Mask Aesthetics: Prophylaxis, Post -Digital Arts, and Reimagining Vulnerable Selves

doi:10.1080/08989575.2024.2342126

Study

Classic DesignRecentModerate effect

Masks as Relational Objects: Shifting Meanings Beyond Function

The design and perception of masks extend beyond their functional role in disease prevention to encompass complex social, emotional, and identity-related meanings.

a/b Auto/Biography Studies · 2024

01

Key Findings

01Masks during the pandemic became integral to the experience of the body and the upheaval of daily life.
02Artists' projects demonstrate how masks are connected to loss, injustice, and the narratives individuals construct about their experiences and connections.
03The meanings of masks are shifting, contingent, and related to power, affect, and memory.

02

Application

Design takeaway

When designing objects that become part of everyday life, especially during significant societal events, consider their potential to embody and communicate complex emotional, social, and personal narratives.

How to apply

When designing products intended for widespread use, research the cultural and emotional associations users might develop with them, especially in times of change or crisis.

Project actions

01Consider the 'story' your design tells beyond its primary function.
02Explore how users might imbue your design with personal or cultural significance.

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Method & Evidence

AimHow do artists' mask-themed projects during the pandemic reveal the evolving and multimodal meanings of face coverings in relation to selfhood, community, and solidarity?

MethodTheoretical and analytical research, with self-reflexive writing.

ProcedureAnalysis of artists' mask-themed projects across various media (sculpture, performance, digital photography, social media, visual diaries, mutual aid projects) created during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, informed by theories of automediality, crip and feminist affect/embodiment, biopolitics, and pandemic temporalities.

ContextPandemic-era art and design, face coverings, social and emotional impact of design.

Variables

IVArtistic expression and theoretical frameworks.

DVEvolving meanings of masks (selfhood, community, solidarity).

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Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Explores a novel perspective on a common object.
+Integrates interdisciplinary theories.

Limitations

The artistic focus might not directly translate to all product design contexts.

Reliability & validity

The study's validity lies in its theoretical depth and analysis of artistic intent; reliability would depend on consistent interpretation of artistic works.

Think critically

How might the 'aesthetic' of a functional object influence its perceived effectiveness or user acceptance?

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Design Principles

"Design for symbolic meaning and relational context."

Understanding the multifaceted nature of objects like masks, which become imbued with cultural and personal significance, is crucial for designers. This insight encourages a deeper consideration of how products can embody and influence user identity, community, and emotional states, moving beyond purely utilitarian design.

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What This Means for Your Design

Even everyday items like masks can become more than just their function; they can carry deep personal and social meanings, as shown by artists' work during the pandemic.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when discussing how the aesthetic or symbolic qualities of a design impact user perception and adoption.

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Add to My Project

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Quick Cite

(2024). Mask Aesthetics: Prophylaxis, Post -Digital Arts, and Reimagining Vulnerable Selves. a/b Auto/Biography Studies. https://doi.org/10.1080/08989575.2024.2342126 Retrieved from https://designdex.org/study/8de5042b-c6c0-418e-b300-b2e42cdf6260/masks-as-relational-objects-shifting-meanings-beyond-function

Paragraph starter

Research indicates that objects, even those with primary functional purposes like masks, can acquire significant symbolic and relational meanings for users, influenced by societal contexts and personal experiences. This suggests that design practice should extend beyond mere utility to consider the broader cultural and emotional narratives that products can embody and communicate.

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Source

a/b Auto/Biography Studies

Mask Aesthetics: Prophylaxis, Post -Digital Arts, and Reimagining Vulnerable Selves

journal · 2024

View source

Questions about this research

What does the research say about masks as relational objects: shifting meanings beyond function?: When designing objects that become part of everyday life, especially during significant societal events, consider their potential to embody and communicate complex emotional, social, and personal narratives. Evidence: a/b Auto/Biography Studies (2024).
Why does "Masks as Relational Objects: Shifting Meanings Beyond Function" matter for design?: Understanding the multifaceted nature of objects like masks, which become imbued with cultural and personal significance, is crucial for designers. This insight encourages a deeper consideration of how products can embody and influence user identity, community, and emotional states, moving beyond purely utilitarian design.
How can designers apply this research?: When designing objects that become part of everyday life, especially during significant societal events, consider their potential to embody and communicate complex emotional, social, and personal narratives.
What were the main findings?: Masks during the pandemic became integral to the experience of the body and the upheaval of daily life.. Artists' projects demonstrate how masks are connected to loss, injustice, and the narratives individuals construct about their experiences and connections.. The meanings of masks are shifting, contingent, and related to power, affect, and memory.
What research method was used?: Theoretical and analytical research, with self-reflexive writing..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2024 journal from a/b Auto/Biography Studies.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing products intended for widespread use, research the cultural and emotional associations users might develop with them, especially in times of change or crisis.
What are the limitations?: The study focuses on artistic interpretations and may not represent the general population's views on mask design.
Is there evidence that objects affects design outcomes?: Artists' creative works during the pandemic show that masks are not just protective items but also deeply symbolic objects that reflect personal experiences, community connections, and broader societal issues. Understanding the multifaceted nature of objects like masks, which become imbued with cultural and personal si Source: a/b Auto/Biography Studies (2024).
Where does this masks research apply?: Pandemic-era art and design, face coverings, social and emotional impact of design. It sits within classic design research on designdex.org.