07 Dissertation
& Presentations

This week marked one of the most significant milestones of my journey: the submission of my dissertation and the first look at my presentation setup. Looking back at where I started, I realize how much I’ve grown—from having just a few scattered ideas and inspirations to truly understanding the depth of my research. It was a wholesome week of connecting the dots between my experiments from Semester 1 and 2 and expressing gratitude to those who supported me along the way.

  • Week-seven
    23.Feb ~ 01.Mar, 2026
  • Journal-by
    Choi Yerin
  • Keywords
    • Design-Statement
    • Atmost
    • Dissertation
    • Table-setup
    • Roadmap

Dissertation Submission

Submitting my dissertation was incredibly rewarding. Reading through the docs of more than 7,000 words one last time allowed me to reflect on the entire journey. I realized that while I started with very little technical knowledge, I am now at a point where I can move comfortably between theory and making.

Writing the acknowledgments was another special moment for me. I wanted to make sure I thanked Andreas, the participants in my evaluation sessions, and my family and friends for their encouragement. It felt like a true culmination of my approach of being slow, steady, and meaningful.

Reflections & The Evolution of Atmost

As I wrote the limitations, conclusion, and the notes for further research, I reflected on the technical boundaries I hit. Sometimes the focus shifted too much toward complex software engineering, which can overshadow the design objectives. I’ve come to realize that my research isn’t about reinventing tools like GSAP or Spline, but about understanding and communicating the message of atmospheric interface design.

The user evaluations from last week confirmed that Atmost has the potential to become more than just a research archive. I plan to evolve it into a public shortcut library for designers to learn and craft these experiences. This will include deeper experimental content, more interactive sketches, and diverse case studies to help designers see that "atmosphere" isn't just a secondary detail.

Design Statement

After the submission, I took some time to craft my design statement. Condensing months of research into a short statement was a challenge, but it helped me capture the true essence of Interaction as Identity.

Design Statement

Interaction as Identity examines how digital interactions can serve as a strategic medium for brand identity communication, rather than functional utility. The project addresses the limited practical methods for crafting branded interactions by prototyping exploratory tools and curating actionable resources within an interactive archive. Through iterative experiments, it demonstrates how different compositions of parameters and behavioral patterns can deliver distinct atmospheres (felt qualities). Moving away from traditional visual identity frameworks, the project aims to connect how interfaces feel and work, enabling designers to consciously perceive and produce atmospheres in digital interfaces.

In essence, Interaction as Identity appreciates and introduces the role of digital interactions in shaping brand identity. By focusing on the atmospheric qualities of interfaces, it encourages designers to think beyond traditional frameworks and consider how their work can evoke specific feelings and experiences.

Atelier Presentation

Table Set Up

table-setup

Table Setup

I set up my table for a mock presentation using an iPad, laptop, and wood panels to guide the experience. I also printed physical guides for the tools I've built to make the digital information more accessible in a physical space. Also for visual presentations on my user evaluation and process, I designed and printed out some results for user testing, quotes, and also refined my moodboards file.

Feedbacks

The feedbacks were very encouraging. Andreas noted how much work I've put in, but also challenged me to make the concept of "Atmospheric Aesthetics" even more accessible to people who are first seeing my project.

Inspirations

I could also see other students works through the presentations. Seeing my peers' work, like Jared’s project using physical lights to create ambient atmosphere, was also incredibly inspiring and showed me different ways to approach the same concept.

Looking Forward

With only a few weeks left until Open Studios, I’ve drawn a clear roadmap for the finish line.

pre-survey

> Weekly Plan

Weeks 8–9: Finalizing the Atmost site and refining the interactive elements.

Open Studios: I'm hoping to show more than just Atmost, perhaps even a few series of distinct brand identity websites like Unkopi and more.

Final Prep: Working on a series of animated UI components and preparing physical artifacts like a booklet before the Open Studios and also for the graduation show.

This roadmap is not just a schedule but a reflection of how I want to present my work. I want to ensure that the final presentation is not only informative but also engaging and reflective of the journey I've been on.

Next Steps

Following the roadmap, my next steps will be to focus on the final touches for Atmost, ensuring that the interactive elements are polished and that the content is clear and engaging. I also want to start preparing for the Open Studios by thinking about how to best showcase my work and create an immersive experience for visitors. This includes not only the digital presentation but also the physical setup and any accompanying materials that can help communicate the essence of my project.