Reality Check
This week was a reality check for my project. While my concept was recognised as strong and meaningful, the presentation had many gaps in how effectively it translates into an engaging exhibition experience. I realised that I have been thinking too much in terms of screen-based interactions, rather than designing for spatial, audience, and attention flow. This feedback pushed me to reconsider how I can guide visitors more intentionally and communicate my ideas in a way that is both accessible and impactful.
Feedback Breakdown
Spatial Design & Exhibit Layout
The current proposed plan is too wall-based. It leaves the centre space underutilised and the
overall experience feels flat. I need to make use of the space more strategically, not just as a
backdrop. It should be used as a way to create a more immersive environment. At the moment there
is also a lack of spatial hierarchy, making it unclear how visitors should move through the
exhibit, or what they should focus on at each point.
Moving forward, I need to start
designing
from the perspective of a first-time visitor with no prior knowledge of my project. This would
ensure that the experience feels intuitive and guided. Ultimately, I need to shift my thinking
away from purely screen-based design, but towards designing a full spatial experience.
Interaction Design & Engagement
Prototype 6: Face Value for Biometric is too flat and it lacks visual
engagement. This makes the interaction less compelling than I intended. This made me question
whether I have been relying too heavily on screen-based interactions. I should explore more
immersive, spatial, or embodied experiences that could better draw people in.
At the same
time, Prototype 5: World of Brainrot for Behavioural is too tedious
and effort-heavy. It requires too many clicks and too much input from the user. I need to ensure
that users feel comfortable and is willing to give their data, rather than feeling burdened by
the process. Moving forward, I have to carefully balance the level of effort required with user
comfort and overall engagement to create a more seamless and meaningful interaction.
Audience Experience, Curation & Narrative Flow
I need to be more mindful of visitor fatigue as they move through multiple stations, from one to
the next. If too much is required at each point, visitors may become impatient or disengaged
before fully experiencing the work. This made me question how I can capture and sustain their
attention while still asking for active participation. I need to reflect more carefully on how
much attention each station demands, and how quickly and clearly I am able to communicate
meaning within a limited span of time.
Clearer guidance and progession across the stations is required. I need to consider how information is revealed, step-by-step. To think deeper:
• What does the visitor see first?
• What do they understand next?
• What stays with them at the end?
Communication of Concept
My project is conceptually strong and quite deep. I am literally too deep into my research. There is a huge risk that visitors might leave the exhibit thinking, "so what?" if the ideas are not communicated effectively. It is important to ensure that visitors not only understand the significance of the work, but also feel something meaningful from the experience. This raised a key question for me moving forward: how can I communicate complex ideas gradually and effectively as users move through the exhibition, without overwhelming or losing them along the way?
Moving Forward
Ultimately, my current approach lacks a clear purpose (sigh) and I focused too much on whether people will like the prototype (sigh), rather than what they understand, feel, or take away from it. I need to push user testing to a later stage or conduct more focused feedback sessions that provide deeper insights. I need to seek external input from exhibition curators, as their expertise could help me better understand spatial storytelling, audience flow, and how to create more engaging experiences.