Grad Show 22

Yuta Yang

Zoomorphic Amalgamation:

Speculative Devices for Alternative Communication

Abstract

Zoomorphic Amalgamation: Speculative Devices for Alternative Communication is a series of speculative works that assist introverts readapting in the extro-oriented society. The work serves as a lens to challenage and question the authority afforded to extroverts in contemporary society, and aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of introverted personality. As a person with an introverted personality, the thesis project draws upon personal experience and to reflect on the current bias and stereotype of characteristics that common to the introverts.

By integrating technological sensors and microcontrollers, the works are created to help the wearer express insecurity, at the same time providing a facsimile of confidence, relaxation, and recharging experience within the duration of wearing. Through interactive engagement the devices embody the connection between the wearer and the observer, and aim to visualize the discomfort of social interaction through forms of movement, sound, and color shift in reference to the defensive behaviors of animals and insects.

Website: yuta.design

INSTAGRAM: @yutaaa._____

Thesis PDF

The Runway, 2022

Today we make room for a remarkably narrow range of personality styles. We’re told that to be great is to be bold, to be happy is to be sociable. We see ourselves as a nation of extroverts — which means that we’ve lost sight of who we really are.

- Susan Cain

Stereotyping happens when the quiet culture admits inferiority. Zoomorphic Amalgamation: Speculative Devices for Alternative Communication serves as a lens which reflects the current problems associated with extraversion authority, and creates an equal society for the two irreconcilable personalities. Through the speculative framework, audiences gain awareness of individual differences and have a comprehensive understanding of introverted personality. The work questions the current social expectations, assisting the introverted individual with alternate modes of communication and their needs for personal space. These devices demonstrate and proof the capability of technology emerging with adornment, suggesting a pathway of how body extension can build confidence for the future.