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PROVOTYPING

Provotyping: from the old normal tot the new sublime

From Vision to Celebration

11.03.24

When you write a book, it’s a very good idea to summarize the essence of your book on one page,” someone told me. That way, you can succinctly tell everyone what your book is about and what the methodical foundation is. So here it is: the Provotyping methodology and the eponymous book in a nutshell. Provotyping will be published on June 13, 2024, by Lannoo Campus and Van Buuren publishers, and will be available in both English and Dutch.

Taking control over your Future Narrative

In these turbulent times where the restoration of our broken connection with nature, society, and ourselves is paramount, there is a glaring lack of necessary imagination. We find that the current narratives no longer suffice to bring about a hopeful (let alone exciting) future. The world cries out for a new, grand narrative to believe in. Fortunately, the script for this story can emerge from the amalgamation of countless large and small initiatives. Provotyping is both a call to action and a methodology to not settle for a supporting role but to claim the lead role in a future-inspired narrative that we will make visible and tangible in four steps.

The Provotyping process from envisioning to execution

#1. What if

The seed of everything lies in unfolding an attractive and connecting vision of the future. A provocative glimpse into the future is more powerful than numbers and statistics. It tensions our motivations correctly and offers a guiding light on the horizon. With a directional vision of the future, the narrative of your organization or initiative can gradually take shape.

#2. Coalition of the willing

You will soon need that future vision to cultivate an ‘alliance of the willing’ around it. Collaborate with people and organizations within and beyond your sector who have an interest in realizing that same future vision. Regardless of the size of your organization, you cannot change the world alone. With a ‘coalition of the willing,’ you create your own power of change to rewrite the rules of the game.

#3. Provotyping

Liberate that beautiful future vision from the boardroom as soon as possible. So that people can truly experience it, we translate it into a visible and tangible ‘provocative prototype’: We gently challenge the existing and hold up the mirror to something new. Add some wonder to the experience and magic happens: you open minds to innovation and ignite the creative light. People only truly understand it once they experience it.

#4. Celebration

In a communication universe where the future is often trapped in doom scenarios, dry reports, and technical terms, I advocate for a radically different approach: celebrating. Celebrating new insights and breakthroughs thanks to Provotyping sheds a radiant light on the road ahead. Once there’s something to celebrate, everyone gladly steps into the spotlight. Celebration resonates deeply in our hearts, so ensure applause for everyone.

With this book, I address the rapidly growing group of impact professionals. People for whom work, innovation, education, technology, science, and entrepreneurship not only lead to profit but also to the growth of societal, social, ecological, and cultural capital.

In a process of Provotyping, I aim to pave the way with them. A path from the old normal to the new sublime.

BOOK YOUR PROVOTYPING SESSION

STEFAAN VANDIST

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