Writer's Journey

Fall 2024
IxD 350
Reading Assignment

A reflection on how Christopher Volger's Hero’s Journey framework informs creativity and engagement across disciplines.

Quote 1

“Stories built on the model of the Hero’s Journey have an appeal that can be felt by everyone, because they well up from a universal source in the shared unconscious and reflect universal concerns.” pg. 5

Input

This idea underscores the universal appeal that certain structures, like the Hero’s Journey, can have when they tap into shared human experiences. Just as stories resonate by addressing common emotional and psychological themes, other creative disciplines can achieve similar impact when they reflect underlying human needs and desires. Whether in design, storytelling, or any form of communication, the ability to intuitively align with these universal concerns is what makes an experience feel natural and meaningful. By tapping into this shared unconscious, creators can craft experiences that are not only functional but also deeply resonant, connecting with people on a fundamental level.

Quote 2

“The Hero’s Journey is a skeletal framework that should be fleshed out with the details and surprises of the individual story. The structure should not call attention to itself, nor should it be followed too precisely.” pg. 19

Input

This insight highlights the importance of flexibility within any structured framework. Just as a story framework provides the necessary base for a narrative, methodologies such as user-centered design or heuristics act as a foundation that must be adapted to the unique context of each project. The framework serves as a guide, but it is the nuanced choices, the unexpected details that reflect the needs of a specific audience, that make the result truly distinctive. Success lies in maintaining a balance between structure and creativity, ensuring that the end product is neither rigid nor overly prescriptive, but rather dynamic and engaging. This reflects how thoughtful deviations from a framework can lead to innovation and deeper engagement.

Quote 3

“Mentor figures in stories are closely related to the idea of the shaman: the healer, the medicine man or woman, of tribal cultures… They travel to other worlds in dreams and visions and bring back stories to heal their tribes." pg. 46

Input

This analogy reflects the role of mentors or guides in many fields, particularly when dealing with emerging or complex systems. Like shamans, those who guide others through unfamiliar terrains, whether technological, creative, or intellectual, must first explore and understand these new realms themselves. Their role is to return with insights that make these complexities more comprehensible and accessible to others. In this way, mentors serve as bridges between the unknown and the familiar, ensuring that what is discovered can be applied in a way that benefits and empowers those they are guiding. This highlights the essential balance between exploration and communication, crucial in any field where innovation and understanding must intersect.