Disclosure
Made Personal
The Private in the Digital brings about an exploratory study in the social relationship between consumers and the digital realm, in the premise of the effect in disclosure of personal data.
Over the course of 2-3 months, the project underwent multiple developments and iterations through the experimentation of different delivery methods, including the testing and tinkering of the Raspberry Pi.
While these past months have been fruitful, the project’s key message; Disclosure made Personal - generally intents to promote fear to viewers. In return, users may feel the need to be mindful and take control of their data. If you’re interested in the development that went into this project, view the documentation below.
Objectives
Through interactive and experiential means, the project is focusses in the communication of the effect in disclosure of personal data. It is collectively set with two objectives:
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1) To educate and inform the target audience in the effects in disclosure of personal data through narrative and participation
2) To spread awareness on the effect through emotional means: to induce fear from the effect of self-action by the user
Significance
Relying heavily on the project’s sheer relevance in current times and the risks that pertain to impersonation and identity theft, the focus in the disclosure of personal data mainly drives from the actions made in the tech ecosystem.
As users, we are constantly online and connected, we unintentionally disclose personal information through careless means, especially in exchange for free internet access, to be socially connected and to be part of an online community. For instance, genuinely socialising on Facebook will not exist without your personal information in its profile. While there are plenty of ways to mitigate privacy issues, the core of this issue wholly exists as a choice made by the user.
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The value of this project derives from the emotional effect of the experience, where it encourages the viewer to participate and gain awareness through action. Above all, this project does not promises a watertight solution, but one that advocates users to take control of their personal data privacy.
Above Project deliverables made with:
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1) Reaction (Pink circle) - Handmade Wooden Cube with connected peripherals (Raspberry Pi 3B+, 32x32 RGB Matrix, usage of Python programming language)
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In replacement of (1) on a digital realm, an interactive p5.js script has been written. However, due to security settings/issues beyond my control, the script cannot be hosted here. Interested to view it? Click here.
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2) Shredder - Handmade Wooden Contraption with a hand-powered Paper Shredder mechanism
Documentation
Learn more about how this project came about, or find out the tech behind this project
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Do note that all documentations found here are subjected to copyright laws.
”Being involved in The Private in the Digital has provided me with an in-depth perception into the workings of the digital world, and the dangers in simply using it"
Justin Chong Communications Designer
Justin is a Communications designer who constantly seeks to be bold, brave and different. He believes that good design is practical, versatile and has to be universally understood. Specialising in Illustration and Infographics, he brings in value to design through the use of fresh and relevant forms to communicate the message.
Find out more about him by clicking here
The ‘war' on personal data is a particularly unique yet relevant one. The paradox in the flow of personal data to corporations, and the unauthorised usage of our data makes this issue as important as wearing a mask in public. On the broad spectrum, organisations seek to capture user data from a variety of sources, including hidden ones such as web cookies and scripts that record every stroke.
Hence, it is paramount that we take control by simply not disclosing so much data. While this is no means a solution, the ‘war' on data is a double edged sword - for one your get protection in exchange for convenience.
Prior to the pandemic, this project was planned and designed to be held as an installation. While I have adapted all installations for viewing on the website, the experience may not be wholesome and thus incomplete. Thank you for taking the time to explore how your data can go against you. I hope you have found this informative and educational.
Do feel free to drop me an email at brenchdesigninc@gmail.com if you have any queries! Till then, be safe!