Beyond the Surface
In this studio, we will explore design opportunities
in creating sensory experiences with digitally augmented surfaces.
Keywords: digital surface, display, projection, lighting, space, user experience,
perception, installation, interaction, sensors, creative codingDyslexperience:
Making the
Invisible
Diagnosis Visible
Aug - Oct 2018 Designed with
YONG ZI FONG Under the guidance of
YUTA NAKAYAMA Endorsed by
DYSLEXIA ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPOREThe Dyslexperience is an empathy book designed to address a lack of understanding about dyslexia in an academic-heavy city, Singapore.
With the enhancement of projection mapping on a book’s physical surface, the experience communicates the emotional ordeal and sensorial experience dyslexics faced every day, allowing those who do not understand to see from the lens of those with dyslexia, making the invisible diagnosis visible.
This work is dedicated to Mark, the spark that inspired us, and all those who are afraid of others finding out about their learning differences.
ACHIEVEMENT & AWARDSRed Dot: Best of the Best Award
Brands & Communication Design 2020 (Social Design Category) as a junior participant;
Won Grand Prix Taiwan International Student Design Competition (TISDC) 2019;
Best Demo Award International Conference on Multimodal Interaction (ICMI) 2019;
Winner of Communication Arts Magazine 26th Interactive Annual Competition
Also featured on Taiwan News; read our Conference Paper
If one more person understood what dyslexia is, one less person would feel misunderstood.
DEPTHS OF EXPERIENCE
VISUAL
Contrary to popular belief, dyslexia is not a visual problem, it is a learning difficulty that causes one to ‘visualise’ text differently. This book was designed such that viewers can experience different types of dyslexia.
SPELLING & WRITING
Besides reading, we wanted our viewers to understand that it is common for people with dyslexia to struggle with reading and/or writing.
PSYCHOLOGICAL
Many undiagnosed dyslexics may develop low self-esteem, and start withdrawing from people around them. We wanted our viewers to understand that dyslexia does not affect intelligence, but they simply need more time.
EMOTIONAL
Under highly stressful situations, they need even more time to process and understand the content. With The Dyslexperience book, the frustration experienced when learning to read is simulated.
RAISING AWARENESS
Given the appropriate specialised teaching, a dyslexic can overcome this hidden handicap and achieve their potential in life. Find out more here.
TECH SET UP
On the first look, The Dyslexperience may seem like an ordinary book. But with the presence of projection mapping, it adds a digital layer on top of the physical pages. This interplay between the digital and physical realm acts as a visual enhancement to contrast the common misconception of this learning difficulty while providing a more vivid and sensual experience to stimulate greater empathy towards a dyslexic. This setup includes a micro mini projector, The Dyslexperience book and colour tracking software with a controlled lighting environment.
When an overlooked medium is applied to an equally unexplored context, the results could be magical. Through the use of projection mapping, we are not just visualising what a dyslexic “see”, but tangibilising what their heart seeks - which is essentially a society that is kinder, more understanding of differences, that truely empowers everyone to unleash their full potential.
WHAT THEY SAY
This is the work of the epoch and a very worthy winner. In my opinion, the Dyslexperience has a tint of maturity and style. It is outstanding systematically and structurally… [The work] certainly has infinite possiblity with more development and adjustment.
— MASAYOSHI KODAIRA, juror for TISDC
I love that its goal is to generate empathy by creating an environment where people can’t help but experience a different reality… You remember not just what something looked like, but how it feels and behaves. Those are the elements that make a memory truly last.
— PHILIP TIONGSON, juror for COMMARTS