The Interview
Vivian Zhan
The Interview stages a simulated job interview as a system of choices, where appearance and ability are treated as interchangeable inputs. Inspired by the set up of our thesis fair structured like a career fair, this simulation mirrors the conditions it is presented within.
Participants allocate limited currency to modify traits—both physical and skill-based—treating the self as something adjustable. Each decision is logged and scored, producing a measurable profile.
The project is composed of two parts: a digital experience that functions as a data collection system, and a printed “user catalog” that compiles each participant’s recorded data.
Through this structure, the work examines how identity becomes transactional when value is quantified and compared.