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Tools Used}

_{1.Jessica Brown, associate professor of industrial design at RISD
2.Melissa Marcotte,  Ph.D., Psychology - Behavioral Science
3.Josh Glenn, Semiovox co-founder, Senior Analyst}

_{Hands-on Prototyping
Figma
Adobe Photoshop}

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Project Overview

What is this for

This wearable product serves as the perfect means to indicate to others, in a respectful manner, that one prefers not to engage in conversation. It naturally fosters an atmosphere that avoids social interaction indirectly.

Why

There are often situations where one feels the need for personal space but is forced to engage with others. In the digital world, it's easy to convey the message of 'leave me alone' through features like the 'Do Not Disturb' mode or email status such as 'Away.' However, in the physical world, we lack clear indicators to communicate the need for privacy and to be respected in our personal boundary.

How & Process

Work in progress:

Researching Social Psychology involves interviewing individuals about their social interaction experiences, hosting small workshops with cohorts, creating prototypes, and conducting user tests.

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Thesis Abstract

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Target

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Inspiration

Inspired by the lack of physical-world boundaries comparable to digital
'Do Not Disturb' modes,

the research delves into understanding the diverse needs of individuals' perceptions of external stimuli during interactions.

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Final Iteration_Prototype

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Exhibition

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Experiment 05, Survey, Usability Testing

In this experiment, body gestures and actions were key factors in individuals' communication. In the prototype, the size of objects varies, as do the actions required for each.

CMF Research

_{When the material itself has a strong visual attraction,
it could potentially hinder the use of color for signaling meaning.}

The data indicates that people tend to feel uncomfortable in social situations.

The blue highlighted box demonstrates that across all scenarios, individuals who already identify as uncomfortable in such situations report feeling more comfortable when wearing the product, thus validating my hypothesis.

The most notable increase in comfort is observed in the 'Dance Party' scenario, which is a public and festive event rather than a professional one.

F Those who indicated that wearing the product would increase their comfort predominantly highlighted its effectiveness in public fun events.

In contrast, participants' written responses for professional events revealed a preference for showcasing extroversion and displaying their faces, making the product less suitable for such scenarios.

Additionally, the data from the two professional events differed from that of public fun events, with Option A not emerging as the top choice

3. Usability Test

During the Usability Testing, participants were provided with an introduction to the project background and research goals.

The testing set was prepared with prototypes pinned down alongside brainstorming tools including pens and sticky notes.

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Experiment 04

Iterations of high-fashion face mask styles.

A picture from a user test showed how her actions could be very bold when compared to her normal behavior, especially when she could be anonymous.

I've devised three imaginary scenarios: a party, a career networking event, and a social gathering.
Each of these settings comes with its own set of obligations and levels of freedom or allowance in terms of fashion, outfit choice, and attitude (TPO).

• Obligation:
  The obligation at a party is typically lower compared to a career networking event. Attendees are often free to come and go as they please, reflecting the more relaxed and social nature of the occasion. There's less pressure to adhere to strict timelines or professional

• Allowance: Attendees have the freedom to experiment with bold fashion choices, such as trendy or daring outfits. Attitudes tend to be more relaxed and outgoing, with an emphasis on enjoying oneself and socializing.

• Obligation: At a career networking event, the obligation is typically higher compared to a party. Attendees are expected to adhere to professional standards in both attire and behavior. 
  

• Obligation: The obligation at a social gathering varies depending on the context but is generally lower compared to a career networking event. 

• Allowance: More flexibility and informality in both attire and behavior.

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Quantitative & Qualitative Research

Designed outreach poster ensures attractiveness to attract enough participants.

For quantitative research, to obtain unbiased and informative responses,
I am focusing on precisely craft the questionnaire with feedback from the thesis advisor, Melissa Marcotte,
who specializes in psychology research.

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Experiment 03

How to be private in public - by adding an additional layer of skin: leather. This showcase explores the intricate art of nonverbal communication, designed to respect individual boundaries while maintaining an inclusive atmosphere.

The respectful way of being solitary, "white lie," where discreetly avoiding social interactions becomes a design form, the freedom to choose when to engage with the outside world and when to indulge in personal transitional or digestion time.

Wearable prototype with blending the concept of second skin; leather.

I personally buy clothes when I feel nervous, when I think back myself, it would be adding layer, bigger my body, to protect and make bigger myself to get confident. The second skin of leather came from this.

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Experiment 02

Wearable boundaries empower introvert dignity, offering individuals the power to choose whether to engage in social interaction, preventing forced encounters and respecting personal autonomy.

I feel like I’m only in the world

“OK, I am ready”

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Experiment 01

Minimizing Social Interaction in Elevators

:Transitioning to everyday objects used on a daily basis, where both human-machine communication and human-to-human communication coexist and emerge.

Scatter towards the wall

Placing everyone in the elevator facing different directions, but towards the walls, to minimize social interaction.
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Participatns

Random People using the elevator.

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Methodology
Displayed floor instruction on the elevator, and noted that this is being recorded 

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Result