Research + Frame Analysis - 'Tap to Vote'

Chosen concept

This is a concept developed by DHEEKO that involves asking users for their opinion on a controversial topic, challenging them about their decision, and asking if they want to share it. It is based on the thesis that “Society has too many prohibitions and too few invitations”. Conforming to society is being challenged, and so is made to seem normal. On the other hand, not conforming to society and still deciding to share opinions on social media is made to seem extraordinary. The concept asks users why they chose the particular answer they did, and so what is made to seem good is expressing opinions for reasons other than “society says this is how I should think”. To some people, this situation may be described as offensive. Within this concept, society has agency and the public is victimised.

Research + Frame Analysis - Nauru police to investigate asylum seeker sex assault claim

Newspaper article -

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/nauru-police-to-investigate-asylum-seeker-sex-assault-claim-20150525-gh8yfi.html

This is a news article by Eryk Bagshaw of the Sydney Morning Herald about the sexual assault allegation of an Iranian asylum seeker at the Australian detention centre on the Pacific Island. Within the article, what is made to seem normal is the denial from the detention centre and Nauran police force regarding allegations of sexual assault, as these kind of allegations have been occurring for many years. On the other hand, the sexual assault of asylum seekers is made to seem out of the ordinary. The article contains implied values, including that justice for the abused, if the allegations are true, would be the right outcome. This situation may also be described with proper investigation needing to be completed as this isn’t the first report of sexual abuse, and probably won’t be the last. Within this article, the police have agency and the Iranian asylum seeker involved is victimised.

Research + Frame Analysis - Vending Machine That Sells T-Shirts for €2

Existing installation -

http://www.trueactivist.com/this-vending-machine-sells-t-shirts-for-2-euros-but-no-one-will-buy-one-see-why

In Berlin, Germany there exists a vending machine that sells t-shirts for only 2 euros. At first glance this seems too good to be true, so it attracts many users, but none of them will buy a t-shirt. Why? The vending machine reveals to the user why the shirts are so cheap, just like clothing available in shops - sweatshop labourers who work for as little as 13 cents an hour. Once the user has inserted 2 euros into the machine, they choose the design and size of the shirt, and are then shown the confronting video. When the video is finished, they are asked if they still want a t-shirt, or if they’d rather donate their money instead.

Within the concept, what is made to seem normal is everyday people wanting to pay as little for clothing as possible. On the other hand, considering what it takes for the clothing to be cheap is made to seem extraordinary. Through the use of the machine values are implied, including that sweatshop labourers deserve better, and that we should consider what consequences may come from things designed to convenience us. From other points of view, this situation may also be described as just a demonstration of how the world works, and that there’s nothing we can do about it. Within this concept, first world countries have agency and sweatshop labourers are victimised.

Final Concept - Tap to Vote

Research + Frame Analysis - Design Intervention

Existing installation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUri6KxT_bY

As many students leaving high school are still unaware of what they want to be doing at university, this installation is aimed at reassuring students that it is normal and okay to not be sure about the future. In fact, this installation suggests that it is extraordinary for students to be sure of their future and what path they want to take.

Design Intervention implies that it is a good thing to test the waters and see where the current takes you because there is no one correct path. The installation also enforces the value of being able to change your mind and that it is normal for there to be many paths that need to be taken in order to reach a goal.

Aside from being an intervention allowing students to see that paths are not set in stone, it can also highlight disorganisation and lack of preparation for the future. The installation may heighten some users’ fears of being unaware of where their futures may lead them. Or, organised people may see it as an excuse for disorganised people not taking the required measures to set up a stable path for themselves.

This installation gives students agency as they have the power to take their futures in whatever direction they want. Furthermore, society is victimised for having pressured students into making extreme life decisions regarding university, even as they are so young.