“The Untitled Machine” Entry Form

For my next design exhibition, I am creating an interactive machine which produces a card featuring an anonymous response to the prompt below. The purpose of this project is to exhibit in a unique and meaningful way how fear stops us from saying how we truly feel which will ideally leave an emotional impact on attendees who use the machine. You can submit as many entries as you wish. PROMPT: Think of a person who you care/cared about. Now, think of a particular moment you have had with this person where you wish you could have done or said something more or differently. It may be a moment where you said goodbye for the last time. A moment where you wish you could have told them you loved them. A time when you made a mistake or never apologised. A time you could not tell them how much they meant to you before it was too late. Fear stops us from saying how we truly feel in the moment. Fear of being too much. Too little. Unworthy. Undeserving. Too emotional. We worry we’ll mess up, we’ll ruin something, we’ll fail, we’ll be wrong, that we’ll hurt someone or ourselves. Maybe you worry it’s not the right time, maybe circumstances do not allow. Maybe it is a secret you will take to your grave. But think about that person and that particular moment. Everything fear stopped you from saying. Imagine you are back in that moment. What would you say to that person? No consequences. No social inhibitions. The catch is you only have around 150 words… These are anonymous responses. While you are allowed to be as heartfelt, emotional, upset, or honest as you want, keep in mind exhibition attendees will still be able to receive your responses when it comes to language and sensitive content. For your response to be a valid entry: You MUST write it as though you are addressing the person in the exact moment. Remember, it’s what you wish you could’ve said at the time. Imagine you’re back there. Use PRESENT TENSE language. “I love you. Today is amazing.” ✔️ “I loved you. That day was amazing.”✖️ Do not use any names (including your own), addresses, or other information which could easily identify you or anyone involved in your response Do not make crudely explicit or unnecessarily graphic references Do not use derogatory or offensive language Any swearing or foul language is liable to be censored While entries can be anything from beautiful to anguished, try not to be funny just because you know other people will read your entry as this is a serious subject and would defeat the purpose of the project. Anything clearly, insincerely “for show” will not be used. Don’t worry if you’re not a great writer or you’re bad with words. Try to remember this is what you ideally would’ve said to this person at the time, imagine it’s directed to them and no one else. You now have plenty of time to think. Be honest, be vulnerable. You only have a maximum of 800 characters so really think about what you need to say… try to be as expressive as possible. By submitting this form, you consent to your anonymous entry potentially being used in this project. Thanks for your help! :)