2025

Yiyao Zhang

This is Yiyao_Zhang. I am a designer specialising in the fusion of traditional graphic design and emerging interactive media design. My creative process centres around using TouchDesigner to produce data-driven interactive posters. I focus on highlighting overlooked yet pervasive social contradictions—drawing inspiration from these subtle tensions to craft striking visual narratives. Through exaggerated aesthetics and immersive experiences, my work invites viewers to confront these issues and engage in deeper reflection.

C(ode)

In recent years, the MBTI personality test has become extremely popular on social media. However, I believe that labelling oneself in this way is a form of ‘objectifying the self’, or rather, I find it utterly nonsensical—I completely reject the so-called MBTI test, which categorises people’s personalities through a series of questionnaires. This has led me to reflect on the themes of self and individuality.

I am an introverted person, and throughout my growth, I often let those around me down. Family and classmates frequently compared me to others—whether in grades, personality, appearance, or other traits. I believe this is a common experience for most people. Yet, after years of growth and life experiences, even if I cannot claim to be outstanding, I have come to accept this as ‘me’. I may never satisfy everyone, but I believe I’ve done my best to avoid disappointing myself.

Through this project, I aim to pay tribute to ‘the self’—not just myself, but to anyone who seeks self-reconciliation. Rather than fixating on others’ opinions, I advocate for living authentically, embracing one’s true nature.

C(ode)

The Invisible Cost

This is a story about my city, Shanghai, where some public toilets do not provide free toilet paper. To obtain toilet paper, you must scan a QR code and watch an advertisement. We are compelled to watch these ads because using toilet paper is a basic necessity. It is quite disturbing that companies exploit this situation for profit.

The Invisible Cost
The Invisible Cost
I captured the audience’s gaze through the camera, recorded it, and finally displayed it on the invoice, and the material of this invoice was toilet paper.
I captured the audience’s gaze through the camera, recorded it, and finally displayed it on the invoice, and the material of this invoice was toilet paper.
This is the TouchDesign Programming Details
This is the TouchDesign Programming Details
The toilet stall will gradually become transparent. After the audience has been in the stall for a certain amount of time, the door will slowly turn transparent. If they want to stop this from happening, they need to scan the QR code on the door to watch an advertisement.
The toilet stall will gradually become transparent. After the audience has been in the stall for a certain amount of time, the door will slowly turn transparent. If they want to stop this from happening, they need to scan the QR code on the door to watch an advertisement.