DESIGN INTERACTIONS
DESIGN FOR DEBATE
Chrono_shredder
Since hibernation dramatically reduces the natural ageing process, would people become obsessed by it? Would they regard natural ageing as threat? Will they start counting their "awake" hours like they count calories today? And if so, which products would these people need?
Brief: Me, only better
Research and reflect on different aspects of human enhancement and come up with a design to spark a debate on "the ramifications, promises, and potential dangers of technologies that will let us overcome fundamental human limitations, as well as of the ethical issues involved in developing and using such technologies".
Human hibernation
During the research for this project I was looking into medical research aiming to create human hibernation on demand. I also spent some time looking into social phenomena, such as the recent proscription of obesity and the increase of eating disorders.
Project context
This project invents a near-future scenario, in which people have embraced human hibernation as common practice and efficient method to delay their natural ageing.
Idea
I wonder whether in such a future world natural ageing would be regarded as a disease — such as obesity is today? And what would happen if people became obsessed by hibernation? Would they start counting their "awake" hours, like some people today are counting calories? And wherein lies the benefit to stay 18 for the duration of three years, when having to spend most of that time in hibernation?
Products for the hibernation obsessed
The chrono_shredder is one product from a fictional series of products, which are developed under the umbrella of "memento vivere" (remember that you also have to live your life). Those products target at people with hibernation obsession.
Function
The Chrono_Shredder is a device that makes past time tangible. It is a hybrid between calendar, clock and waste producing automaton. It has no on/off-button, thus it is unstoppable, just like time. It features the 365 days of the year represented on a paper-roll. The paper-roll is led through a hacked paper-shredder, which is programmed to use exactly 24 hours to shred one "day".
The Chrono_Shredder
The Chrono_Shredder's function is not to show the current moment, like a calendar. Instead, it shows the nearest future (the next day) — and all the time that has past from the time the device has been switched on. Whilst you spend your time in hibernation — the Chrono_Shredder messes up your space with wasted time!
Material
Paper schredder, relay-switch, paper-roll, painted box built from MDF, BasicStamp
weblog
... RANDOM THOUGHTS
More pictures
2006-07 mail (--at--) susannahertrich (--dot--) com
