A&D ANNUAL 2021
Ella Johnson
Ella Johnson’s research probes participants to reflect on the adverse effects of excessive social media use through gamification and discursive design. It applies discursive design theory and speculative critical design to develop a website-based game that intends to affect positive social change through self-reflection and future-anticipatory thought. In ‘Game of Habits’ the participants answer questions about their daily social media habits through the themes of creativity, mindfulness, and attention, exploring the links between social media and mood. Participants are asked a series of habit-based questions relating to the chosen theme. Once the user answers the questions and their responses are tallied, an outcome is displayed. Possible outcomes are available for the user to choose between, for example, ‘Take a Trip to Paradise’, ‘Landing Your Dream Job’, or ‘Learning a Language Fluently’. The novelty of being able to choose between three outcomes encourages participants to score well. If they do not score well, they can ‘Try Again’ or ‘Try Another Theme’, with the opportunity to respond in a way they hope to act to receive a positive outcome. Mental health and other resources are displayed at the end of the game for participants to access.
DegreeBachelor of Design (Honours)DisciplineGraphics, AnimationInstagram@__edesign__Emailella.johnson2@gmail.com