What is an artist, in truth?
An artist in truth is a person who left a professional field. - They’re often burnt out or fed up, and in search of returning to the core of what they feel is a true way for them to live and work.
To let that path unfold, they embark on a journey of self-development. They then return to the field to broaden its practice with a wider range of skills, standards of integrity and ways of working, living and self-care. Some of these skills are unique to them but supportive of us all. To professionals in the field, the person looks like they are “creative” because the skills and perspectives they bring seem fresh, new and inspiring in light of all the rules, regulations and dogmas that greatly restricted the industry’s practice in the first place.
An artist is a trailblazer that has already gone through a significant transformation. Many people share the same enduring need to advance themselves, but have not yet been given the space (a low pressure environment that sparks the joy) to begin it. It’s what sometimes gets called “a lucky break”.
An immersive environment is an ideal way to provide that lucky break.
Translating the key actions the artist took in their journey of transformation, into fun, public activities is a quick way to start having an impact almost right away. It saves a lot of effort, time and money in customer research. And you get the community building the immersive environment with you - with their resources!
Key Design steps
Step 1: Find a trailblazer such as an artist to collaborate with. They’re easy to find. They’re public. Often a blogger, writer or public speaker. They’re keen to report back about their journey of transformation and what worked for them to inspire others. Often they’ve already documented their journey and key factors to their true success.
Step 2: Map their key activities from what they publish or speak about. Or interview them to find out.
Step 3: Use those key activities to co-create with them fun activities to engage customers with.
Step 4: Observe shifts in perspective, inspiration and collaboration spark.
Step 5: Keep the most inspiring activities. These are what will make your immersive environment transformative.
Step 6: Add technology to enhance the experience in a way that allows the customers to get each activity done with joy. Start with using familiar materials and technologies that are easily accessible, such as common office equipment and stationary. Things like paper, pens, boxes, tape, mobile phones, digital projectors, webcams etc.
Step 7: You now have a prototype of something that works repeatedly. You’re ready to scale.
Hot tip
The bulk of transformation happens when people work together building something cool (purposeful). Significantly more than using the end product alone.
Enjoy doing it!