“Save Your Self”
Reflecting on and Embracing Shyness Through a Speculative Installation
The exhibition was held at the Northeastern University Center for Design as part of the MFA thesis exhibition in April 2024.
Overview
Shyness is often stigmatized and understood as reticence or social deficiency. Despite being a common and universal experience, shyness is generally perceived as a negative trait in society, obscuring positive aspects that might accompany it such as heightened empathy and thoughtfulness. This widespread stereotype can amplify concerns among shy individuals regarding potential negative judgment and rejection in specific social situations.
Human beings' inherent need for social interaction and relationships is driven by their reliance on each other for survival. Based on theoretical frameworks in social psychology that link shyness to people’s concerns with external perceptions and evaluations, this thesis seeks to assist in understanding the intricate nature of shyness through a Speculative Design installation. It acknowledges the dual role of shyness, inhibiting and empowering across various aspects of life, and emphasizes the significant influence of social acceptance on coping mechanisms and interpersonal dynamics.
Developed using the Speculative Design approach, the final design incorporates a dystopian future scenario envisioning attitudes in society towards extroversion and shyness in 2050, along with the role of shyness in society. An installation presenting diverse artifacts aims to stimulate critical reflection on social perceptions of shyness. The thesis concludes by advocating for a paradigm shift in societal attitudes towards shyness, positioning it as a natural facet of human diversity rather than a limitation. The study concludes with an aspiration to cultivate an environment where individuals feel empowered to navigate social interactions with support and inclusivity regardless of their shyness.
© Zhiman Bai 2025