Orwell

2023 - 24 | George Brown College Year End Show Exhibition Award Winner (2024)

UI Design | UX Research | Product Design | Interaction Design

Orwell was a year-long group project by MetaMakers that began with the development of a prototype, followed by the design of a comprehensive timeline. The project concluded with the creation of a final product that envisions a future where everything is controlled centrally. This concept illustrates a dystopian scenario where privacy is eradicated, and individuals risk social exclusion if they fail to comply with Orwell's prescribed regulations.

Tools:

In this case study, a variety of tools were utilized, both physical and digital. Instead of listing each one individually, they are showcased throughout the case study to provide a clearer understanding of their applications within the project.

“We are committed to reshaping the future by transcending the traditional boundaries of human perception. We believe in going beyon the surface, delving into the heart of human experiences, and redefining how people interact with the world around them. We are not focused solely on the present but are dedicated to shaping a better, more profound future. We are adventurous, passionate, and unapologetically curious.”
— We are the MetaMakers

IDEATION

At the onset of the project, the initial task involved devising a comprehensive timeline. This timeline was required to span historical events, capture the current status, and forecast developments up to 50 years ahead, focusing specifically on the dynamics of cancel culture. To ensure a well-rounded and insightful theme, a series of brainstorming sessions were conducted, aiming to pinpoint crucial aspects that would enrich the timeline's construction.

RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS IRRITATIONS

As we delved into our timeline, distinct phases of control emerged. This examination forms the basis for our findings section, where we dig into the effectiveness of censorship measures, their influence on public discourse, and the legal framework that governs them. These findings, spanning from 1918 to 2123, not only unveil the historical progression of censorship but also provide a glimpse into the events that lie ahead.

  1. Government Control: Explores state censorship and suppression from historical laws to modern authoritarian efforts.

  2. Protests: Showcases key movements where people fought for rights and freedoms through collective action.

  3. Suppression: Highlights the dangers faced by journalists and activists from violence and legal measures.

  4. Power Struggle: Examines the battle over information in the digital age and the impact of social movements and surveillance.

  5. Regaining Control: Discusses recent laws aimed at reshaping societal norms and restricting freedoms.

  6. Unseen Strings: Speculates on future challenges for freedom amid advancing technology and government control.

TIMELINE

19 inch x 40 inch

DESIGN THINKING

  • Examine the historical evolution of censorship to understand its impact on freedom of speech and expression.

  • Investigate the legal and ethical dimensions of censorship measures, both past and projected for the future.

  • Assess the global repercussions of censorship on societies, considering its historical context and potential future implications.

  • Document the development of censorship and idea gatekeeping, focusing on both their implementation and the concurrent resistance over the 200-year period.

  • Analyze historical trends in the intensity of resistance against censorship's implementation and identify the underlying motivations and reasons behind such actions.

DESIGN THINKING

The research methodology employed for this report encompasses a comprehensive review of existing literature, interviews with academic professionals, observational analysis, surveys, and a meticulous examination of laws and acts that enable censorship.

  • Primary Research

    • Survey Interviews On Censorship

    • AI Survey Interview On Censorship

    • Coffeehouse Observation

    • Mini-survey on news sources

  • Secondary Research

    • Historical Survey of Censorship

PRODUCT

After establishing the project timeline, the next step was to develop the actual product, demonstrating how a single product could manage everything based on our projected timeline for the future. Initially, we considered multiple products. However, MetaMakers eventually designed a single product named Orwell. We embarked on a new phase of research, this time focusing on surveillance cameras worldwide, to highlight the diminishing state of privacy.

EXPERIENCE ORWELL

Below, you can see the design system and our method for creating the product. We put together a mood board and mapped out the user's journey. We also set design standards, choosing specific logos and colors. Additionally, we started to identify the materials required to build Orwell.

Moodboard

Persona

For our project, we created two personas. The first persona is aware of Orwell and opposes the lack of privacy and surveillance practices it represents. The second persona appreciates Orwell and is comfortable with the idea of being monitored by the system.

User Journey

The journey illustrates the day of a victim caught in the Orwell system. It starts like any other day for the witness. This time, Orwell is housed in a highly secured tower downtown, preparing for its daily tasks. The witness begins his day routinely, getting ready and heading out for coffee, unaware that Orwell has targeted him today. As he enters the coffee shop, Orwell scans him and extracts all his personal information. Then, Orwell springs into action, initiating a block.

When the witness tries to pay for his coffee, his card doesn't work. His day continues to unravel as he attempts to run other errands. At the hospital, he finds his health card won't scan, as if he never existed. This is the moment he realizes he's been blocked and is being systematically erased from the system. Isolated and saddened, he feels the weight of Orwell's constant surveillance. This is the essence of what Orwell does.

Logo, Colors, Typography and Other design elements

We carefully selected the logo to resemble a camera, symbolizing surveillance. The rest of the design maintains a consistent cube-like structure. Based on this logo and the square shape, we developed a pattern and a design language, which we named 'Orwellian.

THE MAP

PARTS AND TOOLS

  • We crafted the holograms with an iPad, an image of an eye, and transparent paper. The eye was selected deliberately to evoke a sense of surveillance, instilling in viewers the feeling of being constantly observed.

  • We utilized React to develop a platform for real-time data gathering. The interface was segmented into grids, each displaying live video feeds from surveillance cameras worldwide. Alongside these feeds, a graph on the right side of the screen quantified daily data collection by social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, X, and others. Additionally, certain grids showed images of people in front of the installation, captured by a camera mounted above, emphasizing the omnipresent nature of surveillance.

  • We connected the camera atop the installation to a Raspberry Pi, which was then linked to a laptop running React for data visualization. This setup enabled the integration of live surveillance feeds into our interactive display.

  • We utilized 3D printers to create over 150 Lego characters representing people and buildings, forming a city-like installation on three sides. Each side of this rectangular setup was lined with mirrors, creating an illusion of infinite buildings and figures when viewed from the inside. The cities depicted—Atlanta, London, and South Korea—were chosen because they have the highest number of surveillance cameras according to our research. Each city featured a 3D-printed model of a famous tower, with little red sponges added to represent surveillance cameras on these buildings, giving them a fungus-like appearance. This design highlighted the pervasive nature of surveillance in these urban centers across three different continents.

  • Inside the counter, we housed all the essential components: a laptop and a Raspberry Pi, ensuring a clean and uncluttered setup. We also incorporated Makey Makey to enable interaction with the custom buttons on the counter. These buttons allowed viewers to engage with a questionnaire designed to resemble an app. This app utilized a language style inspired by Orwellian themes, enhancing the immersive experience of surveillance and control reflected throughout the installation.

Other Tools

Additionally, we employed vinyl rolls and a laser cutter to shape the vinyls precisely. Black foam was also utilized in various parts of the installation. To construct and finish the structure, we used wood sheets and applied black oil paint and primer, ensuring a sleek and professional appearance for the entire installation.

YEAR END SHOW EXHIBITION

DIVE INTO OUR LATEST CREATION!

OUTCOME

The outcome of this project underscored our proficiency in storytelling and collaboration, key elements that shaped the development of our interactive installation. Throughout the project, we adapted and refined our concepts, which dramatically transformed our initial ideas into a coherent and engaging final piece. The strong teamwork not only facilitated a seamless integration of interactive elements but also enriched the narrative, making it a compelling experience for the audience. This project showcased our ability to innovate and execute complex ideas effectively, marking a significant evolution in our creative approach.

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