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RE-VISION

This project explores how 1980s sci-fi costume design influenced contemporary gender expression. Through a web experience that includes an interactive dress-up game, users can engage with iconic sci-fi aesthetics and reflect on how costume choices in film shape societal perceptions of gender. By analyzing the visual language of these films, this project highlights the lasting impact of costume design on fashion, identity, and self-expression.

Product

Tools

Figma
Illustrator
Photoshop
After Effects

Contributions

Web Design
User Research
Testing
Mapping
Time Management

What I Observed

1980s sci-fi films featured bold, exaggerated costume designs that often challenged or reinforced gender norms. Characters were styled in ways that blurred gender binaries, using structured silhouettes, metallic fabrics, and avant-garde aesthetics. However, despite this experimentation, mainstream interpretations of gender remained rigid. The contrast between these futuristic visions and real-world gender norms raised an interesting question: how have these designs influenced contemporary fashion and self-expression?

The Web Experience

To bring this exploration to life, I designed an interactive web experience where users can mix and match costume elements from iconic 1980s sci-fi films. The dress-up game allows users to experiment with these styles, prompting reflection on how these visuals shape character identity. This interactive approach encourages engagement with gender expression in a way that is both personal and reflective of broader cultural shifts.

View Prototype ↗

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Video Walkthrough

PROCESS Overview

Research Analysis

Conducted a deep dive into 1980s sci-fi costume design, identifying recurring themes and their cultural significance.

Concept Development

Designed the interactive web experience, defining the dress-up game mechanics and educational content.

Prototyping & Testing

Built the interactive elements and tested with users to refine usability and engagement.

Final Implementation

Developed the final version of the web experience, integrating feedback and launching prototype.

Research methods used

Visual Thematic Analysis
Comparative Analysis
User Testing

Findings

Hypermasculinity in the 1980s

Hypermasculine characters in films like Robocop and Terminator with revealing, muscle-accentuating costumes.
Women were secondary, often embodying traditional gender roles, though some characters (e.g., Sarah Connor, Nancy Allen’s Lewis) used masculine attire to subvert expectations.

The Evolution of Power Dressing

1980s sci-fi used exaggerated, masculine-inspired outfits for women to assert authority (Blade Runner).
Today, power dressing transcends corporate norms, reflecting diverse, authentic expressions of identity.

Shifting Perceptions of Hypermasculinity

1980s sci-fi portrayed hyper femininity as dependent on male approval (e.g., Princess Leia).
Modern hyper femininity celebrates personal empowerment and inclusivity, no longer aimed at male validation (e.g., Barbie core).

Rise of Androgynous Fashion

1980s films like Mad Max 2 explored androgynous characters, though still tied to gender norms.
Today, androgynous fashion is a symbol of self-expression, embraced by celebrities and challenging traditional gender roles.

System Map

After mapping out the overall experience, we created a system map to structure the user journey and ensure a seamless flow. This helped us define key interaction points and refine the journey, making the experience more intuitive and engaging. By visualizing these pathways, we were able to anticipate user needs and optimize the overall navigation.

Task Flows

View Prototype ↗

Home

The starting point where users choose their path in this journey. They can either jump straight into the dress-up experience or explore a sci-fi history lesson to better understand the context of the outfits.

Research

A visual summary of the research behind this web experience, allowing users to explore how 1980s sci-fi costume design influenced gender expression.

Dress-up Experience

Users can mix and match tops and bottoms from 1980s sci-fi movie outfits to create their own look. Hovering over a piece reveals which movie it’s from.

Explore 80s Sci-fi Movies

A showcase of all the movies that inspired the outfit collection, also serving as a works cited section.

Impact

The 80s Sci-Fi Costume Exploration project played a crucial role in shaping my approach to research-driven design and interactive storytelling. This experience reinforced the value of experimentation, user engagement, and resilience in the creative process.

Engagement Through Exploration
‍Rather than presenting research in a static format, I discovered how to make information more engaging by encouraging users to explore and interact with the content. This shift in approach improved the accessibility and impact of my research.

Technical & Design Growth
Throughout this project, I gained hands-on experience with 3D software, non-code web platforms, and asset management. I also deepened my understanding of user experience design, learning how to translate complex research into a visually compelling and interactive format.

Resilience & Adaptability
Setbacks, including losing my work just weeks before the deadline, tested my perseverance. Overcoming these challenges strengthened both my project and my confidence as a designer.