INWARDS
Exploring a New Vision: The INWARDS Project
The project is a series of five short animation videos exploring a future where citizens of Europe, no longer believing in the myth of perpetual economic growth, recipes for self-empowerment, and technological fixes, seek to regain agency by turning inwards.
Through four individual situations and a collective resolution, the pieces follow a group of friends, each curating their own life path while keeping the common vision in mind. Each chapter reveals elements of the cultures of emotional excellence and material minimalism that have emerged in this fictional future, and stages the artefacts and services that accompany this progressive shift in the social contract.
The Creative Genesis of INWARDS
Born from an EU Commission briefing, INWARDS explores mental health and social wellness in a futuristic society. The project evolved through collaborative feedback, blending futuristic scenarios with relatable human stories. This creative journey highlights the transformation of an initial idea into a narrative that challenges conventional societal norms.
Symbolism and Cultural Influences in INWARDS
INWARDS is imbued with rich symbolism and diverse cultural influences. The design incorporates elements from post-consumerism, gamer culture, and mainstream raver culture, reflecting a deep understanding of contemporary trends and future possibilities. These elements create a narrative that resonates with current societal shifts while projecting into a speculative future.
Designing and Realizing INWARDS
The creation of INWARDS involved an iterative design process, blending speculative design with advanced animation techniques. From initial sketches to the final series, the project navigated technical challenges to bring a visionary concept to life, showcasing the journey from concept to realization in the world of animation.
The Narrative Structure of INWARDS
INWARDS combines individual stories within a collective narrative, showcasing a society transitioning towards emotional excellence and material minimalism. The series balances personal narratives with a communal vision, reflecting the interconnectedness of individual choices and collective outcomes in shaping future society.
Explore 'INWARDS,' a series of five short animated videos set in a future Europe, where a shift from economic growth to emotional excellence and material minimalism is depicted. This blog delves into the creation of INWARDS, highlighting its inspiration from EU Commission briefings and its evolution from concept to reality. Discover the unique blend of cultural influences, from cybernetics to contemporary hacker culture, that shape the artefact's design. Learn about the challenges and breakthroughs in the design process, the symbolism embedded in the artefact, and the project's impact on audience engagement and policy-making discussions.