Speculative Design
My thesis concentrates on the absence of tactility and touch in digital communication. To examine the consequences of this, I used speculative design to imagine a world in which interpersonal touch of any kind is prohibited.
The first artifact of this project is an introduction to the speculative world. If tactile experiences were incredibly rare we might try to make every aspect of our lives involve the senses. With this in mind, I decided that the citizens of this world would likely communicate through Braille. The introduction at right is for viewers who cannot read Braille.
To further build out my speculative world, I created a chart explaining what it is like to live in this society for three different levels of wealth. I decided that this world would be highly classist because it allowed me to present some extremes. Additionally, it feels all too real to imagine a world in which the richest have access to the best technology and health care and the poorest have fewer options.
Touch is vital for our health and well-being and this chart, as well as the speculative solutions, is based on research data about touch deprivation—especially during COVID—and possible coping methods.
As a way to cope with the lack of touch and tactility, I imagined a technological solution would involve multisensory headsets. These headsets would provide stimuli for all five senses and would overwhelm the user and would create a new definition of touch.
This first iteration is meant for the wealthiest of citizens. It makes use of fancier metals, is comfortable and unobtrusive, and provides a surplus of customizable options.
To accompany the headset designs I created advertisements that explain the use and key differences. Additionally, I used a different visual language for each advertisement to appeal to the different classes. Each ad is meant to feel corporate and very normal.
This second version is for the middle class. It’s nice but not luxurious and provides less comfort and fewer options.
The final version is for the poorest citizens. Instead of using luxurious materials it presents the antithesis, rough and scratchy materials. When starved for touch, discomfort is a better option than no touch at all. This version has very few options and could even be dangerous for use.
To provide further details about the world, I created regulations for both citizens and businesses that concentrate on safety around touch and tactility.
