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This study examines the application of comics in futures research to involve stakeholders in infrastructure strategy discussions for disruptive futures. It employs a graphic novel called “Vanishing Point! Our Built World,” which augments generative AI art with human storytelling to transport participants into a speculative 2150 with a solarpunk theme. The narrative applies the concept of future-self continuity and a temporal discontinuity framework to promote visions of sustainability for both humanity and the environment. The research emphasises the ability of comics to foster meaningful discussions on future infrastructure coordination by incorporating Social Construction Theory, Social Construction of Technology Theory, and Actor Network Theory. Comics being adapted into videos and used in workshops highlight their effectiveness in promoting engagement and facilitating semi-structured discussions. This demonstrates comics as a dynamic tool in futures research and participatory methodologies. Relevant themes: Anthropocene, Ecocene and Climate Change/Post-capitalism/Utopias, Eutopias and Dystopias/Solar Punk and its relations/Artificial Intelligence and Automation/Wicked Problems/Futures and Metaphor/Reimagining Futures Tools and Methodologies. Statement acknowledging use of Generative AI Art and copyright ownership: “Vanishing Point! Our Built World” graphic novel artwork was created with Midjourney generative AI. These images were created using the author’s prompts and ideas. The author owns these AI-generated photos and their derivatives. Synthesia was used to create animated films and AI-generated avatars from comic artwork. Statement on the use of Generative AI in the production of this manuscript: Referring to Author Guidelines on Using Generative AI and Large Language Models| Sage Learning Resources (sagepub.com ), this manuscript employed various AI tools to assist with research and writing. ChatGPT4 and its plugin, Scholar AI, helped identify relevant literature in addition to traditional research. Litmaps revealed article linkages, clarifying the research landscape. ChatGPT4 critiqued the manuscript. Quillbot improved the manuscript's clarity and consistency by improving its language.
Richard MacGeorge (Fri,) studied this question.