Lily: An AI Female Character that is created based on the contemporary image of females in China.
Goal: Use data and information on social expectations of females in China to educate Lily and make Lily the “perfect female”.
This project combined AI character development with a series of graphic designs to critique and satirise the social expectations of females in China. The aim is to ironically address the gender inequality issues and stereotypes and trigger debate around gender norms.
Background
According to my observation and research, the social expectations of females in China are still partially formed by the traditional concept of women. There seems to be progress in female status; for example, there are signs of a higher rate of females participating in the labour force (McKinsey & Company, 2023). However, traditional expectations still affect female’s life. For instance, there is still pressure on women to be married at a relatively young age, and they are asked to take a large part in domestic work. Nevertheless, there are gender inequality issues in higher education and career advancement.
Medium and Method
AI Character Development:
Collecting data and information from social media and published essays, studies and books on female stereotypes and expectations in China. Use the collected information to educate and train an AI character. This character could be used for interaction with audiences.
Design:
Create a series of designs, such as brochures, zines, posters, and digital content, that humorously aim to educate the AI character. The form of the “Educational Materials” will take children’s activity books and games as reference. There can be storybooks, sticker books, and educational playbooks.
The work will reinforce the idea of the absurdity of the expectation of women and address the content sarcastically.
Interactive Events/Exhibition(?):
Have a space where audiences can interact with the AI character by asking questions and having conversations. Present the materials I have created as “Educational Materials——How to be a perfect female?”. The event/exhibition will encourage audiences to engage and debate on the topic.
Audience Engagement
Who are the Audiences?
Young Adults whose ages between 18-30
Individuals Involved in Gender Studies
Art and Design Community
Feminist Community
How to Engage?
Online Interaction:
Publish the trained AI character online through different social media and platforms where users can access the “Educational Materials” and interact with the character. Through those platforms, users can discuss and share their ideas and have conversations about this project.
Interactive Installations/Exhibitions:
Organise an exhibition/event to showcase the project. Visitors can interact with the AI character and explore the designs. There will be a touch screen or laptop where audiences can have conversations, “teach” the AI, and see how it responds.
Along with the exhibition, there will be pieces designed to ask visitors to share their thoughts and ideas about their experiences of the show and discuss gender norms.
Expected Outcomes:
An interactive AI character that reflects the social expectations of females
Series of Designs that ironically address the topic
Encourage audiences to discuss and debate on the topic of gender stereotypes and inequality and reevaluate the social expectations of gender.
Cite:
McKinsey & Company. (2023). Advancing Gender Equality in the Chinese Workplace. China: McKinsey & Company.
Zeng, J., Thorneman, M. (2014) Advancing Gender Parity in China: Solutions to Help Women’s Ambitions Overcome the Obstacles. Available at: https://www.bain.com/insights/advancing-gender-parity-in-china/(Accessed: 13 January 2024).