A journey INWARDS to agency and wellbeing
INWARDS is a captivating series of five short animated videos set in a future Europe where citizens, disillusioned with the myth of perpetual economic growth, self-empowerment formulas, and technological fixes, seek to reclaim agency by turning inward.
A collective story told through individual journeys
The series follows a group of friends, each curating their own life path but sharing a common vision. Through four personal stories and a collective resolution, the narrative reveals emerging cultures of emotional excellence and material minimalism. Alongside, it showcases innovative artefacts and services that accompany this progressive societal shift.
Creative origins
Born from an EU Commission briefing, INWARDS explores mental health and social wellness in a futuristic society. The project evolved through close collaboration, blending visionary futures with relatable human narratives, shaping a story that challenges contemporary societal norms.
Symbolism and cultural influences
Rich symbolism and diverse cultural influences shape INWARDS:
- Post-consumerism and resource scarcity depicted through recycled and hyper-durable materials
- Gamer culture’s impact on haptic and immersive interfaces
- The embrace of neurochemical wearables derived from mainstream raver culture, signalling deeper acceptance of therapeutic drug use and psychological exploration
Aesthetic and narrative influences stem from cybernetics, hyper-minimalism, alternative medicine, progressive workplaces, and hacker culture, fused with animation styles inspired by Belgian ligne claire and Japanese Ukiyo-e woodblock print techniques.
Designing INWARDS
The artefact’s creation was highly iterative, pairing speculative design with advanced animation methods. From initial sketches and storyboards to 3D and parametric modelling, sound design, and post-production, the team navigated technical and creative challenges to bring this visionary concept into vivid animated life.
Originally conceived as simple looped collages, the project evolved to full scene animations embodying the psychological journeys of its characters.
Engaging audiences and policymakers
INWARDS is a platform intended to stimulate policymakers and the public, offering new perspectives on emerging social and mental health issues. The series invites debate and reflection, with hopes that it will be regarded as both aspirational and provocation for deeper dialogue.