Description of experience map

At home the user begins their day filled with excitement and anticipation, eager to experience the demo market. This sense of excitement and eagerness creates a positive mindset, setting the stage for an engaging day.

Entering the DesignLab, the user sees a variety of installations and feels a mixture of interest, pleasure and a little overwhelmed by the number of installations. The familiar faces and friendly small talk with friends adds to the excitement and sense of security, but also contributes to the feeling of being overwhelmed. The user is caught between the joy of seeing friends and the curiosity of the many installations around them. The multitude of options makes them cautious in their exploration, unsure of where to start.

Walking around at the Demo Market, they are filled with a sense of joy and anticipation, amazed by the variety of installations on display. Engaging with the creators and documenting their experiences not only deepens their understanding, but also creates a sense of community. Interacting with fellow visitors brings the joy of social interaction and offers a variety of perspectives that add to the overall experience. Each time they decide which installation to engage with, their excitement grows and their curiosity is stimulated as to whether the next installation can recreate the same or even stronger emotions.

Noticing the abstract sounds coming from our specific installation, the user’s attention is drawn to it. These trigger a mix of curiosity and intrigue, causing them to stop and observe. The  setup, involving noise-canceling headphones hanging from the ceiling and whispers and echoes filling the room, captures their imagination. They are intrigued by the mysterious and creepy nature of the installation and decide to interact further, interested to uncover what it has to offer and what emotions it will trigger.

Box 1: When participants enter the installation, they sit down in front of a screen in a dark room. A video begins to play, highlighting man-made crises such as hunger, meat production and climate change. The video presents painful truths about the state of the world and evokes feelings of shame, frustration, sadness and gratitude. As these emotions build, the participant feels increasingly guilty and eventually finds it too overwhelming to stay. This prompts them to move on to the next box.

Box 2: The participant walks through a small hallway hidden behind a pink fabric and enters the second box. Inside, they are surrounded by visual and auditory noise that adds to their existing feelings of guilt and anxiety. The discomfort and tension in this box peaks, leaving the participant feeling overwhelmed and emotionally overloaded. When the participant decides they have had enough they choose to move on to the final box.

Box 3: In the last box, the participant is confronted with a full-length mirror. When they see their reflection, the emotional build-up culminates in feelings of loneliness. This box gives them the opportunity to reflect on their experience and the intense emotions they have just experienced.

Walking away from the installation, the user reflects on its impact, feeling a sense of satisfaction and contemplation. They may compare their thoughts and experiences with others, discussing the impact of the installation and its message. Their attention gradually shifts to other installations as distraction builds up, creating anticipation for what else the Demo Market has to offer. The positive reaction to the installation, coupled with the satisfaction of having engaged with it, leaves them eager to explore further.

Leaving the DesignLab, the user expresses a combination of satisfaction and reflection, happy to have tried out the installation despite being intrigued. They then collect their thoughts and reflect on the experiences they have had throughout the day. Despite experiencing mental fatigue, they feel grateful for the deep and thought-provoking interactions.

A few days later following the Demo Market, the user continues to reflect on the installation. They may share their experiences and photos with friends or on social media, discussing the lasting emotional impact. Feelings of nostalgia and continued fascination persist, accompanied by a deeper understanding of the themes of loneliness and shame explored. This lasting impression influences their thoughts and conversations, revealing the success of the installation in creating a meaningful and memorable experience.