Category: capstone2020

 
My digital collage series explores transformations of self-identity through iterations of purposeful destruction of data called datamoshing. Inspired by naturally occurring glitches in various image and video file types, datamoshing uses compression techniques to create digital chaos; distorting, bending and ultimately transforming images and video into something entirely new though tied to its original file. By datamoshing personal photographs tied to my autobiographical memories, this series explores the relationship between self-identity and digital photography. Digital photography represents a myriad of choices reflecting how we want to be perceived, from how we “perform” for the camera to which images we choose to keep, edit and share. These images form our sense of identity, informing us of how others view us and how we want to be viewed. By intentionally distorting the data of these photographs using datamoshing and processing-based pixel sorting methods, I create new associations to these images and explore their relationship to my identity. This is the paradox of datamoshing – through destruction is the creation of something new.

 
Due to low stocks, it is hard for consumers to purchase limited-edition sneakers in the retail market so a large number of consumers would purchase limited-edition sneakers in the resale market. Sneaker prices in the resale market highly rely on the supply-demand relationship; therefore, prices of sneakers in the resale market are usually higher than the retail prices and are fluctuant, which is similar to the stock market. Sneaker resale platforms outside China provide customers with historical data about sneakers such as price trends and trading volume. However, Chinese resale platforms do not want to be involved sneakers with investment, so customers cannot have an overview of the price trend of a sneaker, which is an important reference of their purchase decision.
This project analyzes data of sneakers in resale platforms and provides detailed statistics to help consumers make good decisions. Provided with data like history price trends, consumers can purchase sneakers when their prices are comparatively low. Also, data can indicate the popularity of sneakers and predict their prospect. Moreover, based on the record of the transaction, the application can analyze the possibility of illusory popularity. There are sneaker dealers who massively purchase sneakers and create an illusion that a sneaker is extremely popular. When the price increases, they sell these sneakers at a higher price to earn money. The characteristic of such activity is that the trading volume of a sneaker rises sharply and usually a single buyer purchase a large number of pairs. This is a warning signal for regular consumers because the price will fall sharply after dealers clear their inventory. However, all these features are not provided by resale platforms in China and some of them also cannot be found in platforms outside China. This project’s ultimate goal is to help people purchase their dreaming sneakers at a reasonable price.

 
Previous researchers have demonstrated the widespread phenomenon of forward head posture (FHP) problem among adults, teenagers, and children primarily caused by faulty posture associated with long hours of exposure to technological devices. With focused studies on university students, a result conducted in universities in Pakistan and Malaysia revealed that 67% of participants were identified with forward head posture while 58.5% were not aware of forward head posture. The high prevalence but low awareness revealed a need to address the FHP issue in college. The chief purpose of this project “Bystander” serves as an FHP problem identifier and corrector to raise awareness and thus resolve the FHP problem among the target audience – university students with interactive approaches and marketing strategies.
Existing products such as posture training devices may only be advertised to the audience who have identified themselves with FHP along with other spine and hunchback problems. In such a market context, previous products could only reach the designated health-conscious consumers, while university students who are unaware of the FHP problem would remain uninformed of the prevalent circumstance of FHP. This project would fill the gap of unreached university students in the current market.
Bystander collaborates two mediums to achieve the project mission. A visualization installation placed on the university campus would identify students with the FHP problem. A schematic drawing conducted by Kinect would examine participants and, through calculation and algorithms, output the FHP extent (none, mild, severe) of the examinees. Moreover, A follow-up WeChat Mini Program would also be launched as an online tool to collect user demographic information, provide tutorials and reminders to participants identified with mild or severe FHP issues. It serves to correct the unhealthy FHP with proper exercises and help develop correct posture when using digital devices.

 
We have many tools that help kids to learn: Scratch for kids to access programming, Variation Playground for kids to learn music, Cognimates for kids to understand AI concepts, and we even have a whole museum exploratorium for kids to explore scientific phenomena at their own pace. However, all these learning experiences focus on talents, which are non-moral (such as understanding physics). Seldom do people consider helping children develop strengths, which are moral and contribute to virtues (such as the ability to love and be loved). In the field of Positive Psychology, strengths development contributes to personal happiness in both childhood and adulthood. Can we design a learning tool specifically for kids to learn happiness? Located in a dark room, the project creates a magical space for children to create and cast their own magic spells. With the guidance of a magic book teaching children how to use our magic wand, children can use different gestures to control the floating spells projected on a giant transparent canvas and design a new spell for their own wish. For instance, a “heart” shape spell for the wish that “I want my parents to get back together”. This project draws inspiration from Positive Art Therapy, the art therapy for positive psychology interventions, provides our young audience with a magical space to learn optimism, overcome grief, and regain hope.

 
In part, as a result of globalization, mobile dating applications have solidified themselves in recent years as the primary tool in which individuals seek intimate relationship. The extensive freedom these mobile dating applications provide to users in creating their online selves would imply that users are unhindered in their representation however, this assumption is wrong.
This paper looks at how women present themselves using mobile dating applications when searching for a male companion and the resulting consequences of these actions. The focus demographic of this paper is single heterosexuals using mobile dating apps. The terms ‘dating’ and ‘courtship’ will be used interchangeably; in this context both refer to the active pursuit of intimate relationships.
Compared to their precursors (online dating websites), dating applications do not place compatibility as paramount. Instead, applications market their match making processes as efficient and convenient for users. This strategy highlights the market mentality of contemporary dating applications where users are encouraged to market themselves as products. In order to be successful, female users perform gender in such a way that not only uphold but also strengthens traditional heteronormative stereotypes.
Users’ profile images act as the focal point for today’s popular dating apps. Because dating applications do not place emphasis on curated matching, where users are matched based on compatibility, the filtration process is passed down to the user. This makes the first impression essential; when constructing user profiles, one must navigate how they wish to be perceived and evaluated by other users. This process begins with choosing a profile picture.