Symbolization > Strategy Exploration > Distributed

The chosen symbol, and one which is highly recognizable, is the International Red Cross (and Red Crescent) Movement. It can be divided into separate committees, and of those the most recognisable would be the National Red Cross (and Red Crescent) Societies.

This symbol is associated with a number of elements that people relate to it, such as financial support, medical support, fund raising, food delivery and in general most types of humanitarian care.

Under the Red Cross symbol these elements all become united and when presented in any nation during any crisis or movement it is always recognised for its core value.

Thus the symbol is shared, connected, communicative, and programmed.

Symbolization > Strategy Exploration > Virtual

An example of a virtual symbol may that of a monument or memorial. It is something that represents an event or period of time that is not strictly defined by the structure. An example of this is Richard Kirk Architect's WWI and WWII memorials in Canberra.

These monuments symbolize a loss, separation and sacrifice. Yet they do so in no strict terms, creating a neutral and abstract meaning. In this way they are an example of a virtual symbol, defining themselves in no strict way to the underlying elements.

They do however allow for a relation to the core value which is a memorial to those who fought for our country during those times of war and a remembrance of their bravery.

Symbolization > Strategy Exploration > Flexible

In all of these studies, semiotics is the base level of interpretation and understanding of the connection between object and sign. The interpreter of the symbol will determine the relevancy of the object and the symbolisation it represents. In the case of a flexible symbol this is highly regarded.

Take for example the national flag. This to some would represent the pride of our nation, the heritage and the responsibility that we have to our future generations to endure and provide. From another viewpoint this may represent an invasion, tyranny, or non-acceptance.

In this way the symbol become flexible in its interpretation and understanding, which depends on the interpreter.

Symbolization > Strategy Exploration > Mobile

Here I would like to present a video instead of relating to an example of a mobile symbol.

The relevancy of this video can be determined by looking at the movement of the individual and the movement of the surrounding environment. Although the scenery changes, the individual always remains. This is perhaps a key element of a symbol which is mobile and still retains its presence.

The idea of a movable structure or object is not one which is new, however retaining the underlying elements and holding onto the core value is one which can be easily lost in translation.

Symbolization

Previously I announced that a core value was in place that layered above a base issue and would then help to develop a strategy in order to create a resolution. This core value relates to or acts as a symbol that is looked upon by others and recognized.

In order to show the connection between the previous types of symbolization and the idea of strategy development we can offer an exploration into various examples and consider the outcomes for various strategies.

Strategy Development

The Strategy defines the brief, and outlines the issues in accordance with the core value being represented. In this way, the flow results in:

CORE > STRATEGY > DEFINITION OF STRATEGY > ISSUES

The following sketch outlines the possibility of a diagrammatic representation:

Core Development

Once the core has been identified, in this case UNITY, then there is the obvious need for development. In order to determine this there needs to be an understanding of the nature of the strategies and in some ways their connection to each other as well. By understanding this nature, there can be further development of the various issues which need to be resolved.

Core Discovery

The initial ideals of strategy suggested that there was a link between the descriptive value of the formula and another core value which is the base representation of those said ideals or strategies.

The question was posed as to what this core may be, and in order to discover this there must be further understanding unto the topic of discussion. Namely, the shortcomings of parliament and the features that need to be resolved.

I would like to stem this towards a comment made and build from there:

"The political systems of Australia, Britain, Canada and the United States all have shortcomings. In the not-too-distant future these societies will need to deal with issues that may require extensive changes to life-style and social organisation, issues such as global warming, terrorism, religious conflict, energy shortages, war. None of these "democratic" systems does well in focussing the attention of a large enough proportion of the population on a problem and giving people suggesting possible solutions an opportunity to mobilise enough public support to carry any solution out." - John Kilcullen

I would like to relate this more succinctly into a set issue of connectivity, trust and security form the nation to its leaders; Public to public representative. With so many factors facing us in times as this, there perhaps needs to be a strong structural connection that the nation looks upon, not just for answers, but for understanding, guidance and the future of the Nation. In this sense, a single word comes to mind - UNITY.

References:

Kilcullen, J. (2000). A Comparison of the Australian, British, and American Political Systems. Retrieved from http://www.humanities.mq.edu.au/Ockham/y67xan1.html

Strategy Formulation

When re-imagining, we consider the issues with the capital. With these issues in place we can announce that there will be various ways to develop a strategy in order to conduct an investigation and resolve the issue.

In this project, we consider the following strategies:

- Flexible

- Virtual

- Distributive

- Mobile

A closer investigation suggests that these terms are descriptive in nature and as such require further research for them to be applicable as a strategic method of resolve. Perhaps the posing of another question would help to provide this.

"What is the core value which provides a starting point for investigation?"