Interaction - Bachelors

Persona

Persona is a digital, interactive, collaborative wall instalment and
web application that invites individuals to share their vulnerable
thoughts and messages anonymously for the public to view. This
concept was designed with the intention of creating a space that
brings attention to the impacts of social media on our mental
health, body image, and wellbeing - especially on teenagers and
children. High expectations, beauty standards, and ideals of
success are broadcasted to the world, fueling an age where we
experience FOMO and feel inadequate. Sometimes, we think we
face these emotions and feelings alone.

By bringing them to light and starting the conversation on these questions, it could help know we are indeed not alone. Passerby's are encouraged to explore the messages that
cloud the wall and are themselves able to scan a QR code where
they can leave their mark.

Natalie Smith

behind the mask

Persona was a project created with the main goal of capturing and informing viewers of a critical problem affecting our way of life as we know it: technology and it’s effects on mental health. Technology has brought with it many advantages – we are able to connect with others and place more than ever before. In observing the way the youth and younger generations have adopted these technologies, it is quite alarming to uncover that it has led to a surge in records of body image issues, mental illnesses and wellbeing.

Social media platforms in particular are spaces we use to view the lives of others as well as share our very own to the world. In total, 93% of internet users of the roughly 5 billion internet social media are social media users (Statista, 2022). Whilst platforms like Facebook and Instagram began as innocent tools in achieving this, unseen ramifications have impacted the way we perceive our own lives.

Multiple studies have uncovered that a correlation between the amount of time users spend on social media has an impact on mental health, with reports stating that those that consume more are more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety (Jefferson Health, 2022). Social media use is highest among the younger, more impressionable age group of individuals aged between 15 – 17, who spend an average of 18 hours a week online (NEDC, 2017).

With all this in mind, this project was designed to confront viewers with these questions and thoughts in hopes that true and real responses could be made. Some of the prompts have the potential to start conversations among the viewer with their friends, family and strangers, but begins with the user confronting the question by themself.

PERSONA AND IT’S MISSION

In a world where we are inclined to share everything about our lives – our wealth, jobs, holidays, successes, milestones and lavish lifestyles – whilst also hiding some of the true and vulnerable thoughts we may have, Persona aims to create a space where viewers can be free of their identity and share a thought, message or response to a prompt that is true to them. It gives viewers the ability to see opinions different to theirs, or maybe even the same.

THE INTERACTION

The interaction would take place through two screens: one being a viewer’s mobile device such as a phone or tablet, and the main display like a projector, large digital screen or wall – given the limited resources this will be accessed via a desktop screen. To access the input site, users would therefore scan a QR code.

The prototype was built using a Front End of React, HTML, CSS and JavaScript, with a Back End using SQL and Node JS

FUTURE VISION & FUTURE IMPLEMENTATION

Billboard display

It was envisioned that Persona in the future would span across continents as an interactive public display. Meaning viewers would be able to see/interact with the display and look at messages and responses whilst also having the ability to scan and add their own message to the wall, thus adding to the display. Seen on digital screens, billboards and other displays, users would be able to view the project as well as add their own, with the hopes of sparking conversations into topics – with some that matter.

VIDEO SUMMARY

This video shows the concept, prototype and development behind the project.

Links to site

The wall can be viewed from the following link:

https://monumental-crostata-32b5fd.netlify.app/wall

Natalie Smith

Natalie Smith is an aspiring user experience and interaction designer who is passionate about everything tech, design and the fusion of both. Natalie believes wholeheartedly in the importance of innovation, creative thinking, customer experience and designing for people. She seeks to continue her creative technological journey. Most of her work to date has aimed to confront social issues prominent in our day to day lives.