Christy’s Cookies
2019
4. ‘They became the consumers and the consumed’
This project was created as part of my Honours project,
Breadcrumbs—A Modern Hansel and Gretel Story.
Christy’s Cookies compares targeted advertising to a speculative card game, to reflect my ambivalence towards the ownership and monetisation of my personal data by online systems. The game plays with ideas of consent, internet cookies and consumption, while recognising the occasional moments of repulsion when targeted advertising becomes uncanny.
Christy’s Cookies’ sweet and whimsical design was inspired by cookies (unsurprisingly), bakery/cafe branding and packaging. A repeat pattern depicting bread tags forms the core of its identity, in reference to Breadcrumbs—A Modern Hansel and Gretel Story.
How it works
Players are advertisers with the aim to tailor Christy Chan’s online experience with personalised ads. Advertisers are randomly dealt ‘data bits’ (words from Christy’s Facebook advertising profile) which they use as prompts to pitch the perfect ad to Christy. The player with the highest score win! (Refer to the instructions booklet below for details).
Christy’s Cookies compares targeted advertising to a speculative card game, to reflect my ambivalence towards the ownership and monetisation of my personal data by online systems. The game plays with ideas of consent, internet cookies and consumption, while recognising the occasional moments of repulsion when targeted advertising becomes uncanny.
Christy’s Cookies’ sweet and whimsical design was inspired by cookies (unsurprisingly), bakery/cafe branding and packaging. A repeat pattern depicting bread tags forms the core of its identity, in reference to Breadcrumbs—A Modern Hansel and Gretel Story.
How it works
Players are advertisers with the aim to tailor Christy Chan’s online experience with personalised ads. Advertisers are randomly dealt ‘data bits’ (words from Christy’s Facebook advertising profile) which they use as prompts to pitch the perfect ad to Christy. The player with the highest score win! (Refer to the instructions booklet below for details).
Data bits are the basis for the game’s scoring system. They are words from my Facebook ad profile which Facebook sells to advertising companies. They have been given points reflecting their relevance to me.
Interface cards allow ads to be shown across multiple platforms. They are worth extra points.
Consent and Non Disclosure Agreement (LEFT)
Unease card (RIGHT)
These features have been included to protect my privacy, as the game uses my personal data. Advertisers must sign the Agreement to play the game, and if an ad is uncomfortably accurate I can deduct points from an advertiser by issuing an Unease card.
Stamp cards are issued to each advertiser, and can be used across multiple games. When an advertiser wins a round, they receive a stamp. Accumulating multiple stamps gives them a score boost in following games.
The Stamp cards resemble coffee cards and reflect the repeated contact and points of transaction between advertisers and the target.
The Stamp cards resemble coffee cards and reflect the repeated contact and points of transaction between advertisers and the target.
