Anonymousociety: A Social Critique Design Project by Yan Yan

Exploring Identity in the Age of Social Surveillance

Anonymousociety is a project born out of Yan Yan's personal experiences and reflections. The designer found herself questioning the nature of identity - is it the persona that is visible to the public, or the one that remains hidden from view? Is our identity shaped by the gaze of others, or do we shape it ourselves? In an era where social media, reality TV shows, and YouTube have made our lives excessively public, Yan Yan's project is a critique of the societal pressure to constantly expose oneself.

What sets Anonymousociety apart is its unique approach to social critique. Yan Yan has conceptualized a non-existent secret organization that aims to provide a safe haven for people to escape from the spotlight and be themselves. The project adopts a mockumentary perspective to document the existence of this organization. The design works include a fan-made website, a magazine, a set of instructions, and flyers, among other elements.

The project is both web-based and print-based, with the main content available online as a website and in physical form as posters and books. The audience can engage with the project by reading the magazine, viewing the posters, or browsing the website.

Anonymousociety was created over a period of six months in San Francisco. The project presented Yan Yan with the challenge of developing her creative thinking methodology. After half a year of learning and testing, she gained a deeper understanding of herself and discovered a unique way of thinking and creating.

The project continues to evolve, with the world of Anonymousociety expanding. The design has been recognized with the Iron A' Social Design Award in 2021, an accolade reserved for well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements and contribute to a better world.

In conclusion, Yan Yan's Anonymousociety is a powerful social critique design project that challenges conventional notions of identity and privacy in today's hyper-exposed world. It offers a unique perspective on social surveillance and the performance of identity, making it a significant contribution to the field of social impact design.