In my future scenario, I had some key take aways from the social, technological and economic aspects of our future:
- On a social level, natural relationships are unconventional, with marriage and reproduction being centred around efficiency, rationality and precision. Natural emotional responses play a small role in relationships, not because people don’t feel emotion but because emotions can be easily moderated through advanced hormonal technologies.
- Technology wise, we’ve moved away from screen-based devices and towards intuitive, integrated and almost invisible digital technologies.
- Finally, the personal data of each person is readily available, with microchipping being a staple of modern-day life. Although many people accept this, some people are resistant to this lack of privacy, and seek an escape from the system. Economically, corporations have access to this data and use it to control the society.
In this climate I identified an underlying discrepancy – there is no forum for people who want to experience love naturally and free from the pressures of society and corporations. Considering this, I decided to design a discrete technology which prevents personal data from being collected temporarily (more on how I reached this here). Effectively, the design would prevent signals from being sent out through the users microchip implant and allow them to freely explore their romantic desires “off the grid”. In producing a design outcome, I utilised methods of sketching, prototyping and body storming to inform my process.
My final design prototype is Tellits ID paste, a signal blocking aluminium paste. By applying it to the skin above the microchip and rubbing it in, the microscopic aluminum particles create a barrier which block out the signals from your microchip implant, allowing the user to operate for several hours without their actions being tracked. As tampering with your microchip is illegal, this is a black market product disguised as a travel size toothpaste with an accompanying brush. Just as the paste disables the microchips capabilities, the brush can be used to remove the product and re-enable use of the microchip. An additional feature is that the paste leaves a light metallic sheen to the skin which allows users to identify eachother in their more clandestine interactions. Whilst using the product, there are some key points to consider: firstly, as the product isn’t completely unnoticeable, users must be mindful to not draw attention to their chips. They must also be aware that their chip’s capabilities will be deactivated while using the paste, preventing them from using their chip to purchase items, link with others or utilise public transport and other infrastructure.
My goal for this product is to remove people from the shallow interactions of everyday life and towards more genuine relationships. By allowing people to operate without being monitored, they are free to explore what has been made taboo by a highly restrictive society.
Exploring our sexual futures 