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Thesis Info
- LABS ID
- 00506
- Thesis Title
- Bringing the Future to Life
- Author
- Trevor Haldenby
- E-mail
- trevor AT themission.biz
- 2nd Author
- 3rd Author
- Degree
- Master of Design, Strategic Foresight and Innovation
- Year
- 2013
- Number of Pages
- 201
- University
- OCAD University
- Thesis Supervisor
- Greg Van Alstyne
- Supervisor e-mail
- gvanalstyne AT faculty.ocadu.ca
- Other Supervisor(s)
- Siobhan O'Flynn
- Language(s) of Thesis
- English
- Department / Discipline
- Strategic Foresight and Innovation
- Copyright Ownership
- Creative Commons
- Languages Familiar to Author
- English
- URL where full thesis can be found
- openresearch.ocadu.ca/115/
- Keywords
- Foresight Futures Design Experience Narrative Scenarios Alternate-Reality
- Abstract: 200-500 words
- A technique is described for applying design processes associated with transmedia storytelling to the materialization of speculative future scenarios. How could this technique could be used to engage mass audiences in decision-making processes and experiences simulating different possible futures? A case study is used to demonstrate how an interdisciplinary team led by Trevor Haldenby called The Mission Business used this technique to create a nine-month transmedia story about the future of the biotechnology industry called ZED.TO. This pervasive transmedia scenario spread across numerous narrative channels, and engaged thousands of active participants from the general public to some acclaim. The performance of ZED.TO is explored in qualitative and quantitative terms, and the project’s form and content are contrasted against the practices of contemporary designers, futurists, and storytellers.