How Every Experience Follows the Hero’s Journey (Yes, Even Your Coffee Run)
You might think that Joseph Campbell’s "Hero’s Journey" is reserved for epic stories like Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, or The Matrix. You know, the big, sweeping tales of heroes facing impossible odds, encountering wise mentors, and returning home changed. But here’s the thing: Campbell’s journey isn’t just about mythical heroes. It's about all of us. Every day. Every experience we have, from a coffee run to a world tour, follows this same structure. Stick with me.
The Ordinary World
Every experience starts with the mundane. The regular world. The before. You’re sitting on your couch, thinking about how you really want a coffee (or how you need a vacation because, wow, life is a lot right now). You’re comfortable, but there’s this nagging feeling that you need something more. This is your Ordinary World, the calm before the journey.
The Call to Adventure
Then, it hits you. You need that coffee. Or maybe your friend suggests a road trip, or you find a cheap flight to Bali and suddenly your travel bug starts itching. The Call to Adventure doesn’t have to be dramatic. It can be as simple as deciding to go for a walk, or as big as deciding to backpack through Europe. The point is, you’re being pulled toward something different—something beyond your couch.
Refusal of the Call
But wait—do you really need to go? Maybe it’s raining. Maybe you’re too tired. Maybe you hesitate because that trip will cost more than you thought. In the Hero’s Journey, this is the Refusal of the Call. Every experience has that moment of doubt, the brief pause where you weigh the options. Do I stay or do I go?
Spoiler: You go.
Meeting the Mentor
For any good experience to unfold, you’ll need some guidance. Enter the mentor. In big, epic stories, this is Gandalf, Yoda, or Morpheus. But in your day-to-day life, it might just be Google Maps telling you how to get there or your friend who’s been on this trip before offering tips. Even a good playlist can be your mentor, guiding you through the experience with just the right vibes. The mentor gives you that little push or tool you need to cross the threshold.
Crossing the Threshold
This is the moment you leave the ordinary behind and step into the unknown. You walk out the door. You board the plane. You pull up to the coffee shop. You’ve made your choice, and now there’s no turning back. Welcome to the special world—the world of the experience.
Tests, Allies, and Enemies
Now you’re in the thick of it. The middle of the journey. There are going to be challenges. Maybe the coffee line is ridiculously long. Maybe the plane hits turbulence or the hostel turns out to be less-than-ideal. These are your tests, the small battles you have to face. Along the way, you might meet allies—friendly baristas, fellow travelers, or even your inner courage. And, of course, there will be enemies: delays, frustrations, obstacles to overcome.
But hey, you’re the hero. You can handle it.
The Ordeal
Every experience has a climactic moment. The Ordeal is the big test. For a coffee run, it might be the barista messing up your order just when you really needed that caffeine fix. For a trip, it could be getting lost in a foreign city or facing an unexpected challenge. This is where you confront the core struggle of your experience.
It’s not the end, but it’s the moment that tests your resolve.
The Reward
Once you’ve made it through the ordeal, you get the reward. That first sip of your perfect latte. That breathtaking view from the mountain you just hiked. Or the satisfaction of completing that leg of your journey. In the Hero’s Journey, this is the Reward. You’ve earned it, and it feels great.
The Road Back
But the journey’s not over yet. You still have to make it back to the Ordinary World. For a coffee run, that’s as simple as walking back to the office or home. For a longer journey, it’s wrapping up your trip and heading back to reality. This part isn’t as exciting, but it’s essential. You’re transitioning back, and there’s a certain bittersweet feeling to it.
The Return with the Elixir
Here’s where the magic happens. The Return with the Elixir is the moment you come back changed. No, not in some huge, life-altering way (though that can happen too), but in small ways that matter. Maybe the coffee gave you the boost you needed to get through the day. Maybe the trip gave you new perspectives, stories to tell, or a sense of accomplishment. You’ve come back to the ordinary world, but you’ve brought something back with you—something that enriches your life or the lives of others.
Why This Matters for Experience Design
Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, cool story. But what does this have to do with designing experiences?" Well, everything.
The Hero’s Journey isn’t just a template for epic tales; it’s the framework of how we experience life. When we design experiences—whether digital or physical—we’re guiding people through their own journeys. Every app, event, or adventure has these phases. The key is to recognize them and design intentionally at each stage.
- How can you make the Call to Adventure irresistible?
- What tools or guidance will you offer as a Mentor to help people succeed?
- Are you preparing them for the challenges (the Ordeals) they might face?
- How will you deliver a satisfying Reward at the end?
The Takeaway
So, whether you’re running to grab coffee or embarking on a month-long trek, every experience follows the same journey. Understanding this helps us design experiences that resonate with people because they speak to the fundamental way we process and engage with the world. Every journey has its tests, rewards, and returns. And with a little awareness, you can create something that feels as epic as any hero’s tale—even if it’s just getting through the day.