Extinction Rebellion
Interactive public performance for Extinction Rebellion to raise awareness about species extinction.
Year
2020
Project
Master’s in User Experience Design -
An Industry Collaboration
Project Overview
Our planet is facing its sixth mass extinction, driven predominantly by human activities rather than natural disasters. This project aimed to spotlight the urgent issue of species loss. We designed a funeral procession and interactive performances across London's public spaces to captivate and inform a diverse audience, urging them to reconsider their impact on the environment.
The Funeral: An public installation and performance, to raise awareness and spark meaningful conversations about species extinction through an immersive public funeral procession and interactive art installations across London to engage a diverse audience and highlight the urgent need to address mass extinction.
The Funeral
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The "Reset Button" and coffin symbolised a critical choice, emphasising the urgency of resetting our actions. It highlighted our current situation and the need for collective action to avoid severe consequences.
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The Funeral March taught me how to communicate clearly and effectively with a new audience in a foreign country. I learned to consider cultural differences, understand my rights, and engage in constructive conversations with those who disagreed with XR's beliefs or the purpose of the march and reset button.
Research & Methodology
This project combined a literature review of works by Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg, Situationist International, and others, alongside practice reviews including protest observations and exhibitions like the 24/7 installation at Somerset House. Methods such as collaboration with XR activists, brainstorming, interviews, and analysis of protest language were employed to deepen understanding of species loss. Tools like the Five W’s and One H, 3D mapping, and storyboarding helped define design parameters and visualize environmental impacts.
Literature Review & Practice Reviews
Literature Review:
I explored the work of Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg and other artists on species loss, such as Situationist International, Space Hijackers, and The Yes Men. Their innovative approaches provided insights into effective communication strategies for raising awareness about environmental issues.
Practice Reviews:
Protest Observation: Attended a silent XR protest at the Australian Embassy in London, focusing on the impact of forest fires on species. This experience informed our project by highlighting the real-world implications of environmental crises.
24/7 Exhibition: Viewed Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg’s installation at Somerset House, which simulated the loss of bird chirps due to light and sound pollution. This immersive experience influenced our approach to visualising species loss.
Collaboration
Worked with a team of 12 and XR activists, learning to coordinate, share responsibilities, and leverage diverse perspectives.
Five “W’s” and One “H”
Used this tool to define our design parameters, including who we are designing for, what we are designing, where it will be placed, when it will occur, why we are designing it, and how we will execute it.
Brainstorming:
Generated ideas by examining artworks and brainstorming sessions. This collaborative effort deepened our understanding of Extinction Rebellion and other related works.
Interviews
Conducted and documented interviews to gather diverse opinions on species loss and protest strategies.
Protest Observations & Language Analysis
Analysed protest signs and the language used to convey powerful messages. Noted the peaceful nature of the protests and their effectiveness in raising awareness.
3D Mapping & Storyboarding
Created a 3D map to show pollutants affecting habitats and used storyboarding to visualize and troubleshoot our ideas.
The Final Outcome
Brainstorming & Storyboarding
Brainstorming: Developed the concept of a funeral procession for extinct and endangered species, using animated characters to appeal across age groups. Incorporated the IUCN Red List to emphasize the severity of species loss.
Storyboarding: Visualized the performance to identify challenges and refine our concept.
Prototyping & Performance Experiments
Prototyping: Tested animated and real-life animal masks and protest cards with messages about species extinction.
Performance Experiments: Conducted performances at key London locations, including Parliament Square, Trafalgar Square, and Charing Cross Station, to gauge public reaction and engagement.
Medium of Choice - Performance
Chosen for its ability to transcend language barriers, capture attention, and involve multiple elements like music and acting. Aimed to assess public acceptance and the effectiveness of our theme in various locations.
Reset your Actions
Overall Experience & Outcome
Did it achieve our goals? On a small scale, yes. We successfully conveyed the urgency of species loss due to human activities, government policies, and industrial actions. The performance in front of the parliament captured attention, especially using beloved animated characters. This experiment demonstrated alternative, nonviolent, and creative methods to spread an important message.
The biggest success was effectively communicating the seriousness of species loss through animated imagery, evoking emotional responses and realization across diverse audiences. This approach broke language barriers and allowed us to engage a wide range of people.
As a UX designer, it allowed me to work with and consider different audiences, creating an experience that everyone from around the world can understand.