Lilli: Behind the Plastic

Three questions to the project team

What was the particular challenge of the project from a UX point of view?
From a UX perspective, the primary challenge was creating an immersive digital experience that effectively replicated the engagement of attending an exhibition in person. Key physical interactions—such as changing the garments of dolls, transforming the doll from Lilli to Barbie, and experiencing the exhibit's atmosphere—needed to be thoughtfully adapted to a digital format. The solution was a user-friendly and dynamic interface that captured the sensory and emotional connections of an in-person visit while ensuring accessibility and intuitive navigation for a broad audience.

What was your personal highlight in the development process? Was there an aha!-moment, was there a low point?
A personal highlight in the development of this project was the research phase. Not many people are familiar with Lilli, the doll that inspired Barbie. When I first encountered the topic, it was quite a shock as well. The process of researching and learning about it on my own was incredibly fun and engaging. However, it wasn't without its challenges. Lilli is not widely documented, and much of the information was written in German, a language I don't speak. This meant that the research involved reading translated articles, watching countless videos, and cross-checking the information to ensure accuracy. It was important to me that the content in this digital exhibition was both informative and precise.

Where do you see yourself and the project in the next five years?
In the next five years, I see myself continuing to work in branding and design, creating projects similar to 'Lilli: Behind the Plastic.' As the world becomes increasingly digitally focused, I see a great opportunity to develop more interactive work through UI/UX design. Regarding the project, although it's currently a student work, I hope to see Lilli's story become more widely known and potentially showcased in an exhibition—whether physical or digital, as I have envisioned. Barbie is a beloved figure that many people grew up with, and I believe reconnecting with these childhood memories could be valuable for everyone.