Studio: Consumer Research

In this portfolio, I explored the complexities of urban life in Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong, through intensive user research that centered on understanding social compressions affecting marginalized communities. The process began with direct observation in the streets of Sham Shui Po, where I identified five key social issues: homelessness, cultural erosion, elderly poverty, addiction, and hawker oppression. I used both physical site visits and secondary research to examine these compressions, collecting data through articles, statistical reports, and photographic evidence. To deepen my empathy, I translated these observations into visual and performative artworks, expressing the emotional weight behind these lived experiences.

Among the compressions, I chose to focus on addiction, particularly within the homeless population residing in Tung Chau Park. My research here became more immersive and involved. I conducted several field visits to the park and began interacting with people directly impacted by the issue. Realizing that observation alone would be insufficient and potentially misleading, I partnered with a local charity group, Hanuman, that distributes food and essential supplies to homeless individuals battling addiction. This collaboration allowed me to engage more intimately with individuals affected by drug and alcohol abuse, and to access the nuanced insights of long-time volunteers who had been observing these communities for years.

Beyond charity workers, I also interviewed local residents and hawkers in the area to gain multiple perspectives on the issue. These interactions revealed complex social dynamics, addiction was not just a personal issue, but was interwoven with trauma, poverty, isolation, and stigma. I heard firsthand about how individuals fell into addiction through seemingly small moments, like being gifted a carton of beer, and how these acts spiraled into long-term dependency. Each case study I gathered was translated into detailed mind maps and infographics, mapping out causes and effects, highlighting triggers such as PTSD, joblessness, and societal exclusion.

To further understand the mindset and inner world of my protagonist, I adapted the narrative of the local film “Drifting,” which portrays the life of a homeless addict. I reshaped the storyline to reflect the journey of my protagonist, Fai, and used it to probe deeper into the emotional and psychological layers of addiction. This narrative approach allowed me to explore not only the visible challenges faced by individuals like Fai, but also the invisible emotional burdens, grief, shame, and loss of identity, that shaped their behaviors. Throughout the project, my aim was to listen closely, question assumptions, and represent the lived realities of marginalized voices with as much authenticity and depth as possible.