Christine Bernades

PixFix is a campaign disguised as a Photo Booth that explores the impacts of social media consumption on body image and the rising prevalence of body dysmorphia, especially within and amongst the younger generation. Using the slogan “Fix Your Flaws, Become Pixel Perfect!” and incorporating an irregularly shaped curvy mirror, reflective surfaces, and seamless gradients contrasted with pixelated and grainy elements, the overall design of the Photo Booth was developed with the intention of attracting passersby that may already have a skewed belief and/or conflicting thoughts and feelings surrounding their body image.

Once unsuspecting participants finish editing their photos and are in the midst of choosing a face altering filter, the campaign's educational multimedia video will be presented via the Photo Booth screen, as seen in the short demonstration clip above.

View full video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY1asSClItk

The educational video follows the storyline of a typical night spent doomscrolling on image-centric social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. It highlights the gradual distortion of self-perception and the increasingly overwhelming pressure to constantly "transform" one's appearance as the scrolling persists, disregarding screen time limits.

It was also intended to showcase that the appearances of people online
can be easily manipulated into a completely different person, turning even an
illustration into a “person” that is distinctly human-like in appearance.

View full video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=gR9hC5COdf8

Building upon the purpose of the Photo Booth and educational video is a
desktop one-page scroll website designed to provide more information on the campaign
and on the prevalence of image/video manipulation that contributes to the unrealistic beauty standards promoted on social media.

On the desktop website, submissions are able to be made on the PixPure
information page after clicking on “Learn more”, which allows participants to
gain a sense of community if they wish to join the PixPure movement.

Link to Desktop Website: shorturl.at/ansNT

Included within the website is the concept of “PixPure” which is intended to address
this issue by utilising the authentic, genuine and limited charm of disposable cameras.

The disposable camera features a QR code that links to a list of 27 different ideas to take 27 snapshots of (the number of exposures a disposable camera typically has), focusing on body positivity and actions that can reduce screen time, reconnecting with the real world.

Link to The 27 Prompts Page (Phone): shorturl.at/jszO6

As the findings of my design research kit highlighted the issue of frequent body/appearance checking in reflections, I decided to also include a uniquely shaped pocket mirror with the decal “CAUTION: SOCIAL MEDIA’S BEAUTY STANDARDS MAY DISTORT MIRROR REFLECTIONS” as a reminder that the negative self-perceptions they may be experiencing when they look in the mirror is likely due to the media that they consume.