Date of Award

Spring 5-30-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Industrial Design

Department

Industrial Design

First Advisor

Paolo Cardini

Second Advisor

Sara Ossana

Third Advisor

Yi-Fei Chen

Abstract

The Extrovert Ideal has been an unspoken pillar of society: a vocal, go-getting person with a Carpe Diem mindset has become a requirement that most are told to strive for in order to be successful. Fundamental institutions like schools and workspaces are designed for extroverts and their need for stimulation, which becomes a hurdle for introverts since it obstructs them from being their dispositionally quiet and thoughtful selves. Such spaces need to be inclusive to allow introverts to be present in the way they prefer. One way to make space for introverts in settings otherwise designed for extroverts is through the introduction and use of objects that respond to the needs of introverts.

While not all introverts are anxious or shy, these objects would provide them with an opportunity to be themselves without feeling self-conscious or embarrassed. The cultural shift of the US, from Character to Personality* through a historical standpoint made traits like charm and wit desirable. Behavioural Theory in Personality Psychology explains personality as the interaction between an individual and their environment, thus establishing the importance of the correlation between spatial and social cognition in shaping human behaviours. With the idealisation of the Extrovert being challenged by Millenials and Gen Z, it is crucial to create temperamentally harmonious spaces.

inVisible acts as a guide to introversion by providing different introverted traits to objects .This anthropomorphization becomes a non-vocal voice, acting through the person’s interaction with their surroundings rather than themselves. This highlights the need for spaces of reflection, specifically for introverts, in public spaces, acknowledging their existence through this silent proclamation.

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