Handwriting style is a strong reflection of a person's life experience and personality. Predicting one's future by analyzing his/her handwriting is one of the ancient divination methods in Chinese history. I made my own divination system by combining calligraphy analysis and the theory of Yijing, in order to predict a person's future.
The divination process is made by three part: choosing category, writing, and analyzing.
The tester would be asked to come up with a question that they want to know about their future within 4 categories. Each 2 categories are mapped with a Chinese character "命" or "运", which together means "feat". Then they have to write down the character on a piece of paper. After analyzing the character they write, I will be able to get a result that includes 8 binary numbers within 8 aspects of life. The combination of these binary numbers is the answer to the tester's initial question.
Testing Feedbacks
1.
- The whole process consists of several steps
- There's some moments when audience are only observing
- Audience ended up with several questions after the testing sessions
- Audience tried to figure out the "secrets" behind the system, and named it as a binary system
2.
Tester is very patient and attentive. How does the birthday connect to the system? The presentation is amazing, the board made it fun. Tester was interested in the other sections of the experience. This project was great that I didn't have to interpret. You were part of the system. I will need to sit on this experience more to think if I will make changes. It was very interactive and fun.
3.
Audience seems patient and grew interests when seeing all numbers are 0. Kept nodding when being introduced with the theory behind. Had questions about why it's 0 or 1.
Reflections
Making up a divination system by mix different elements which you are not familiar with is not easy. The most essential principle of a divination system is that it should be able to gather the input from the tester, and provide results. The result can be regarded as instructions, metaphors, or something inspiring, so that it can be used as a reflection of the tester him/herself. In addition, I think the the skills of storytelling and the sense of ceremony are equally important for the divination process. Since most people don't understand or believe in the theory behind a divination system, it becomes more necessary for the divination system to make sense by itself.