Using an element of the cultural probe packs I tried to reach a wider audience by placing them in a public place and waiting for responses. I designed a postcard with simple text asking people to draw or write their fear. A box was provided next to the cards for replies.

The postcards were to give me an idea of what common fears people are willing to share. This information, although valuable, was only the surface of what I really wanted to know. The cards gave me insight into how people deal with sharing personal information in an anonymous way. By filling in a card people were sharing their intimate feelings with no trace of their identity and therefore no shame or worry about other people knowing. I find it really interesting that people were so willing to share these personal fears, it seems that they somehow would feel relief from simply writing them down and someone else knowing. This relates to my overall direction for the project- that communication can overcome the lonely feeling of being anxious.

I have seen this kind of experiment being carried out before (POSTSECRET), very successfully. However I could not assume that I would have the same success because of the sensitive nature of my questioning. The box was positioned outside the library of the art college where there are students passing frequently. I think people responded well because the card was open to interpretation. Fear and anxiety covers such a broad range of topics that it would be impossible for anyone to deny that they were affected in some way. The returned cards vary greatly in their content. Some people were extremely honest; others used humour to reveal their fear.

I am pleased with the results of this experiment. Not only did people respond, they gave replies that I feel will validate my process in some way because they mentioned things that I predicted were common fears. For example, claustrophobia, lifts, water and birds, The number of responses could be an indication that people do require an outlet for fear and anxiety at times, without being intimidated by face-to-face communication.

//IMAGES
/postcard design
/box for replies
/returned postcards