Greetings Imposter (2021)
Experience Design
Mixed Reality
Greetings Imposter is a personalized mixed-reality escape room experience that raises awareness of imposter syndrome. Although the raw experience of imposter syndrome is depressive, I hoped to engage with the audience in a lighthearted way to invite them to take a break from everyday pressure, and know that if they’ve been through the symptoms, they’re not alone.
The design principles include a mix of vibrant, saturated colors and dull, neutral colors. This represents the contrasting perceptions, multiple realities, and unstable emotions. The gradients that appear throughout the narrative show the urge to explore.
The design principles include a mix of vibrant, saturated colors and dull, neutral colors. This represents the contrasting perceptions, multiple realities, and unstable emotions. The gradients that appear throughout the narrative show the urge to explore.
How might we use gamification to invite people in a self-guided experience to learn about imposter syndrome in an active, first-person perspective and encourage mindfulness?
How might we use gamification to invite people in a self-guided experience to learn about imposter syndrome in an active, first-person perspective and encourage mindfulness?
What is imposter syndrome?
Imposter Syndrome is a psychological pattern in which an individual experiences an exaggerated sense of doubt constantly about their skills, talents, accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a “fraud”.
Mindful ways to cope with imposter syndrome:
It’s important to know the signs, know that you’re not alone, reflect on things that we appreciate about ourselves, and embrace the feeling of imposter syndrome.
Is imposter syndrome a form of anxiety?
Yes. Impostor feelings are generally accompanied by anxiety and, often, depression. Though the impostor phenomenon isn't an official diagnosis listed in the DSM, psychologists and others acknowledge that it is a very real and specific form of intellectual self-doubt. (apa.org) User Journey
The “#” Typography
In music, a sharp note “#” means to play a note higher than usual, which will create a particular mood – a slight, uplifting tension feeling.
D# minor: Feelings of anxiety of the soul’s deepest distress, of brooding despair, of blackest depression, of the glooming condition of the soul. Every fear, every hesitation of the shuddering heart, breathes out of horrible D# minor.
Reservation Site
3D Modeling & Prototyping
Creating assets for the VR experience and AR filter. 
VR Experience Low-Fi Prototype
Drag and look around!AR filter created in Lens Studio.
Sample Game Prototype
Brochure & Map design
Stickers
Event Posters
More Process + Plannings
The development of the themes, plot and symbolism was based on my own experience with imposter syndrome. My challenge for this project was to transform a vulnerable narrative into something that connects to and benefits the society. The main theme is perception vs. reality, in the sense that while I had this syndrome, I constantly questioned myself if what I perceived was real, and was hearing multiple voices inside my head while also noticing other people’s positive words to cheer me up. Virtual reality perfectly echoes the concept of one’s perception of multiple realities. And with the help of augmented reality, I could push the boundaries of this particular theme further.
The concept of an escape room depicts one’s struggle of getting out of a tormenting mental state in solitude. It allows the audience to fully immerse in the game and to find a sense of resonance. McLuhan’s idea of “the medium is the message” greatly influenced my creating process. While experimenting with various platforms, whether analog or digital, we could take advantage of each media's unique properties and notice its constraints. The narrative keeps evolving but consists with the same message behind it, and and all platforms supplement each other to create a holistic experience.
Scenario Maps
Narrative Analysis
Next Steps
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