▩▩▩▩▩▩▩ WEEK 0 ▩▩▩▩▩▩▩

Before the Semester

During the semester break before the final year, I found myself drawn into a world of speculative design, design futures, speculative futures, or whatever you want to call it. It started with a binge-watching spree on Netflix since internship ran on office hours and the productivity deserved a reward in some way. I rewatched the entire Black Mirror series after finishing the latest season on release. I enjoyed it so much because my friends and I used to watch it together and discuss for a whole hour imagining the show's reality. The show's exploration of speculative futures and their implications has lingered in my mind since then, prompting me to occasionally reflect on the ways technology shapes our lives and the ethical dilemmas it raises.

The eerily realistic portrayal of how technology intersects with human experiences in the first and second season was both fascinating and unsettling. It got me thinking about the power of storytelling to create a lasting impact. This eventually led me to choose speculative design as my final year topic as I wanted to in the same way, talk about social and ethical dilemmas due to the advancement of technology through design.

Motivated by these influences, I decided to embark on a journey of research and reflection. I recognise that what draws me to speculative design is its capacity to provoke critical thinking and encourage discussions on pressing issues.

Exploring Speculative Design for the First Time

During my daily commute to and from my internship, I spent the time reading articles and books that are important to help me understand the concept of speculative design. Two notable reads that I managed to complete were 'Speculative Everything' by Anthony Dunne and 'The Manual of Design Fiction' by Julian Bleeker.

These texts broadened my understanding of speculative design's potential and ignited my imagination. They highlighted how design can be a tool to question, challenge, and envision alternative futures. These readings also collectively deepened my understanding of speculative design, showing me that it is not confined to aesthetics and functionality, but rather a dynamic process that invites us to question, engage, and reimagine the world around us.

Metahaven

As I began researching, I delved into the work of Metaheven, a collective that defies conventional boundaries in their creative endeavors. Two of their projects particularly caught my attention. The first was "The Sprawl," a film essay that unravels the complexities of information warfare and networked societies. The second, "Black Transparency," explores the blurred lines between security, transparency, and surveillance in our digital age. These projects piqued my interest because of their ability to navigate complex themes while inspiring conversations about the future of technology and society.

Interesting Speculative Works

When I went for the last few years' Graduation Shows, I've always wondered how did they come up with those speculative ideas. But after looking at some speculative works online, I managed to draw the connection between how inspiration was borrowed and build upon. Here are some of the works which I found quite interesting.

Pink Chicken Project

Envisioning genetically modified chickens that grow pink feathers when exposed to pollution, serving as living indicators of environmental contamination and prompting discussions about the intersection of biotechnology and ecological health. The purpose of the project is to question if we can deliberately leave traces of human existence.

Compression Carpet

The "Compression Carpet" is a unique machine that provides comforting hugs, simulating the human embrace for individuals seeking intimacy. Operated by two participants, it explores the intersection of technology and emotional connection through tactile interaction. I remember someone from the graduating batch last year doing something similar but for pets instead.

Earth 2050

This project offers a glimpse into the future, depicting life in the next few decades by exploring societal, occupational, and environmental changes. The interactive platform enables users to envision various scenarios, from jobs to daily routines, across different years, fostering engagement and discussion around potential future realities.