Second Hand Life: A Thought-Provoking Poster Design by Yilin Wang

Transforming Fragmented Information into Visual Graphics

Second Hand Life is a unique project that aims to re-objectify language into visual graphics. Yilin Wang uses a programming structured web language, presented graphically through binary, to convey a powerful message. The design serves as a container for the fragmented information we receive daily, urging us to pay attention to the dangers of this one-dimensional and one-sided reception.

The design consists of a series of 20 A3-sized posters arranged strategically to create a visually impactful effect. Additionally, Yilin Wang has created a book that complements the posters, further exploring the theme of second-hand life. The posters and book are meticulously designed to engage the audience and provoke thoughtful reflection.

One of the challenges faced during the creation of this design was finding a font that effectively conveyed the theme. After extensive research, Yilin Wang discovered that binary was the perfect representation. The symbols '1' and '0' in binary correspond to 'true' and 'false' in logical operations, aligning perfectly with the concept of discriminating acceptance of information and self-judgment.

Through Second Hand Life, Yilin Wang highlights the prevalent phenomenon of relying on other people's experiences to guide our behavior. This reliance often leads to a repetitive and second-hand way of living. The fragmented information in the design is transformed into a manually organized process, metaphorically representing the acquisition of experiences. The design serves as a reminder to be cautious of fetishism and to avoid being led solely by fragmented information.

Yilin Wang's Second Hand Life design has garnered recognition and acclaim. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design category in 2023. This prestigious award celebrates designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving the quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.

Second Hand Life serves as a powerful reminder to break free from the confines of fragmented information and embrace a more holistic and discerning approach to understanding the world around us. Yilin Wang's thought-provoking design encourages us to question our reliance on second-hand experiences and strive for a more authentic and informed way of living.