Context

Our group took inspiration mostly from James Pierce's works.  Looking at his works, I find several coincidences of ideas I want to express, like the omnipresent camera, the always-on sensing devices, and how he negates some by presenting the alternatives or bringing those problems to the table by materializing them or making some material embodiments. Finding the alternatives is important. James Pierce's work like the curtains, which demonstrates how users negate the omnipresent sensing by covering them up[1], and the Privacy and Data Policies in the Print project, which reveals reading the privacy and data policies as an ignored failure of interaction design[2], are all thought-provoking. Those projects bring new angles to approach the status quo for us designers, not as problem-solving but as problem defining and witnessing. It also reveals that sometimes, people accept some problematic things for granted because they are used to them. Which is not a good sign. When the whole society takes more negative things for granted, it’s directing to an undesirable future. This can be a stage where designers may and should come into action.

Reflecting on what I experienced during half a year studying in the states, there are many things that are “wrong” but taken for granted by people living here. People never turned off lights in the library and the gym(even during Christmas!), people use of disposable dishware too frequently, and so on. Those are the things happening in this land that constitute only 5% of the population while consuming 24% of the world’s energy[3].   But, is this convenience good? I found that convenience in America, although in rapid consumption of energy and resources, does not have a significant impact on the happiness level of myself and the population[4]. And then, why should we even retain this “convenience”? Behind the so-called convenience, these figures reveal what are things ignored, or even unknown.  Inspired by James Pierce’s practice, our group intend to unveil these facts by inserting obstacles and mindful interastions in our home to call on people’s awareness of the privilege they are enjoying.

By inserting those naughty domestic devices, hopefully, we will become more aware of the privilege we are having and the backstage system that support the superficially convenient life.