FIELD NOTES

Case studies.

Ten projects from 25 years of practice at the boundary of storytelling, experience design, and living technology — the groundwork behind the methodology Paracosm runs on today.

Élise — OACIQ Virtual Assistant

Development of an intelligent conversational assistant to accompany real estate brokers and the public in their procedures. Élise answers questions about regulations, buying/selling processes, and guides users to the right OACIQ resources.

Natural Language Processing AI Knowledge Base Conversational Interface Multilingual Support

Wuxia the Fox

A 200-page transmedia tale, Wuxia the Fox — In Search of Lost Dreams, published in French and English, paired with an iPad app that recognizes images, masks and wooden blocks from the book to trigger audiovisual scenes. Co-produced with SAGA and distributed with TFO, it weaves an original mythology with large-format illustration and children’s interactivity.

iPad Augmented Reality Computer Vision Voice Recognition Audio Synthesis Large-Format Illustration & Print

Calm Magic Methodology

Original conceptual framework developed by Jonathan Bélisle to fuse poetry, experience design, and systems thinking in projects. A "technopoetic" approach aimed at creating transformational digital experiences.

Design Methodology Systems Thinking UX Strategy

IO Theatre

Immersive theatrical experience combining live performance with interactive technology. Created an environment where audience members could influence the narrative through their presence and movements.

Motion Sensors Projection Mapping Interactive Audio

Simulateur Génial

Interactive learning simulator designed to teach complex concepts through gamification. Developed for educational institutions to enhance student engagement and understanding.

Unity Engine Learning Management System Analytics Dashboard Adaptive AI

La Naissance du Monde

Interactive spoken-word piece co-produced for Loto-Québec’s Les Divertisseurs program with artists Queen Ka and Ivy. Voice — recitation, breath, intonation — becomes the interface: the performers’ words literally give birth to a visual and sonic world in front of the audience. An early prototype of what Tonalli Voice now explores at larger scale.

Real-Time Voice Recognition Generative Visual & Audio Engine Scenographic Projection

Lachine Passages

Interactive installation celebrating the history of Lachine, Quebec. Created immersive experiences that brought historical narratives to life through modern technology.

Touch Interfaces Audio Narration Historical Archives

La Machine à Bienveillance

Immersive installation co-produced with the National Film Board of Canada, presented at MURAL (Montréal, 2017) and toured to Europe, notably Brussels in 2019 as part of the Brux’ils Brux’elles festival (Recyclart). A monumental pink surveillance-camera sculpture flips the script of control: instead of watching over people, it "watches over them with kindness" — dialogue, compliments and micro-gestures of civility offered to passers-by.

Scripted Dialogue / Conversational AI Presence Sensors LED Sculpture Large-Format Steel Structure

Banff Creative Residence

Artist residency at Banff Centre focused on exploring the intersection of nature, technology, and creative practice. Developed new methodologies for creative technology work.

Environmental Sensors Biometric Monitoring Data Visualization

TEDx Montreal

Keynote presentation at TEDx Montreal exploring the future of human-technology relationships. Shared insights on creating more meaningful connections in the digital age.

Presentation Technology Digital Storytelling Audience Engagement

THE THROUGHLINE

Every system, even digital, is a story in potential.

See how that practice became a methodology, or start a conversation about where your organization fits in it.

About Jonathan Bélisle