On the perceivable value of cartoons
“ A cartoon is a visual fiction , that is something that doesn ’ t exist in our 3D world , yet our imagination can capture it and elaborate from it .” by Patrick Corsi
The edge value represented by cartoons over text ( which they can ’ t substitute at all anyway , whatsoever ), is in their unique triple capacity :
They perhaps can bring younger generations - and a wider population too - into FS circles more easily than just academic papers . And cartoons go well with Internet tools and platforms .
1 . To capture the spirit ( soul ) of a given issue , subject , or trend , etc . They act as humble intermediaries that translate complex ideas into a streamlined message . That is the art of synthesis , which can resonate well in education circles .
2 . To create a sense of community belonging ( in spite of distance , gender , etc .). They are the invitation door opening the currently published issue and can later become a subject of discussion , of tweets , and even presentations by the readership . They can also make futures studies less rebarbative sometimes . Isn ’ t FS a too serious argument to just be serious ? An imperative is that futurists do talk reciprocally among themselves , not just disseminate one way ! Communities can be activated with such medium .
3 . To create a “ series effect ”, a call for the next issue in the readership ’ s consciousness . In this sense , create a “ rendezvous ” fruit .
I sense they can help linking up members and futures professionals , plus others , with closer , amicable , respectful , and engaging ties . They can be oriented according to a given argument .
A cartoon is a visual fiction , that is something that doesn ’ t exist in our 3D world , yet our imagination can capture it and elaborate from it . An example is the series of three eBooks which I codesigned on the subject of design innovation . ( These are free of charge from the Apple Store . Just type something like Fielding C-K Theory and / or my name ). They run beautifully on an iPad , are often projected in professional and academic training courses anywhere .
At the Anticipation Conference in Trento last November , I gave a cartoons-based presentation on Time with cartoons taken and translated from a well-known Italian Disney series for children . Just to agreeably prepare mentalities for the next few decades .
Patrick Corsi is an international consultant designing breakthrough futures , based in Brussels , Belgium ; an Associate Practitioner in intensive innovation at Mines ParisTech in France ; a serial business author and speaker . He held multinational posts at IBM , THOMSON-CSF , the European Commission , after a successful start-up experience in artificial intelligence .
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