New problems cannot be solved with old ideas. The challenges of our time are intricate and interwoven, and they demand solutions that recognise this reality. As the visionary architect Buckmister Fuller once said: You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.

Enter Systems Thinking: a model for contemporary problem-solving. Its a mindset that moves away from the linear approach that has dominated for many decades, and shifts towards a circular way of seeing our changing world. Systems Thinking emphasises synthesis over analysis; relationships over isolation; interconnectedness over disconnection.

By looking at the world with a systems-based mindset, we are able to identify blind spots and address problems as they emerge (rather than attempting to deal with the symptoms). By doing this, we can begin to make the changes that will lead to the far-reaching change our society requires. As another great visionary thinker, Angela Davis, once said: Radical simply means grasping things at the root.

Smiley has always been a beacon for defiant optimism.

At this crucial moment in history, we are inspiring people to imagine, reflect, and manifest better futures.

In collaboration with author Phoebe Lovatt and a diverse array of visual artists we are sharing visions, thoughts, and philosophies on the future in an effort to inspire people with more positivity, creativity, and brighter, big-picture ideas.

Welcome to the #SmileyFutureProject.

Words by Phoebe Lovatt

Artwork by the Smiley Design Team