Expert opinion utilizes the opinions of many experts to ascertain potential futures and complex environments, an environment we find quite prevalent today.

Interviews can be conducted under two basic conditions structured and unstructured. Each type has advantages and disadvantages associated with it. However, given the value of people's time structured interviews are optimal.

Surveys are conducted under many different formats and for many different reasons. They can vary from public opinion surveys administered by organizations such as Gallup to market research surveys done by the likes of Good Housekeeping, Gentlemen's Quarterly, Working Woman or Money magazines. In large part what differs in a survey focused on technology development rather than market research or public opinion is the types of questions asked and who is included in the survey universe. One particular type of survey, the Delphi, can be adapted very well to the rigors of obtaining both quantitative and qualitative data.

There are also a myriad of group techniques that can be directed to gaining technological information for forecasting purposes. These group techniques may range from the familiar focus group to the highly structured and inclusive morphological analysis. In many cases GroupWare and networked computers can be used to facilitate interaction.