My goal is to understand the psychology behind reactance theory and why people are interested in exploring morbid places. To design a visual language for morbidity and defiance, I review scenarios where visual communication is essential in safety.
Reactance theory states that people like to be in control of their own freedoms. When they are told not todo something, they feel like their freedoms are being taken away. Therefore they are more likely to do what they are told not to do. Also, if something is labeled as ‘off limits’, they are compelled to go there, even if they hadn’t had the idea to go there in the first place.
Summary of Findings
People comprehend visual information faster than reading words.People make decisions based off perceived risk, compliance cost, and social decision making factors.
People can’t always put into words their decision for doing something dangerous.
People do things just for the story.
Landmarks / Checkpoints are key to wayfinding design.
Include visual context in multiple views.
Show what will happen if directions are followed properly.
Give user all equipment needed / information to comply.
Modularity, legibility, and straightforwardness are crucial.
A cohesive brand style and system gives communications credibility because they are familiar.
Define and differentiate landmarks / checkpoints.
Vibration and Infrasound
Low Vibration is used in horror movies to keep viewers on edgeI am attempting to mirror this vibration with movement. “When a person or object moves amid surrounding stillness, or moves at a different rate of speed than everything else, it draws the audience’s attention.” The frequency at which it is vibrating suggests the level of danger, or urgency to turn around.
Chromostereopsis
To create discomfort visually, but to still convey necessary safety information was my biggest challenge. Chromostereopsis, or the apparent depth created from red, blue, and black (especially on screens) was the strategy I chose. Everything is still readable, but its hard to look at. The color combination separate from the effect also suggests danger and darkness.
