[Defense] mechanisms

Abstract

"[Defense] Mechanisms" is a visualisation of the intangible defense mechanisms, using the tangible engineering mechanisms as a medium. Some defense mechanisms are detrimental to our self-growth, but since they are usually deployed unknowingly, it is hard to move on from these negative defense mechanisms (Holland, 2019). "[Defense] Mechanisms" aims to walk the user through what goes on in their head when they subconsciously deploy a defense mechanism. With the use of various engineering mechanisms, using a ball as a medium to represent the user, they will be able to see what goes on in the mind, and from there, learn more about themselves to then be able to take the first step towards self-improvement. This is a Final Year Project by Loh Wan Hui that consists of a series of 4 interactive rolling ball sculptures that is decreasing in size, of which each sculpture is a visualisation of one “defense mechanism” in each level of the Vaillant’s categorisation which will be discussed further in the report. This paper is a documentation of the conceptualisation, research, exploration, and execution of the final outcome.