Page 51 - THEi Student Applied Research Presentations 2025

DON’T LOOK UP / IF YOU GIVE ME 3 INCHES
OF LIGHT

Poster
LI Kin For
BSc (Hons) in Information and Communications Technology
Department of Digital Innovation and Technology

RESEARCH BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES

Smartphones are essential but often distract us, fueling emotions like anger • Use mirrors as gameplay tools
or jealousy through social media. “Don’t Look Up” is a 2D platformer game and symbols for smartphones.
exploring this issue, using mirrors to represent phones. Unlike typical games • Show technology’s double-edged
focused on fun, this project tells a story to highlight technology’s dual role— nature: empowering or distracting.
helpful yet harmful—and its emotional impact. By addressing how digital culture • Encourage players to discuss how
shapes our feelings, it encourages players to rethink their tech habits, making it online culture affects emotions
a timely and meaningful project. like anger or jealousy.
• Inspire mindful technology use
METHODOLOGY through gameplay and narrative.

The game was developed using Unity 6, a tool for building interactive 2D games,
with light effects guiding players through levels. Art was created with Aseprite
for a retro pixel style, capturing the game’s mood. Soundverse produced
music and sound effects, edited with Audacity for polish. The game has three
levels: one with poetic text showing repetitive life, another with mirror rotation
to navigate challenges, and a final space level where players throw mirrors to
explore and find surprises.

FINDINGS

Players are expected to enjoy a captivating game that reveals technology’s ABOUT THE INVESTIGATOR
dual nature—both empowering and distracting. The first level’s poetry loops
immerse players in the monotony of routine life, reflecting societal numbness. As an ICT student passionate about
The second level’s colorful monsters, symbolizing anger, jealousy, sadness, game design, I enjoy creating games
and desire, mirror emotions triggered by social media, prompting players to that blend fun with meaningful stories.
confront these feelings. The final space level celebrates human achievements, My goal is to become a game designer
with mirrors displaying names of innovators like Einstein, encouraging players crafting experiences that inspire. This
to see technology as a tool for progress. Hidden surprises, like easter eggs project, supervised by Mr. TANG King
on space exploration or Schrödinger’s Cat, spark curiosity and tie into the Fai, reflects my interest in technology’s
theme. The game inspires discussions about smartphone addiction versus impact on society.
their potential to inspire, highlighting how digital culture shapes emotions and
behaviors.

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