Browsing by Author "Valeeva, Irina"

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    Designing an Engaging Instagram Virtual Influencer for Social Impact
    (2024) Valeeva, Irina; Miljak, Cvijeta; Taiteiden ja suunnittelun korkeakoulu; School of Arts, Design and Architecture; Chun, Namkyu
    The phenomenon of Virtual Influencers (VIs) on platforms like Instagram presents a unique opportunity to explore their potential in addressing social issues. VIs are computer-generated fictional characters with a social media presence, typically created through the collaborative effort of designers and digital artists. The most commonly use of VIs is a marketing tool. This thesis approaches the creation of VIs from the perspective of a designer and explores criteria to consider when designing a VI as a tool for addressing social issues. The primary research methodology employed in this thesis is expert interviews with professionals from the media sector, designers, digital artists and activists. These interviews aim to map experts' perspectives on VIs designed to address social issues. The findings of this study highlight the importance of character design aspects, such as Concept, Visual Design and Trustworthiness, when designing an engaging VI for addressing social issues. Additionally, Opportunities of VIs were identified, including new possibilities of expression, and anonymous advocacy through VI. This study presents a set of recommendations for designing a VI as a tool for addressing social issues. It also offers a starting point to delve deeper into the nuances of communicating social issues engagingly through VIs. Further research is necessary to assess the effectiveness of this approach in driving meaningful societal change.