TEDxChulalongkornU 2019
Leading the team to design audience activities, exhibitions, and experiences
At a glance
As a sophomore, I was asked by a senior to lead TEDxChulalongkornU's activity creative team. I was nervous at first but I decided to give it a try. As the Activity Creative Lead, I spearheaded a multidisciplinary team to design engaging activities and exhibitions for audiences.
I was involved in planning the event from the start with other core teams, developing ideas, guiding team members, coordinating production, and ensuring a smooth audience experience.
My role
Activity creative lead, core team
My team
3 core members
4 volunteers
All teams
Total 47 people (10 core teams, 19 team members, and 18 volunteers)
Duration
Dec 2019 - April 2021 (1 year 5 months)
The theme
"Truth or Dare"
Each and everyday we are constantly surrounded by the task of making a decision. Our theme "Truth or Dare" explores the concept of one questioning "realities" or norms, and having the decision to choose between accepting or differing from them.
The choice of "Truth" represents the acceptance that these "realities" reflect what is true and you should continue to follow. While on the contrary choice, "Dare" symbolizes how one should dare to challenge these norms and take action for what YOU yourself believe is true.
TEDxChulalongkornU aims to be a wholesome event where individual definitions of truth are exchanged in inspiring and creative ways. Whether you choose to conform or argue against these "truths", in the end, it is all up to you.
"Life is like a game of Truth or Dare, and your decision is the answer."
Idea development
The process started with concept exploration and mapping the user journey to identify touchpoints for immersive experiences. Our team developed ideas and iterated, aligning each activity and exhibition with this year's theme.
Design iteration
Throughout our design development, our team consistently revisited and revised it. We presented the ideas to a cross-functional team, encouraging different perspectives and gathering feedback.
Our ultimate goal was not only to create a memorable experience but also reinforce TEDx's commitment to fostering 'Ideas Worth Spreading' through engaging audience interactions.
Prototype & test!
Since the production will be on a large scale, I had to make sure our design was feasible to produce and install. We created a small-size prototype, tested printing colors and box materials, and presented our design to other teams.
Turn idea to a reality
We have finally reached the event day after 7 months of development. Seeing my design turned into reality and created real impact was fulfilling. The following are some of the activities from the event:
01 Truth or dare
The first thing you see after you walk into the event is that you have two choices: truth or dare. You will see different results based on the way you choose. Behind this exhibition are the details of all the speakers at the event.
02 Create you own track
Each thread line is like the path of each person's life that bends along the path that he or she chooses to walk, which may be similar or different from other people. Have you chosen your path yet?
03 The expression room
What if you have a short time to reflect and exchange with a stranger to get to know each other through stories? This expression room allows audiences to enter anonymously to share their thoughts 1-1 with an unknown partner from the topics we have set.
Reflection
Reflecting on my first real-world design experience, I learned the value of collaboration and voluntarily giving help. I cherish the memory of people from all teams setting up the exhibition together at midnight before the event day. Furthermore, this project exemplified the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to create an impactful experience. I gained a deeper understanding of how design, audience engagement, and successful execution are intertwined.
Special note
Thank you everyone involved for making this experience so memorable!
