As industry leaders seek solutions to the myriad of challenges facing unconventional projects, research and development efforts continue in the area of multistage fracturing design. These research activities are focused on the identification of novel approaches to hydraulic fracturing (HF) design that can lead to more effective design practices in the future.

This paper describes emerging technologies within the building blocks of HF design for multi-stage horizontal wells, and proposes how application of these technologies can lay a foundation for the development and evolution of future industry practices.