Social
Phobia
Mask
-Zhu Jiaying
Backgound Research
A mask is an object typically worn on the face, usually for protection, disguise, performance, or entertainment, and is often used in rituals. It usually covers all or part of the face. Masks are anthropomorphic works of art that have taken shape tens of thousands of years ago. Out of reverence for nature, ancient humans imitated animals, demons, and other masks and wore them on their faces. The main function was to protect themselves.
People inevitably must engage in some necessary social activities in life. Some people are afraid to communicate with others because of their own personalities. Therefore, the function of the mask I designed is mainly to allow the mask owner to protect themselves during social activities.
Context Setting
An inextricable network of relationships is formed between people. To live in modern society, we must learn to communicate with others. However, is there a group of people who are not adept at communicating with others? Under the pressure of social rules, they are forced to make ends meet. Fear binds them like a net, and their spirits break during multiple social interactions.
User persona
Mask Purpose
Masks protect themselves when people socialize.
Symbolism
The mask represents people's communication and emotional exchange, as well as the fear and attempt to face social interaction.
Evolution
When the mask is first used, the mask should be intact. When people go on a rampage during human feelings, they end up bruised all over their bodies.
Visual Influences / Art - Design movement
The main material used to make the mask is wool, which on the one user can protect the hand. On the other hand, I weave multiple strands of wool into a net to symbolize the pressure social activities bring to people, creating a sense of oppression. The shreds of paper in front of me symbolize the hurt people receive in social interactions, reflecting a sense of fragmentation.
Concept – Idea
The starting point for this project stems from my being an asocial person. I wanted to design a mask whose main function is to cover up, so that people like me can have a way to avoid facing other people. I think social interaction is a scary thing for us; it ensnares people like a net, so I chose to use a net woven from wool as the main body of the mask. At the same time, it also symbolizes the complex network of relationships between people. People will feel tired after several social interactions; perhaps more seriously, they can be hurt in social behavior, so I use broken pieces of paper to express this feeling of frustration.
Mind maps
Inspiration
Sketches
Materials
Making Process
FINAL MASK
