How do you verify that you are you? by University of the Arts London

The project Life Wrapped in Passwords explores the sense of disorientation and frustration caused by our conflicting relationships with passwords, convenience, and security. In an era where digital authentication has become an essential aspect of daily life, technology is designed to enhance efficiency and accessibility. However, rather than simplifying experiences, it often imposes constraints, creating a paradox where individuals must navigate an increasingly complex web of authentication methods. The need for strong security measures frequently clashes with the desire for seamless access, leaving users trapped in a cycle of password management that feels endless and exhausting.

To visualize this phenomenon, the project employs data visualization techniques and uses the Möbius strip as a central metaphor. The Möbius strip, with its infinite, non-orientable surface, symbolizes the repetitive nature of password usage—creating, remembering, forgetting, and resetting passwords—without a definitive resolution. This representation serves not only as a satirical critique of digital security constraints but also as an exploration of the deeper cultural and psychological significance of passwords in shaping modern digital identity. By highlighting these hidden implications, the project aims to encourage critical reflection while also offering reassurance to those who experience stress, frustration, and anxiety due to excessive password reliance.

The project’s research methodology follows a structured approach divided into three key aspects:

General perspectives, which examine the broader societal attitudes toward password security.
Public inquiries, where collective experiences and frustrations are gathered to understand how people interact with digital authentication.
Self-observations, which delve into personal encounters with password management, analyzing the emotions and behaviors that arise in everyday interactions with authentication systems.
By combining metaphorical design with analytical research, Life Wrapped in Passwords sheds light on the unintended consequences of password dependency. It invites audiences to reconsider the balance between security and convenience, questioning whether an alternative approach to digital identity management is possible in the future.