Multimedia Designer
BLOSSOMING AWARENESS
During my involvement in a flower shop branding project, I conducted extensive research on the primary flower export countries worldwide. Throughout this process, I came across articles shedding light on the concealed working conditions of flower farmers in Colombia. Despite being the second largest flower export country globally, the rights of Colombian laborers have consistently been compromised. The prevalent high unemployment rate and social instability in the region coerce many local workers into silence, forcing them to endure exploitation.
To combat the rights violations endured by Colombian flower laborers, I aim to create an interactive environment where visitors can delve into the concealed realities behind the enchanting floral industry. By promoting awareness, I hope for positive transformations in their living and working conditions.
INSPIRATION
For my school project, I established a florist brand called Flevoland, specializing in exquisite Dutch flowers. During my exploration of news concerning Dutch flower exports, I came across the fact that Colombia holds the position of the second-largest flower exporter. However, a glaring disparity exists between the living conditions of flower farmers in Colombia and those in the Netherlands.
Having resided in the United States for eight years, I was previously unaware of the somber reality concealed behind the inexpensive and beautiful flowers in America. I aimed to create a project raising awareness about the challenging circumstances faced by Colombian flower farmers.
Top 5 Largest Player in Flower Exports
RESEARCH
CONCEPT DEFINITION
In light of this topic, I am eager to establish an interactive space that offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the experiences of Colombian flower laborers. Through this interactive platform, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by female workers, and actively contribute to organizations or programs working toward positive change in the situation.
map of one of the key municipalities of the industry in the plains of Bogotá
initial sketch designed according to the map
final sketch
USER JOURNEY MAP
SCENE DEVELOPMENT
ENTRANCE
ROOM 1
Room 1 showcases the health challenges faced by Colombian flower industry workers through projected silhouettes of women afflicted by these ailments, triggered when visitors touch the flowers.
In order to test the feasibility of this idea, I conducted an experiment by using Arduino. Theoretically, when a person touches a plant, the plant ion will generate some weak electrical signal. The captive sensor can sense a hand or body inches away from the sensor. When the electrical signal becomes higher than a certain range, the led light turn on
Arduino Code
After the success of the test, I started to think about how to let the projector projects a shadow by each touch. I used the serial communication particle to realize data communication from the hardware to the software end.
Processing Code
This code sets up an interactive display that switches between three shadows in response to input from a serial device. It gradually changes the transparency of the images for smooth transitions. I also added an audio file to play in loop.
Shadows
ROOM 2
Room 2 addresses the issue of work unity by displaying several animation clips. The space features a chrysanthemum installation and a camera setup. When visitors interact with the camera, an animation clip begins to play.
There are three animation clips available for screening in this room, with each click transitioning to the next clip.
Arduino Code
Processing Code
Arduino sketch monitors a button press and counts the number of presses while sending the count to the Serial Monitor. The processing sketch allows the display of one of three videos based on input received from Arduino.
ROOM 3
Room 3 allows visitors have the opportunity to select a flower to take with them. Upon entering, the projector activates, displaying a selection of quotes addressing sexual harassment within the Colombian flower industry on the wall.
Flowers
This space includes various kinds of flowers produced from Colombia. Each flower is accompanied by a slip of ribbon containing quotes from news articles related to the Colombian flower industry, as well as contact information for organizations dedicated to assisting these women.
“Because the majority of the women here are heads of their families, they need the work – that makes them more open to exploitation.”
Corporación Cactus
“These women are routinely subjected to harassment and even rape from their male supervisors.”
Fairness in Flowers
“Today, a flower is not produced with sweetness but with tears.”
A flower sector employee in Colombia interviewed by PASO and Global Exchange
“The women surveyed in the report also expressed sexual harassments on the job and hostile treatment by supervisors, such as yelling, public humiliation or unwanted sexual advances.”
teleSUR
Coding