I am inspired by theories and teachings from the comic book industry, but super goes far beyond that of conventional graphic novels. In terms of reaching the goals of the experiential interaction of this thesis, I have found it is necessary to expand my reading beyond the realm of strictly superhero related material. This introduces the first question: which industry does this thesis actually exist in? Immediately I came upon a ‘wicked’ problem (defined as an unsolvable problem with many complex players). To find where this thesis belonged I needed to talk to the experts, but to find experts in this area I needed to find where this thesis belonged. So began the mapping process. I began to use my immediate networks to identify and make connections with those who could assist in helping to define what superpowers actually are – what super was and what powers meant. Each conversation brought a new perspective to the table, and with each came increasing diversity of ideas and opinions. Within a topic as irresistible as superpowers, everyone has a strong opinion. Initial primary research proved exceptionally positive and helpful. Participants such as journalist Rob Walker and food designer Emilie Baltz reinforced assumptions about the importance of having heroes and recognizing powers. Conversations with ‘superhero’ artist Issa Ibrahim further reinforced these themes in relation to overcoming adversity. Further conversations became detrimental to my understanding of the topic. Each perspective that was added to the definition of ‘super’ further distorted it. As a researcher I was pushed and pulled in every direction. It was a conversation with design writer John Thackara that created a pivotal point. He identified an opportunity to reframe the topic into two areas, separate but integrally related. First, framing “super” as fantastic abstraction of oneself. This is based primarily on the wish fulfillment discussed earlier. Second, framing “the power” as a deeper understanding of oneself. The separation of these two elements was crucial to unraveling the perception of this topic. If super is creating an artful means to attract people to this space, then powers became the method in which to establish the discourse. Indeed examples of this were found in the early primary research of this thesis. When interviewed, participants were encouraged to talk about themselves, their powers, weaknesses, heroes, villains and origins as if they were superheroes. This abstraction created enough of a disconnect that the participant was able to intimately converse about the “super-participant” without compromising himself or herself. In fact this theme became so prevalent as to drive much of the interview questions for later interviews. A typical interview consisted of questions such as:
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