Week 15 / Viva Voce Setup

The Final Sprint

This week marks the final push of the project. My focus shifted to breaking down the entire system, documenting each part of the final work in a way that clearly communicates how the work operates. I polished the overall presentation of the work, ensuring that it is coherent, accessible, and ready for the Viva Voce Presentation. It is to ensure that the process is legible, and the experience is understandable for others encountering the project for the first time.

I had to rethink my exhibit design to make better use of the available space and ensure the experience felt intentional rather than crowded or fragmented. I went back to basics and redesigned the entire layout by sketching a new floor plan in Procreate, focusing on how visitors would move through the work. The goal was to establish a clear, guided flow so that the audience can progressively understand the system rather than encountering it all at once.

With time running out, I had to make a practical decision. Although I initially planned to remodel the space in Blender, I pivoted to using Google’s Nano Banana 2 to quickly render the exhibit visual. This allowed me to communicate my vision efficiently: an environment where the project is experienced as a structured, sequential encounter, guiding users through each process step by step.

From the previous setup test run, several issues became immediately clear. The title and hook question were too small to effectively draw attention, which weakened the initial point of engagement with the work. In response, I scaled them up to establish a stronger visual hierarchy and ensure they could function as clear entry points into the project. I also noticed that the overall space felt fragmented, so I reprinted and adjusted additional visuals to create a more cohesive and intentional layout, allowing the different components to feel connected rather than isolated.

Beyond the physical setup, I extended this iteration into how the project could exist beyond the studio. I worked on rendering an exhibit visual to communicate the project’s longevity and its potential to be experienced in a more formal exhibition context. This involved translating the tabletop setup into a spatial narrative—thinking about sequencing, audience movement, and how each interaction builds upon the next. By doing so, I wasn’t just refining the current presentation, but also positioning the project as something scalable and adaptable, capable of functioning within a larger exhibition environment.

I created an additional user demonstration video to support the experience of the work, especially in situations where I am not physically present to guide viewers. One of the challenges of this project is that the interaction is not immediately intuitive, so the video acts as an entry point—showing how a user should approach, engage with, and move through the system. Rather than relying solely on written instructions, the video demonstrates the flow of interaction in a clear and accessible way, helping viewers quickly grasp what is expected of them.

In producing the video, I focused on clarity and pacing to mirror the intended user experience. I carefully staged each interaction, ensuring that key actions and transitions were visible and easy to follow. This process also became a form of reflection, allowing me to identify any friction points or ambiguities in the interaction itself. Ultimately, the video functions as both a guide and an extension of the work, ensuring that the experience remains understandable, consistent, and self-sufficient even without my presence.

Closing this one-year project, I can see just how far it has come. What started as an idea slowly took shape through constant brainstorming, research, and experimentation, eventually becoming something tangible and presentable. Toward the end, I was honestly burnt out—I could see areas that could have been pushed further, especially in the printed materials, and it was frustrating knowing there was more I wanted to refine. But at the same time, I know I pushed myself as far as I could. Getting to this stage was not easy. There were countless sleepless nights, moments where I completely crashed out, and periods of intense project fatigue where I questioned why I had even chosen this topic in the first place.

Yet, looking back, this project has given me more than just an outcome—it pushed me in ways I didn’t expect. Without it, I don’t think I would have developed the resilience or drive to reach where I am now. It played a huge role in pushing me to secure an internship at TikTok, and eventually receiving a full-time conversion, which still feels surreal. As exhausting as the journey was, I’m incredibly grateful for it. It challenged me, shaped me, and ultimately prepared me for what’s next. I’m now looking forward to starting this new chapter at TikTok with a deeper understanding of ALGORITHMS.

I would like to sincerely thank Andreas for all the guidance, support, and opportunities he has given me throughout this journey. From day one, I knew I wanted to be in his atelier and to learn under his direction, and being able to do so has been an incredibly meaningful part of my experience. His way of teaching: grounded in strong conceptual thinking, attention to detail, and a clear standard of excellence, has continuously challenged me to think deeper and push my work further than I thought I could. Andreas' expectations have played a big role in holding me accountable. Knowing how much he values both the quality of work and discipline has pushed me to grow, not just as a designer, but as a person. I’m truly grateful for his patience, his honesty, and his commitment to helping us improve. It has been an honour to be part of his atelier.

I’m also incredibly thankful for the people I’ve met during my time at LASALLE. The friendships I’ve formed with my classmates have been one of the most meaningful parts of this experience. There was always a strong spirit of support among us where we never hesitated to help one another, share ideas, or figure things out together.

That collective willingness to learn and grow alongside each other made even the most challenging moments more manageable, and it’s something I deeply value. Being surrounded by such generous and driven individuals has shaped my experience in ways I couldn’t have achieved alone, and I will carry this with me moving forward.