various socio-economic "Black Swan" events.
VALUE DELIVERED
AI Augmented Synthesis: Developed a semi-autonomous workflow using Otter.ai, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Microsoft Co-pilot to affinitize 2,500+ data points, drastically reducing cognitive load and project timelines.
Strategic Policy Foundation: Provided Deloitte and the U.S. Government with a ground-level evidence base to identify systemic adversaries and draft informed public policies.
Predictive Risk Assessment: Delivered four distinct future scenarios that allow stakeholders to stress-test projects against potential socio-economic disruptions and "Black Swan" events.
Archetypal Clarity: Humanized massive datasets into relatable user archetypes, ensuring that strategic decisions are rooted in real-world experiences across the six core domains.
APPROACH
Along with the traditional mixed methods of research, my approach consisted of -
Multimodal AI Orchestration: Crafted a unique tech stack to automate the transcription and initial categorization of over 50 primary research interviews.
Human in the Loop Validation: Implemented a rigorous protocol where researchers verified AI-generated insights to maintain qualitative integrity and prevent data loss.
STEEP & Ripple Frameworks: Facilitated workshops to analyze Social, Technological, Economic, Environmental, and Political trends and their cascading secondary effects.
Futurecasting & Scenario Development: Led the team in creating plausible future narratives by combining identified trends with potential "Black Swan" triggers.
Persona Fit Analysis: Conducted a final analysis by placing specific user archetypes into predicted future states to observe potential outcomes and resilient behaviors.
SUMMARY
In a nutshell, this research project represents the intersection of Design Research and Strategic Foresight. By managing one of the most extensive qualitative studies on the American Dream, I helped provide the strategic foundation for future government policy. The project proved that AI-augmented research can deepen human empathy at scale, turning thousands of individual voices into a cohesive, predictive vision for the future of the nation.