Sijing Cheng

Resources for Thriving is a learning resource to help students better live and study at Monash University. The project focuses specifically on assisting international students with adjusting to life in Melbourne and studying at Monash. This booklet aims to equip readers with a better understanding of how to engage with the facilities and services at Monash University. The project was inspired by my own experience transitioning to on-campus study.

The design concept focuses on how we might help people feeling down communicate with professionals, connect with people to share their issues, and access helpful information to support and improve their mental health. The mental state monitoring app seeks to enhance emotional regulation and situate users as active participants in their own mental health care. Liminal is a speculative proposal for virtual mental health treatment and support.

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The Internet and the stresses of modern life have changed how people communicate. Face-to-face interactions aren't as important as they used to be, and many people have carefully crafted online identities. The imaginary visual identity project aims to capture the social phenomenon that remains out of sight to many.

Through the analysis of the data obtained through the design research kit, the project examines the reasons why young people stay up late. The poster visualises the results of research — the design seeks to attract the attention of young people whilst simultaneously imparting information around lifestyle and sleep habits.

Male gaze was developed by art critic John Berger and later used in film studies by film theorist Laura Mulvey. This theory refers to the fact that in many visual arts women are often objectified. Men use the camera and character settings to construct a cinematic world that is safe and satisfying to male desires, while women are merely symbols of male desire, lacking their own subjectivity. The project explores the concept of male gaze through visual design.

For the Sounding Type project, I chose an instrumental song called Afro Jane. The use of different traditional instruments crafts a flowing water soundscape. The fluid paint seeks to depict the wild drumbeat and the free flowing traditional instruments. The track reminds me of Brian Rochefort‘s work, and this inspired the visual approach. Rochefort’s sculptures are beautifully dynamic and evoke a sense of dripping materials.