When embarking on putting an exhibiton on of my work, I could not have expected the difficult yet exhilarating journey of hair-pulling vinyl application, days of wall-painting (thank god for blue painters tape & projectors), tracking down bulk orders of stickers, and using a drill for the first time in my life. What began with a simple initial elevation, became a real life immersive look into my brain and two years of thesis work.
My thesis project inquired:
“How might I design experiences that allow for active listening, self-reflection, and observation that enables one to be more present, build meaningful connections, and be in touch with their personal values?”
These days, zoning out in front of a screen (which nine in 10 American teenagers say they do to “pass time”) can be more convenient and alluring than talking to a real human, and social media and online communications are faster and easier than meeting in person or making a phone call.
Out of touch with my values, burnt out from staring into a device for hours a day, and craving quality time with those close to me, I embarked on an inquiry of the ways in which graphic design can be used to push our attention in a more meaningful direction through small, realistic changes in daily habits.
From woodwork to letterpress to embroidery, these objects are designed to motivate and reinforce positive behaviors around technology. They are meant to be joyful, guilt-free encouragements that one can integrate into their daily routine. While not intended to be an antithesis to social media or technology use, the objects are a tool to purposefully and intentionally direct one's attention towards the here and now.
