

Big Brother Is Watching You

Visualization of how being watched through digital products can be if we don't pay attention to personal info and ignore surveillance around

Photo of Laura Yang
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Sketch 1 (1,500 characters)

Seeing how digital products have been widely used in our daily life and all the data we are giving out, I can't help thinking how surveillance might happen under the scene and how scary that can be. For this concept, I used the eyeball metaphor to elicit a psychological revulsion from audiences, and show them how our life can be if we don't pay attention to possible surveillance. This aims at raising public awareness of data leakage and strive for a safer cyber environment in the digital world. I've had this idea for a really long time, the initial concept would be a short animation demonstrates how we get used to being watched. The animation idea might be harder to achieve, so I took the most impactful scene and think I can create a digital painting or gif to present my idea. I got my inspiration for the title from the book 1984 and I think it really aids to the topic. If I would continue to build this idea, I will create a better illustration and try to incorporate more cybersecurity concept into the illustration, for example, cloud and WIFI security.

Sketch 2 (1,500 characters)

This is a storyboard of initial animation idea. The animation starts with the main character found the eyeball really weird and disgusting which he wanted to get rid of. And then he saw how people around got along with the eyeballs. He then changed the attitude and ignore the eyeball and blend in with the crowd. The street was full over surveillance eyeball. Finally, the camera zoomed out to the outerspace and the whole planet is under surveillance.


Through researching and ideating this sketch, it really makes me want to pay more attention to this problem and learn about it.

Tell us more about you. (1,000 characters)

I am an interaction designer student with a passion for visual art and illustration.

Why are you participating in this Challenge? (750 characters)

Since cybersecurity is a problem that might affect all of us and most of the people don't know much about it. I think this project initiated by openIDEO is a great chance for me to use my knowledge and passion to draw attention to the topic. Using visuals to convey the message to the general public is a great way for them to learn what cybersecurity is for and ask for a better environment.


What is your experience with the field of cybersecurity?


What best describes you?

  • I’m a visual design undergraduate student.

How did you hear about this OpenIDEO Challenge?

  • Through an OpenIDEO chapter

Location: City

Toronto, CA

Location: Country

  • Canada


Join the conversation:

Photo of Natália Puga

Hi Laura - I really like the concept of big brother. I think it's a good analogy and pop culture reference. However, as the brief says that they want something to make cybersecurity more human, I would probably go with another approach and try to use the big brother idea in a different way (maybe less revolting and scary?).

I also really like the combination of photography + illustration and I think it helps explaining how cybersecurity (something intangible to most people) affects our daily life. Good luck!

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