The Stories Within Us
Final year project
User researcher
13 weeks
aCM digital library, Google forms, Google Scholar
An installation based on objects and stories of women subjected to violence, in hopes of building empathy and changing attitudes that support Violence Against Women (VAW).
*Please note* this project links to, contains information about sexual assault and/or violence towards women, which may be triggering to readers.
Overview
Problem
How can we use interactive installations to build empathy within individuals and raise support for women who have been subjected to violence.
Solution
The Stories Within Us, is an interactive installation that uses storytelling, visual and audio aids to communicate stories of women subjected to violence, to the public.
The installation connects the public and these women, harbouring empathy towards them and changes in attitudes that support VAW.
Process
Discover
Background Research
I researched into the topic of VAW to further understand the context of the topic, as well as the scale and reason for VAW occurring.
Findings
VAW is a widespread and common societal issue with 1 in 3 women having experienced violence worldwide.
VAW has been and is still a common matter throughout history, but more law enforcement and aid has helped to minimise the issue slightly.
So why is it so widespread and still occuring?
ATTITUDES THAT SUPPORT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN:
EXCUSING THE PERPETRATOR
Shifting the responsibility, of act of violence, from the perpetrator to the victim.
38% of men and 55% of women over the age of 65, are most likely to blame women for being raped.
DISREGARDING THE NEED FOR CONSENT
Removing the need for consent when engaging in sexual activities.
87% of 22,419 women, were touched without their consent.
DISTRUST IN WOMENS' REPORTS OF VIOLENCE
Assuming women are making fake or exaggerated claims of violence to get revenge or take advantage.
2 in 5 men agreed women are likely to use sexual assault claims to get revenge on their ex-partners.
MINIMISING VAW
Reducing the seriousness of violent acts, making them less significant or complex than it really is.
1 in 5 young men think there's no harm in making sexist jokes with their friend groups.
Outcome
From the background research, I concluded that attitudes supporting VAW can stop women from speaking out and getting help. By challenging these attitudes we can change this.
To do this, I used empathy, the ability to understand the feelings of another person. By understanding the perspective of these women, subjected to violence, we can potentially alter these attitudes and norms within society.
Competitor Analysis
I explored interactive technologies that were designed to induce empathy and see how effective they were as well as gain inspiration for my own designs.
Summary
Putting people into the perspective of others or story-telling are very effective when building empathy or understanding of others' experiences.
Interactive installations may be more effective in building empathy, due to the range of interactivity and ability to create a unique and personal experience.
Define
Research Aims and Objectives
I defined my research aims and objectives allowing me to plan and organise my primary research.
Research Aim
To gain an understanding of how interactive installations can help to build empathy within individuals to ideate designs of an installation for raising empathy for women who have been subjected to violence.
Objective 1:
Explore ways in which experts have used interactive installations to build empathy within individuals.
Question 1:
What interactions with interactive technologies, including installations, engaged individuals to empathise with their themes?
Objective 2:
Identify how interactions, of individuals, with interactive technology, including installations, could provoke empathy.
Question 2:
What interactions with interactive technologies, including installations, engaged individuals to empathise with their themes?
Objective 3:
Ideate designs for an interactive installation to build empathy for women who have been subjected to violence.
Question 3:
What are the potential designs for an interactive installation that helps to build empathy, within individuals, for women who have been subjected to violence?
Interviews
To answer objective 1, I conducted interviews with 2 experts.
I collected qualitative data that related to existing interactive installations and how they have or could be used to induce empathy.
Identifying Themes
STORYTELLING
Stories enhance empathy as they convey meaning and engage emotions, creating deeper connections with characters and people.
Empathy can be hindered by the ability to relate and complexity of story.
OBJECTS & EMPATHY
Personal objects induce empathy due to memories attached, making it more intimate.
Individually, they may not be as affective in enhancing empathy.
Humanising objects can form an empathetic response, but too much can be eerie.
TECHNOLOGY
Technology can enhance and immerse individuals into a story.
Sensors form different interactions, which can affect emotional experiences.
Sound is more impactful when immersing individuals into a story, allowing interpretation and deeper connections.
Surveys
To answer objective 2, I sent out a survey and collected 56 responses.
I collected quantitative and qualitative data, related to how the general public interact with interactive installations that evoke empathy, and what specific interactions or elements, could or have had a lasting effect.
Demographic
Majority of my responses came from women aged 21-25.
A more equal spread of gender and age would have been desired.
Engaging with interactive installations
74.5% have not engaged with an interactive installation, showing a possible lack of access/interest to interactive installations.
Those that have, only 6.7%, was related to VAW. Therefore more opportunity to build a unique and memorable interactive installation surrounding the topic.
This data shows that interactive installations can be influential to individuals and make others more knowledgeable about topics, as the average rating increased from 3 to 5.
Interactive installations make a positive impact to individuals in many ways, with participants finding the installations "interesting", "educational" and "beautiful".
Interactive installations can induce empathy with 93% of participants rating 4 or higher.
Generally, the type of content, results in more empathy with participants, for example stories or objects. However the results are varied and don't answer the question well.
60% said that listening and visualising stories would make them feel more empathetic. This supports existing research and findings from interviews, of using the method of perspective-taking to induce more empathy.
Data confirms that interactive installations can have an impact on individuals
and create discussions. They also have the power to allow people to be proactive and learn more about certain topics.
Using technology to induce empathy towards VAW
Majority of participants think technology can be used to induce empathy towards VAW.
When asked why, many participants said that technology can be used to spread
information, stories and perspectives widely, hence raise more awareness and discussion about the issue.
39% were unsure, possibly due to not having much understanding about VAW.
There is an equal view of the type of technology that could make people more empathetic towards VAW, excluding games.
However more participants thought that sharing through social media would the more effective technology.
75% of participants chose storytelling of victims experiences, as the characteristic that could induce empathy towards VAW. In contrast, intimate spaces may not be as effective.
This suggests that content that is presented is more impactful rather than the space in which it's held.
Summary of survey findings
Interactive installations have been shown to be effective in inducing empathy.
Interactive installations have the power to build conversation and spread awareness of topics.
In general, storytelling is the best approach for inducing empathy, which supports existing research.
Other characteristics such as objects, physical and audio interactions can enhance storytelling, further evoking empathy.
Ideate
Sketching
Using my research I began to sketch out ideas and built 3 concepts. This allowed me to achieve my final objective.
Concept 1: A voice for women
What is it?
Victims/survivors of VAW record and share their experiences, within hand-made touch sensors.
When sensor is touched, voices of these women are heard and shared.
These experiences are translated into an art piece and showcased in a space.
How does it address the brief?
Creates a space where victims/ survivors of VAW can share their stories, allowing perspective-taking, understanding and discussion to harbour.
The touch sensors are intimate, unique and personal, forming deeper connections and enhanced empathy towards these women.
Concept 2: Stories within us
What is it?
Objects related to victim/survivors
of VAWs experiences are hidden within the wall.
When nearing the objects, the victims/survivors story is shared.
Additional interactions (e.g touch) create visual changes, enhancing the story.
How does it address the brief?
Using objects and storytelling, individuals better understand victim/survivors' stories.
Objects may be familiar, allowing a personal, connected experience, developing an empathetic response.
Interaction of touch and distance creates intimacy, closing barriers between them.
Concept 3: In her shoes
What is it?
Individuals will be transported into the story of a victim/survivor of VAW, using their own silhouette.
They will be given scenarios and made to make decisions that women who have been subjected to violence have had to make.
How does it address the brief?
Immerses individuals into the victim/survivor's story, viewing the situation from their perspective.
Empathy for these women can be produced, with individuals having experienced their story, first hand.
Further development
I chose to further develop the concept, Stories within Us, due to time and available resources required, to develop a concept video.
Additionally, I saw a lot more opportunities for this concept, especially with how individuals could engage with it to develop deeper connections and empathy.
I collected images, to show the visual direction of the installation. Using textiles and textures allows objects to be hidden, enticing individuals to find and interact with them.
I researched different sensors and developed an understanding of what interactions could create more impact.
I wanted to associate the interactions to actions which these women have experienced, as physically playing out actions can induce more prominent emotional and empathetic effects, hence, I added sensors responding to scrunching, stroking and pulling.
Takeaways
What I learnt...
I learnt about ethical data collection, during this project, especially as it focuses on a very sensitive topic.
It was really important to be transparent about my project when collecting data and allow flexibility and anonymity with my data collection as individuals could feel uncomfortable or triggered by certain aspects.
What I would change...
I would have liked to have collaborated with a charity that focuses on VAW.
It would have been great to get their input and see how we could've created an installation that shares their stories and creates support for them.
The Stories Within Us
Final year project
User researcher
13 weeks
aCM digital library, Google forms, Google Scholar
An installation based on objects and stories of women subjected to violence, in hopes of building empathy and changing attitudes that support Violence Against Women (VAW).
*Please note* this project links to, contains information about sexual assault and/or violence towards women, which may be triggering to readers.
Overview
Problem
How can we use interactive installations to build empathy within individuals and raise support for women who have been subjected to violence.
Solution
The Stories Within Us, is an interactive installation that uses storytelling, visual and audio aids to communicate stories of women subjected to violence, to the public.
The installation connects the public and these women, harbouring empathy towards them and changes in attitudes that support VAW.
Process
Discover
Background Research
I researched into the topic of VAW to further understand the context of the topic, as well as the scale and reason for VAW occurring.
Findings
VAW is a widespread and common societal issue with 1 in 3 women having experienced violence worldwide.
VAW has been and is still a common matter throughout history, but more law enforcement and aid has helped to minimise the issue slightly.
So why is it so widespread and still occuring?
ATTITUDES THAT SUPPORT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN:
EXCUSING THE PERPETRATOR
Shifting the responsibility, of act of violence, from the perpetrator to the victim.
38% of men and 55% of women over the age of 65, are most likely to blame women for being raped.
DISREGARDING THE NEED FOR CONSENT
Removing the need for consent when engaging in sexual activities.
87% of 22,419 women, were touched without their consent.
DISTRUST IN WOMENS' REPORTS OF VIOLENCE
Assuming women are making fake or exaggerated claims of violence to get revenge or take advantage.
2 in 5 men agreed women are likely to use sexual assault claims to get revenge on their ex-partners.
MINIMISING VAW
Reducing the seriousness of violent acts, making them less significant or complex than it really is.
1 in 5 young men think there's no harm in making sexist jokes with their friend groups.
Outcome
From the background research, I concluded that attitudes supporting VAW can stop women from speaking out and getting help. By challenging these attitudes we can change this.
To do this, I used empathy, the ability to understand the feelings of another person. By understanding the perspective of these women, subjected to violence, we can potentially alter these attitudes and norms within society.
Competitor Analysis
I explored interactive technologies that were designed to induce empathy and see how effective they were as well as gain inspiration for my own designs.
Summary
Putting people into the perspective of others or story-telling are very effective when building empathy or understanding of others' experiences.
Interactive installations may be more effective in building empathy, due to the range of interactivity and ability to create a unique and personal experience.
Define
Research Aims and Objectives
I defined my research aims and objectives allowing me to plan and organise my primary research.
Research Aim
To gain an understanding of how interactive installations can help to build empathy within individuals to ideate designs of an installation for raising empathy for women who have been subjected to violence.
Objective 1:
Explore ways in which experts have used interactive installations to build empathy within individuals.
Question 1:
What interactions with interactive technologies, including installations, engaged individuals to empathise with their themes?
Objective 2:
Identify how interactions, of individuals, with interactive technology, including installations, could provoke empathy.
Question 2:
What interactions with interactive technologies, including installations, engaged individuals to empathise with their themes?
Objective 3:
Ideate designs for an interactive installation to build empathy for women who have been subjected to violence.
Question 3:
What are the potential designs for an interactive installation that helps to build empathy, within individuals, for women who have been subjected to violence?
Interviews
To answer objective 1, I conducted interviews with 2 experts.
I collected qualitative data that related to existing interactive installations and how they have or could be used to induce empathy.
Identifying Themes
STORYTELLING
Stories enhance empathy as they convey meaning and engage emotions, creating deeper connections with characters and people.
Empathy can be hindered by the ability to relate and complexity of story.
OBJECTS & EMPATHY
Personal objects induce empathy due to memories attached, making it more intimate.
Individually, they may not be as affective in enhancing empathy.
Humanising objects can form an empathetic response, but too much can be eerie.
TECHNOLOGY
Technology can enhance and immerse individuals into a story.
Sensors form different interactions, which can affect emotional experiences.
Sound is more impactful when immersing individuals into a story, allowing interpretation and deeper connections.
Surveys
To answer objective 2, I sent out a survey and collected 56 responses.
I collected quantitative and qualitative data, related to how the general public interact with interactive installations that evoke empathy, and what specific interactions or elements, could or have had a lasting effect.
Demographic
Majority of my responses came from women aged 21-25.
A more equal spread of gender and age would have been desired.
Engaging with interactive installations
74.5% have not engaged with an interactive installation, showing a possible lack of access/interest to interactive installations.
Those that have, only 6.7%, was related to VAW. Therefore more opportunity to build a unique and memorable interactive installation surrounding the topic.
This data shows that interactive installations can be influential to individuals and make others more knowledgeable about topics, as the average rating increased from 3 to 5.
Interactive installations make a positive impact to individuals in many ways, with participants finding the installations "interesting", "educational" and "beautiful".
Interactive installations can induce empathy with 93% of participants rating 4 or higher.
Generally, the type of content, results in more empathy with participants, for example stories or objects. However the results are varied and don't answer the question well.
60% said that listening and visualising stories would make them feel more empathetic. This supports existing research and findings from interviews, of using the method of perspective-taking to induce more empathy.
Data confirms that interactive installations can have an impact on individuals
and create discussions. They also have the power to allow people to be proactive and learn more about certain topics.
Using technology to induce empathy towards VAW
Majority of participants think technology can be used to induce empathy towards VAW.
When asked why, many participants said that technology can be used to spread
information, stories and perspectives widely, hence raise more awareness and discussion about the issue.
39% were unsure, possibly due to not having much understanding about VAW.
There is an equal view of the type of technology that could make people more empathetic towards VAW, excluding games.
However more participants thought that sharing through social media would the more effective technology.
75% of participants chose storytelling of victims experiences, as the characteristic that could induce empathy towards VAW. In contrast, intimate spaces may not be as effective.
This suggests that content that is presented is more impactful rather than the space in which it's held.
Summary of survey findings
Interactive installations have been shown to be effective in inducing empathy.
Interactive installations have the power to build conversation and spread awareness of topics.
In general, storytelling is the best approach for inducing empathy, which supports existing research.
Other characteristics such as objects, physical and audio interactions can enhance storytelling, further evoking empathy.
Ideate
Sketching
Using my research I began to sketch out ideas and built 3 concepts. This allowed me to achieve my final objective.
Concept 1: A voice for women
What is it?
Victims/survivors of VAW record and share their experiences, within hand-made touch sensors.
When sensor is touched, voices of these women are heard and shared.
These experiences are translated into an art piece and showcased in a space.
How does it address the brief?
Creates a space where victims/ survivors of VAW can share their stories, allowing perspective-taking, understanding and discussion to harbour.
The touch sensors are intimate, unique and personal, forming deeper connections and enhanced empathy towards these women.
Concept 2: Stories within us
What is it?
Objects related to victim/survivors
of VAWs experiences are hidden within the wall.
When nearing the objects, the victims/survivors story is shared.
Additional interactions (e.g touch) create visual changes, enhancing the story.
How does it address the brief?
Using objects and storytelling, individuals better understand victim/survivors' stories.
Objects may be familiar, allowing a personal, connected experience, developing an empathetic response.
Interaction of touch and distance creates intimacy, closing barriers between them.
Concept 3: In her shoes
What is it?
Individuals will be transported into the story of a victim/survivor of VAW, using their own silhouette.
They will be given scenarios and made to make decisions that women who have been subjected to violence have had to make.
How does it address the brief?
Immerses individuals into the victim/survivor's story, viewing the situation from their perspective.
Empathy for these women can be produced, with individuals having experienced their story, first hand.
Further development
I chose to further develop the concept, Stories within Us, due to time and available resources required, to develop a concept video.
Additionally, I saw a lot more opportunities for this concept, especially with how individuals could engage with it to develop deeper connections and empathy.
I collected images, to show the visual direction of the installation. Using textiles and textures allows objects to be hidden, enticing individuals to find and interact with them.
I researched different sensors and developed an understanding of what interactions could create more impact.
I wanted to associate the interactions to actions which these women have experienced, as physically playing out actions can induce more prominent emotional and empathetic effects, hence, I added sensors responding to scrunching, stroking and pulling.
Takeaways
What I learnt...
I learnt about ethical data collection, during this project, especially as it focuses on a very sensitive topic.
It was really important to be transparent about my project when collecting data and allow flexibility and anonymity with my data collection as individuals could feel uncomfortable or triggered by certain aspects.
What I would change...
I would have liked to have collaborated with a charity that focuses on VAW.
It would have been great to get their input and see how we could've created an installation that shares their stories and creates support for them.
You can also find me on:
You can also find me on:
