Vygotsky proposed, is a “leading factor in development”—a unique, broadly influential zone of proximal development in which children experiment with a wide array of challenging skills and acquire culturally valued competencies. The most significant of these is a strengthened capacity for self-regulation.

This is the first version, but after suggestions from my tutor and classmates, I felt that it does not reflect the genderless characteristics very well.

I will modify the design of the character and decided the image of badges and tools.

Led screen

Translucent acrylic sheet

Hairpin

Felt

In Chinese dream girl community, there are three types of fan works known as the “Dream Girl Three-Piece Set”: articles, illustrations, and goods related to the person they love.

Netnography is a research method that studies online communities' behavior and activities. It's an innovative approach to ethnography involving the systematic observation, analysis, and interpretation of online data.

I chose this three Chinese apps with the most number of fan creations and dream girls to collect posts and data.

Red Book, Weibo and Lofter.

2. Definition of the duration of the study

3. Data collection

4. Interpretation of results

2. Integrate key debates/theories in the completion of a substantial project which responds to the defined proposal.

3. Make an original contribution to knowledge and debates in the subject area, recognising the limitations of the contribution and areas for potential development/research.

4. Successfully communicate the results of the project giving consideration to appropriate and relevant academic, ethical and professional requirements.

At this level, you will be expected to work independently but you will receive additional one-to-one support from your supervisor, who will be familiar with your chosen topic area. As you progress on the module, extra support will be available and this may take the form of group seminars, workshops and online materials that will help in the development of your project.

This module is an opportunity for you to develop skills which will contribute to the acquisition of key

BCU graduate attributes; creative problem solvers, enterprising, professional and work ready and global outlook. In the context of the creative and cultural industries and at this academic level, this means an ability to: create work which is of a professional standard relevant to the discipline; undertake successful project planning to a professional standard, which may include budgetary and other relevant constraints; innovate and experiment; to self-evaluate and reflect critically on your work, situating your practice within the context of relevant academic/professional debates within your chosen medium.

1. Personal project "Love that transcends time"

2. Didactic Presentation in Specialism "Felt Art"

3. Personal project "The Middle" of first semester.

   
   

What is the context of the brief that you are investigating?

Last semester I initially explored the topic of fictosexuality (People treat virtual characters as their lovers rather than real people) in my personal project, and I will delve deeper into this. I want to explore the cultural, psychological, and social reasons behind this phenomenon, for example, the relationship between virtual fantasy and reality, whether immersing yourself in the virtual world is an escapist behavior, etc. It will be completed with more interactive and experiential approach.

What do you know from your research?

This phenomenon originated in Japan, but is now common among young girls in China. The project research is based on China's current cultural background. Previous questionnaire surveys have found that liking virtual characters will not have a negative impact on the vast majority of people, and we can continue to explore the behavioral and psychological benefits of this.

What is the historical, cultural and contemporary context your brief?

Fictosexuality is sexual attraction towards fictional characters. Romantic attraction towards fictional characters is called fictoromantic. In Chinese, the term zhixingliän (simplified

Chinese：纸性恋 'paper sexuality') specifically refers to sexual attraction towards two-dimensional characters only.Mainly appears among novel and ACG culture fans, especially women. In China we call them "Dream girl".

Objectives:

What is the purpose of your brief?

Try to understand these people and explore new ways to promote this emotion (Further blurring the boundaries between virtuality and reality).

Target Audience:

Who is your audience and why?

People who love virtual characters.

People who can understand and admit this kind of love.

People who can't understand and admit this kind of love.

For those people who understand and already in this relationship, they can get recognition and support.

For people who can't, they can get to know about and be tolerant of them.

Media:

What media(ums) will you adopt as part of the brief?

Experimental video ((temporary)

I made some small works by felt in my DPS workshop, maybe in this project, I can use felt or other similar materials to make my works.

Deliverables:

1. Exhibition

2. Video

3. Small installations (interactive)

(temporary)

Vygotsky (1978) views the zone of proximal development as the area where the most sensitive instruction or guidance should occur, enabling the child to develop skills they will later use independently, thus fostering higher mental functions.

The ZPD is not a static space but constantly shifts as the child learns and develops new skills. As a child’s competence grows, their zone of proximal development also expands to encompass new challenges.

Please see your feedforward from last weeks assessment.

Very best.

A really exciting exhibition, showing ambition and bravery. Your explanation of the work was articulate. It was a well-considered body of work. There were very strong moments.

You present a body of work that is convincing with a thorough approach. This is because you live through and in your practice, your outfit for the assessment was part of the presentation enabling a performative aspect to your theme (LO4). There is a sense that is not just an exciting way of developing ideas in visual communication space but more this is a philosophical consideration for you and that invite the audience to debate and contribute.

It is a challenging area that you are presenting with great thought. The positioning is a clever way to visualise the critical engagements you are undertaking (LO3).

Your project demonstrates a strong creative vision. The concept is unique and engaging, effectively capturing the viewer's attention.

You have shown strong technical skills in your use of software and tools. The quality of your visuals is high, showcasing your ability to produce polished and professional work.

The attention to detail in your design elements, is commendable. Each element is well-considered and contributes to the overall aesthetic.

Keep pushing the boundaries of traditional visual communication by experimenting with new techniques or media. Innovation can set your work apart and demonstrate your willingness to explore these uncharted territories.

FEED FORWARD

Reflect on the ethical implications of your work. Ensure that your visuals respect cultural sensitivities and avoid reinforcing stereotypes. This will not only enhance the integrity of your work but also broaden its acceptance and appreciation. You know your audience, we don’t!

Overall, your project is a strong demonstration of your skills and creativity. By focusing on the narrative coherence, critical analysis, and audience engagement, you can further refine your work and make a more significant impact. Keep pushing the boundaries and continue seeking feedback.

But the wedding invitations I made out of felt weren't very satisfying. I'm glad this was pointed out before the show, and I think so myself. The main reason is that they look crudely made, not refined and beautiful enough to show professionalism. I will continue to make new ones to replace them.

During the exhibition, although it was a bit stuffy to wear the shell for a long time, I thought it would help me get into the role and allow the audience to immerse themselves in a beautiful virtual wedding. This is indeed the case. Many people are willing to take photos with me and listen to my introduction to the project. Regardless of whether they knew about this group before, everyone expressed support and interest in this wedding.

What is the context of the brief that you are investigating?

Last semester I initially explored the topic of fictosexuality (People treat virtual characters as their lovers rather than real people) in my personal project, and I will delve deeper into this. I want to explore the cultural, psychological, and social debates behind this phenomenon, for example, the relationship between virtual fantasy and reality, whether immersing yourself in the virtual world is an escapist behavior, etc.It will be completed with more interactive and experiential approach.

What do you know from your research?

This phenomenon originated in Japan, but is now common among young girls in China. The project research is based on China's current cultural background. Previous questionnaire surveys have found that liking virtual characters will not have a negative impact on the vast majority of people, and we can continue to explore the behavioral and psychological benefits of this.

What is the historical, cultural and contemporary context your brief?

Fictosexuality is sexual attraction towards fictional characters. Romantic attraction towards fictional characters is called fictoromantic. In Chinese, the term zhixingliän (simplified

Chinese：纸性恋'paper sexuality') specifically refers to sexual attraction towards two-

dimensional characters only. Mainly appears among novel and ACG culture fans, especially women. In China we call them "Dream girl".

Obiectives:

What is the purpose of vour brief?

Try to understand these people and explore new ways to promote this emotion (Further blurring the boundaries between virtuality and reality)

Target Audience:

Who is your audience and why?

My audience are people who love virtual characters. Mostly for female between 16-27.

For those people who understand and already in this relationship, they can get recognition and support.

I hope that after seeing my work, they can feel proud and supported of themselves and their loved ones, be more confident to continue their relationship, and know themselves, understand themselves, and become a better self.

Approaches:

What are the key approaches that you have identified as part of your briefs)?

1. Through the questionnaire, I determined the audience group and age. I also determined the categories of products. I'll make something new, easy to understand and enjoyable for them to see.

2. Through observation and summary in community media, I found out the main activities they carried out to maintain their relationship, which made me decide to set up a corner of a wedding scene in the exhibition. I will play a genderless virtual character.

Media:

What media(ums) will you adopt as part of the brief?

1. An LED screen with customizable images. I will refit an old television as a virtual lover's head (performed by me), it can show facial expression.

2. Felt toys. I made some small works by felt in my DPS workshop, in this project, I use wool felt make many toys and other products.

Deliverables:

1. Exhibition: A wedding scene

2. Small installations: Television head with an LED screen

3. Postcards

4. Badges

5. Felt toys.

What is the context of the brief that you are investigating?

Last semester I initially explored the topic of fictosexuality (People treat virtual characters as their lovers rather than real people) in my personal project, and I will delve deeper into this. And in the didactic project I made some felt products, I will also use some subculture styles. As for my major project, I want to explore the cultural, psychological, and social debates behind the dream girl group, for example, the relationship between virtual fantasy and reality, whether immersing yourself in the virtual world is an escapist behavior, etc. It will be completed with more interactive and experiential approach.

What do you know from your research?

After conducting research using methods such as literature research, book research, and netographic qualitative research, I summarized the characteristics of the Dream Girl group and the benefits it brings to them from four aspects.

1. Self-identification and self-respect. Dream girl's love is an affirmation of her self-worth and emotional needs. they can choose and shape emotional relationships according to her own wishes and preferences.

2. Social culture and personal choice. The choices of dream girls are not only an expression of personal emotions, but also a reflection and challenge to the gender roles and emotional expressions in mainstream culture.

3. Self-realization and growth. The interaction between Dream Girls and Dream characters enables them to express themselves and develop their creativity.

4.Self-exploration and cognition. Dream girls explore their emotions and inner selves through interaction with their characters. This exploration helps them better understand themselves and recognize their needs and expectations.

At the same time, this group is also under some pressure, such as being condemned, questioned, and considered to be escaping from reality and unwilling to take responsibility.

What is the historical, cultural and contemporary context your brief?

This phenomenon originated in Japan, but is now common among young girls in China. The project research is based on China's current cultural background. Previous questionnaire surveys have found that liking virtual characters will not have a negative impact on the vast majority of people, and we can continue to explore the behavioral and psychological benefits of this.

Fictosexuality is sexual attraction towards fictional characters.Romantic attraction towards fictional characters is called fictoromantic. In Chinese, the term zhǐxìngliàn (simplified Chinese: 纸性恋 'paper sexuality') specifically refers to sexual attraction towards two-dimensional characters only.Mainly appears among novel and ACG culture fans, especially women. In China we call them “Dream girl”.

What is the purpose of your brief?

The purpose of this project is to support and help the Dream girl community. Fictosexuality can be a new sexual orientation that has emerged in the rapidly developing world of the Internet. Although members are very active, it is still a minority group. I hope that after watching my performance, installation and products, people can develop a sense of identity, feel more confident and warm. It would be better if others could be more tolerant and understanding of the Dream girl community.

Target Audience:

Who is your audience and why?

My audience are girls who already fall in love with virtual characters. Mostly for Chinese female between 16-25.

This is one of the questions in my questionnaire last semester, which shows that most of the dream girl in China is 16-25 (The youngest participant is 16).

Since this is a relatively young group, including myself, I can personally feel the problems, concerns, or emotions and feelings that my target audience is currently facing. When I use netography to conduct more in-depth research, I understand them better and understand myself better, so that I can accurately discover and try to solve these problems and provide support.

For those people who understand and already in this relationship, they can get recognition and support. I hope that after seeing my work, they can feel proud and supported of themselves and their loved ones, be more confident to continue their relationship, and know themselves, understand themselves, and become a better self.

What are the key approaches that you have identified as part of your brief(s)?

1. The most important approach of this project is netographic methodology. This is the most effective and appropriate method for this project.

Firstly, my audience is in China, and collecting information in online communities is very effective and economical. In addition, I often use these communities and apps, so it is not difficult for me.

Secondly, with the rapid development of Internet culture today, in order to satisfy themselves and gain a sense of identity, the dream girl group is very active in the community, which can ensure that I can collect a lot of information and data with more accuracy，so as to make products that they really like.

Thirdly, netography is a very flexible method. This emerging group does not have many specific rules and standards, so it can maximize the understanding and discovery of information.

2. Another key approach is book research. In the early stage of research, the book research provided me with inspiration to further explore the dream girl group, and in terms of sexual orientation, it also supplemented what I didn’t know before. This played a key role in the decision and production of my final outcomes.

Media: 

What media(ums) will you adopt as part of the brief?

1. An LED screen with customizable expressions. I will refit an old television as a virtual lover’s head (performed by me), it can show facial expression. The screen is made of a translucent acrylic panel and an LED screen standing together. The expressions on the LED was drawn by me. I drew three little animations of expressions, all friendly and happy. When I'm performing, I can see outside through the screen so that I can interact properly with the audience.

2. Goods, including postcards,badges and felt wedding invitations and wedding gifts. After research, I found that the “three popular sets” among the dream girl group are writing stories, drawing illustrations of of themselves and their lovers, and purchasing related goods. So I also drew such illustrations and made products to display in the exhibition. I made some small works by felt in my DPS workshop, in this project, I use wool felt make many toys and other products.

Performance or cosplay. In this project, performance is also an important part. I wanted to show an immersive wedding with a virtual character. Wearing shells in the exhibition, interacting with the audience and making them happy, thus showing the happiness of this group.  

Deliverables:

1. Exhibition : A wedding scene poster

2. Small installations : Television head with an LED screen

3. Postcards

4. Badges

5. Felt wedding invitations and gifts.

The tutors gave me encouragement and some suggestions during the formative assessment. And they gave me a lot of useful advice and references when making products and tutorials.

2.Audience

The exhibition was a great experience and I learned a lot. Many audiences stopped in front of my works, took photos, and asked me about the meaning and details of my works. This made me happy. The audience's response was very positive. Whether they had heard of this group before or not, they all showed interest and understanding. I am very happy that my work was loved by audiences.

What’s interesting is that almost everyone asked me the same question: “Can you see me?” People were surprised when I answered yes, and it also showed that the installation was well made, just like a real computer head.

3.Classmate

I am very happy that many classmates also like my work, and they also asked me some details and production process. At the same time, I also visited and learned about other students' works at the exhibition.

1. Research More

   I can also conduct more in-depth and extensive research, combined with quantitative research, to collect more data for analysis.

2. Communication

   Pay attention to reasonable time planning so that you can convey your intentions more accurately and promote them in appropriate places and occasions.

3. Media

   I hope to experiment with 3D modeling to create interesting effects and products that fit the futuristic concept.