digital
personality

My bachelor thesis deals with the method of generative design. In this context, the theoretical basics are considered and there is a temporal placement of the intellectual foundations. In addition, a practical use in terms of a data visualisation of digital personality leads to a generative design process.

2012

Practice

The practical execution includes a generative approach towards a digital personality. Consequently, the concept was shaped by the idea that personality is notably influenced by digital self-expression in various social media platforms nowadays.

Thus, a generative framework was developed to catch and process individual data from selected websites and profiles. Precisely, the API’s from Facebook, Instagram, Last.FM and Twitter were used. Eventually, the personal data was visually abstracted in form of comparable posters for each participant.

In the end, I did interviews with each of the participants to get more insights about the change of personality in the digital age. Therefore, a critical reflection was conducted to conclude the practical part.

Theory

Within the theoretical work, firstly the generative process is defined in contrast to the ordinary iterative process. Then, from a historical perspective the development of generative design is detached from one bound to technological paradigms.

The origins are located in artistic avant-garde movements of the 1920s. Further influences are traced to the field of computer art and op art. Eventually, a standpoint is made by including generative design pioneers, recent expressions and a forecast of the importance and potentials inside the field of design.