Project OverviewOutsourcing The Self is an interactive installation that reveals patterns in the rhetoric of authority. By comparing voices from past and present, it helps viewers recognize manipulative tactics and encourages more critical engagement with the narratives they’re fed.
Research & Visuals
InsightsIn preparing for this project, I interviewed strangers across generations to uncover the “source” of their sense of character. My insights:
Over time, the figures we seek guidance from have shifted into the virtual realm. Older participants pointed to religious figures, politicians, and family members, while many younger ones cited streamers and YouTubers.
Across generations, there are patterns in the rhetoric of the authority figures we look to. From yesterday’s politician to today’s influencer, the packaging changes, but their call for unquestioned trust remains the same.
Placing too much faith in these figures may prevent us from forming our own opinions.
Design DirectionThrough a visual system, how can I expose the similarities between these old and new narratives to help audiences identify manipulation, question idols and authority figures, and reflect on their own sense of self?
I wanted my visual language to demand attention. Inspired by bold headlines and newsprint textures, I paired Druk Super with halftone patterns. My secondary typeface, Harriet, adds sophistication through elegant serifs. Red, black, white and blue play on political associations.
Side A: Poster
A call for self-reflection“Who are you when no one is telling you what to believe?” This question is the hero of my poster. I wanted to make viewers pause, re-read, then realize there is no easy answer. Red and blue circles “filter” certain letterforms into halftones, playing on Side B’s interactive acrylic filters (see below).
Side B: Interactive Filters
Comparing and ContrastingThis triple-tiered poster compares past and present doctrines. Past statements are printed in blue, while present is set in red, with overlapping areas evoking a Venn-diagram effect. Blue acrylic panels reveal red visuals beneath, and vice versa. The board features shelves to rest the filters on, inviting interaction.
“Greed is Good” (Wall Street, 1980s) vs. “Can You Monetize That?” (Content creators, 2020s):
Capitalist credos with undertones of profiteering and exploitation. “I Am Not a Crook” (President Nixon, 1973) vs. “It’s Fake News” (President Trump, 2020s):
Defensive maxims underpinned by denial and blame evasion. “Keep a Youthful Figure” (Corset industry, 1920s-50s) vs. “Age with Grace” (Botox marketers, 2020s):
Beauty slogans reflecting body control and obsession with youth.
Public Opening
Inviting InteractionOur design class hosted a group exhibition of our installation pieces, inviting attendees to explore the works. My installation was a hit! Observations:
Visitors appreciated the interchangeable filters on Side B. The handles invited interaction, and moving the filters from shelf to shelf created a sense of discovery.
Because the information wasn’t immediately visible, visitors were encouraged to lean in and engage more closely with the work.
Closing ThoughtsWorking on Outsourcing the Self was a great opportunity to introduce physical interactivity into my design toolkit. The acrylic color filters were a challenge: totally out of my comfort zone as they involved laser cutting, but essential to the success of my installation. The result was worth the stress, as they are a perfect metaphor for obscured meanings!
Conceptually, Outsourcing the Self reminded me of the importance of questioning authority and reflecting on the messages I absorb in my own life. After spending so much time with this idea, I’ve found myself thinking more critically about the media and culture that surround me. Prev