Speculative Design
July. – Aug.2024
Individual WorkHustling Stamp
Overview:
I speculated a system that reveals how human slavery to dominant capitalism monopolized working adult’s mindsets and norm-imprisoned.
The system consists of 4 parts: Canvas of Social Norms, Hustling Machine, Hustling Stamp, Cutter of Deviance. It enforces social norms layer by layer, erasing uniqueness until only the "perfectly shaped" remain.
Design Concept:
Hustling stamp is a system that forces individuals to conform through layers of social norms, leaving only those shaped into "perfect" versions accepted by society. We aim to reveal how individuals gradually lose their identity under the pressure of social norms. Are we merely “products” of society?
Design Materials:
Multi-layer Stamps: Stamps that can create intricate patterns by layering different designs on top of one another.
A Conveyor Belt System:
A continuous moving belt that can transport products.
A Die Cutting Machine: A machine that applies pressure to cut out delicate shapes from paper, leather and other materials.
Narrative
Watch the video and experience the story behind Hustling Stamp from a first-person perspective.
Visual Production
The Design Story Behind Hustling Stamp: From Concept to CreationDo you ever think about being fully capable as a kid?
One, Two, Three, shot by Japanese photographer Shin Noguchi (uploaded with permission).We all once think that we are capable of doing anything.
Gen-Z's obssession with dreamcore:
Dreamcore takes us back to a limitless childhood:
CCD Camera Trend
Instead of pursuing high-definition photos, Gen Z increasingly uses CCD cameras for retro-style photos.
Chinese-style dreamcore
So far, the hashtag #Chinese-style dreamcore has racked up over 170 million views on RedNote.
High Saturation Low Pixel
Dreamcore, with its surreal and nostalgic visuals, often takes us back to a time when the world felt limitless, where creativity knew no bounds.
Is there any relationship between Gen-Z's childhood memories and their obsession with dreamcore?
UNSTRUCTED INTERVIEWS:
What 3 words will you use to describe the atmosphere of your childhood?
What is your favorite or most memorable childhood memory?
How do you feel when you see these dreamcore pictures? Why?
Humid, Torn, Conservative“Most of my childhood memories are of the humid summers in Qingdao...a mix of joy and sadness.”
Putting coins into the piggy bank"My dad would bring me coins from all over the world, and I felt so proud every time I added one."
Oppressive, Warm, Long-pastPicture 1: "It was dark and gloomy, with that plastic smell... and kids crawling around in there."
INSIGHT 1:
Adults make-up a perfect childhood, concealing all the bad things.THINKING: Why do adults initially delude themselves?
INSIGHT 2: Adults make up a perfect childhood through dreamcore to escape a constrained adulthood.
How subserviance clashes with a fully capable childhood?
When adults recall their favourite childhood scene...
It is unknown what will happen if someone remains child-like, naughty, and defiant...
Design Idea: What if we
© 2025 by Chuyao Dong. All rights reserved.