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Using design to question normalcy: nothing will be the same
In nearly every facet of our daily lives, changes and cancellations have been occurring at an abrupt pace. This pandemic has created a new reality for people across the globe — a virus revealing just how easy our sense of normalcy can be shattered. There are cities, streets, and buildings that are eerily quiet. At home, we’re left with loud, stress-inducing, and confusing headlines on our phones. All while thousands of people fight for their lives with thousands of healthcare professionals at the frontlines risking their safety.
I’m doing my part in social distancing, but meanwhile, I thought it’ll be worthwhile to document the impact I’ve seen Covid-19 having in the world. To consider what the Zoom memes, the flood of celebrity #StayHome Instagram Stories, remote office hours, inability to eat at restaurants, shortage in medical supplies, and elbow-high-fives *take a deep breath* all might mean for our new lives in a post-pandemic world.
Adapting to the Situation Through Creative Measures
The saying “you don’t know what you have until it’s gone” is not an overstatement. Not having to talk to our friends or family through video-chat is becoming underrated. The daily routine of hurriedly making breakfast before leaving the house for class or work was sweet sweet bliss. By having us so removed from our daily routines we’re noticing the things, actions, and qualities that we’ve categorized as normal. The simple task of getting groceries is now a microcosm of just how often we interact with people and touch objects. From pushing a shopping cart to standing a few inches to another person in the snack aisle, all we can think about is the viability of germs transmitting. Along with gaining a heightened understanding of just how much our presence affects the environment we’re in and how that impacts others.
This shift in normalcy has forced people to be creative at adapting to the situation. The internet and technology are where people are resorting to. With most people stuck in their homes, social media and streaming services like Netflix are helping to occupy people’s time that would’ve otherwise been spent outside the home. The increase live streams, cooking videos, viral “Coronavirus” memes, communal balcony concerts…
