Limitation

After some consideration since last Monday, I decided to set a limitation on my application.

1. Instead of using a mirror to help me reflect my projection to the screen, I will reduce the size of the projection / screen so that the projector can project directly to the back of the screen. No mirrors involved.

2. Instead of having 6 trigger zones / buttons, I thought of reducing it to 4 as time is constraint. Each button of information had to be created with some amount of time as there are audios, images, animations and possibly videos involved. Some information from the other 2 buttons might be incorporated into the other 4 buttons or some information might be revised again, depending on how informative and important those information are.

3. Instead of just using black and white monochrome colors, I have decided to use full colors for the application in order to make the projection on the screen to look better and more impact.

Idea evolution

This was the first idea that was suggested, a life size screen based on the idea of Cubism.

The bigger screen on the left shows a cut of six different sections where figures are speaking to themselves, talking in the same voice but different tones. Once the user steps in front of the left screen and use their hand to navigate to choose one of the six sections, then the right screen will light up with the image of the figure holding the title and the information scroll behind it, information about the different aspect of the illness.

The idea was later changed to another as the first idea was hanging with loose ends.

The second idea was sort of an art gallery type. There are seven different screens with the main leading screen in the front being the attraction, the intriguing piece where the users will see four figures speaking to each other.

As the user walk down the lane, they will step on different buttons on the floor. Each button will trigger a screen showing different aspect of information on the illness.

The idea was changed because of difficulties to get the equipments.

After evolving through some different idea, the most effective way to deliver this information is through closure, that's why the information will be display half life size-ish but not totally huge like the first idea.

The application will be projected on a screen with trigger zones in front of them. As the user step on each trigger button, it will display different aspect and information about dissociative identity disorder exp :- the causes, the treatment etc etc.

Each button will trigger information in the form of image and text accompanied by audio effect.

This is the information flow chart. The main screen will show a screen of four figures speaking at the same time, to each other and to themselves.

As soon as the user steps on the trigger zone, the screen will flicker to show the information. If the information are left idle for 30 seconds, then the screen will reset back to the first screen of the four figures speaking.

This is the final layout of the application.

Top view

Side view

The projector will reflect it's projection on to the mirror which in turn will reflect to the back of the screen.

Front view

There are six different trigger zone as each trigger represent different aspect and information about DID.

A brief on DID

Dissociative identity disorder might sound like a made up illness but in reality, it is quite real and could be a scary experience. This illness was formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder.

DID (Dissociative identity disorder) happens when someone suffers from two or more personalities inhabit a body. Their personalities can be either female, male or even an animal regardless of their own gender. These personalities alternate and switches anytime. These personalities could stay a second or days.

Each personalities have their own name, each of them are like a different person with their own postures and gestures. Each personalities usually play a role in the patient's life.

DID is caused by repeatedly childhood trauma (usually before the age of 9). In order to escape from these trauma, the dissociative aspect worked as a coping mechanism, struggling to get away from those memories.

Someone with DID tend to develop other mental illness symptoms such as depression and self abuse (eating disorder, suicide attempts). Other than that, DID patients also tend to have memory lapses where they don't recall a part of their life just because their personalities took over during that time.

They also encounter people who might recognize them and being called a different name. Some of the other signs of DID might include not recognizing themselves in the mirror, not recognizing their own handwriting, hearing voices in their head and feeling unreal.

There are three different types of treatment for DID:- through medication, hypnosis and psychotherapy. Although DID cannot be completely cured, it can however be controlled in order for the person to lead a normal life.

If DID is not treated, it could affect the patient's daily life. They become more violent and vulnerable to alcohol abuse. DID patients were also known to attempt suicide more than once.

The chosen topic

The chosen topic is :- Dissociative identity disorder

Purpose of the topic :-

* to deliver information about the mental illness itself
* to inform others about the existence of the illness

The project will be executed based on the concept of confusion, letting the users to have a chance to step into the shoes of someone who is suffering from DID. How it feels to have a chunk of your life dominated by another personality and not remembering part of their life.

Initially the idea for the application would be based on the art movement of Cubism.

Cubism art tears apart a painting and puts them back together, sometimes in an unrecognizable form where the audience self interpret what they see on the canvas.

I decided to use the same concept where a DID patient had a different parts and personalities, just like the Cubism art.

Three proposal

In the beginning of the project, there were 3 topics that was taken into consideration. They were :-

* a mental illness - dissociative identity disorder
* a chinese hakka delicacy - thunder tea rice
* an exotic animal as pet - sugar glider

Topic 1 :- Dissociative identity disorder


Content :- to inform and educate others about this rare mental illness.

Dissociative identity disorder is a disease where two or more personalities inhabit in one body. This illness triggers from childhood trauma and the signs of someone suffering with DID are not able to identify themselves.

Approach :- Letting the user / audience step into the shoes of someone with DID, feeling confused as they lost chunks of their lives as their personalities changed

Topic 2 :- Thunder tea rice


Content :- to inform about the goodness and nutrition of a thunder tea rice dish

Thunder tea rice or commonly known as rui cha is a Hakka delicacy which include a combination of healthy ingredients which are targeted for different part of the body.

Approach :- introducing and educating the public about the nutrition and benefit of eating this all veggie healthy halal dish

Topic 3 :- Sugar glider


Content :- to let the users learn more about this exotic pet

Sugar glider is an marsupial animal which looks like a squirrel. It's basic diet are fruits and worms. The sugar glider is a perfect pet for those who constantly need a small furry company.

Approach :- to let the user look beyond the cute appearance of the sugar glider and understand them better as an animal and pet

Conclusion :-

The first title was the one chosen as it was an interesting and have different angles to explore