The Detergent (Circle of Life)
An interactive installation symbolizing societal pressure
An interactive installation symbolizing societal pressure
An interactive installation symbolizing societal pressure
In this interactive installation project, we aim to shed light on a prevalent sociocultural issue known as "Nei Juan (内卷)". Which is prevalent in many major cities in China. This term represents the anxiety many individuals feel about falling behind due to societal pressures. This anxiety often translates into intense competition in job markets, urban living standards and even people surrounded, pushing individuals to chase goals that aren't truly their own in a toxic, hyper-competitive environment.
In this interactive installation project, we aim to shed light on a prevalent sociocultural issue known as "Nei Juan (内卷)". Which is prevalent in many major cities in China. This term represents the anxiety many individuals feel about falling behind due to societal pressures. This anxiety often translates into intense competition in job markets, urban living standards and even people surrounded, pushing individuals to chase goals that aren't truly their own in a toxic, hyper-competitive environment.
In this interactive installation project, we aim to shed light on a prevalent sociocultural issue known as "Nei Juan (内卷)". Which is prevalent in many major cities in China. This term represents the anxiety many individuals feel about falling behind due to societal pressures. This anxiety often translates into intense competition in job markets, urban living standards and even people surrounded, pushing individuals to chase goals that aren't truly their own in a toxic, hyper-competitive environment.
Client
Student Project
Role
Digital Design Physical Computing
Industries
Interaction Design
Timeline
Nov 2021
The term "Juan卷" means "spinning," which inspired us to use a washing machine as a visual metaphor. Our design showcases a control panel with symbolic elements, such as a pump head, rotary knob, plug, and outlet. These elements symbolize the various pressures, the intensity of the competition, and the on/off nature of engagement in this environment. When users interact with the installation, they take on roles representing different societal pressures, like financial concerns, educational expectations, and age-related stress. Approaching the washing machine, an animated figure dives into the whirlpool of "Nei Juan," capturing the essence of this overwhelming and consuming cultural phenomenon.
The term "Juan卷" means "spinning," which inspired us to use a washing machine as a visual metaphor. Our design showcases a control panel with symbolic elements, such as a pump head, rotary knob, plug, and outlet. These elements symbolize the various pressures, the intensity of the competition, and the on/off nature of engagement in this environment. When users interact with the installation, they take on roles representing different societal pressures, like financial concerns, educational expectations, and age-related stress. Approaching the washing machine, an animated figure dives into the whirlpool of "Nei Juan," capturing the essence of this overwhelming and consuming cultural phenomenon.
The term "Juan卷" means "spinning," which inspired us to use a washing machine as a visual metaphor. Our design showcases a control panel with symbolic elements, such as a pump head, rotary knob, plug, and outlet. These elements symbolize the various pressures, the intensity of the competition, and the on/off nature of engagement in this environment. When users interact with the installation, they take on roles representing different societal pressures, like financial concerns, educational expectations, and age-related stress. Approaching the washing machine, an animated figure dives into the whirlpool of "Nei Juan," capturing the essence of this overwhelming and consuming cultural phenomenon.