The UX of Disguise (Week 2)

Brief: Design a way to manipulate and deceive perceptual recognition

Research Methods: Artefact analysis and Data physicalisation.

Team: Munira Kazi, Devin Wang, Slavi Kaloferov

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Following our hesitancy on making last week, we decided to explore as much creative prototyping and experimenting we could conjure, based around disguise of the face.

Using as many materials as we could find, we tried different versions of disguise, as shown below.

Selection of prototyping to conceal the face. Photo credits: Munira Kazi, Devin Wang, Slavi Kaloferov, author

Once we had experimented with this for some time, we reviewed our progress and then discussed where this would be useful - where this would live in the world. The idea around concealing the face grew into the question: why do we want to conceal our face? Who is looking at us?

We then brought in the digital aspect and began experimenting with software for online calls; this is a scenario where people are looking at our face constantly and can make us feel uncomfortable. We combined our practical making with the online calls to test out what the camera would understand through a concealment.

Selection of images from prototyping to disguise the software. Photo credits: Munira Kazi, Devin Wang, Slavi Kaloferov, author

We then began learning about the algorithm, with help from the BodyPix model. This taught us about that the camera would be tracking, and how it identifies the body, so then we could begin to deceive it.

BodyPix software in action. Image captured by Devin Wang

Our experimentation resulted in 4no. different working solutions, which when using a 'blur' setting, would then result in the camera unable to focus upon the persons face. This would give you the freedom to be present on a call but fade into the background.

Top row: Masks that will fool the camera. Bottom row: The results on screen. Photos by author

Our experimentation and learning through making was exemplified here, and we produced a significant amount of prototypes.

Final collection of prototypes ready for presentation. Photo by author

The presentation involved us explaining the concept and background, then inviting a participant to try out all of the masking solutions.

Classmate testing out one of the prototypes. Photo credit: John Fass

Our feedback was:

• We could have thought more of ergonomics of the item - how it fits on the head for comfort and potentially for walking with it or at least more movement.

• More rigorous research - measured distances from the screen, summarised/ analysed what are the successful parts of our masks

• We could have played with making only certain parts of our head visible - like degrees of privacy

As we had deviated from the previous weeks' idea, we ended up with an experience that had less development than the full two-week brief. If we had been able to continue, we would have been keen to refine these playful cardboard pieces into a higher-fidelity article and then re-stage the experience, so we could explain better where this could live in the world.