In an era where our existence is closely intertwined with our data, a depletion of this data could radically change our lives. Our dependence on it affects not only our everyday decisions, but also our orientation and security.Faced with this reality, the question arises: what happens to you when this system breaks down?
Proposal
The project Data Exhaustion aimed to address a fundamental question: What does the future of democracy look like in an age increasingly characterized by technology and, in particular, artificial intelligence? The main objective was to raise awareness and stimulate critical discussions about the impact and importance of AI in liberal democracies. This challenge emphasized the intersection of technological advancement and democratic integrity and aimed to explore potential threats and opportunities posed by AI.
The Project was created in a team of two as part of a two week module at Zhdk Interaction Design 2024, in Collaboration with GRADUATE INSTITUTE GENEVA & Nieves [Benjamin Sommerhalder] & By [Philip Stolte]
Exhibited in the AI House at WEF in January 2024
Softwares Used: VS Code, Indesign
Design Process
A given entry point of participants in a group of two, exploring the narrative potential of AI using ChatGPT shaping the projects focus and trajectory. The approach involved providing ChatGPT with prompts about futuristic, potentially innovative gadgets and asking it to craft stories set in the year 2050. These stories often depicted dystopian scenarios and encouraged us to think about the possible paths of technological development.
One story, A Symphony of Drones in Future Zurich, became a central focus.
Iteration
From this narrative, we developed anagrams to reinterpret and expand its themes, using them as a medium to provoke thought and discussion about the societal implications of AI and technology. The following anagrams emerged:
Data exhaustion / at anxious death
Power dynamic / Wired company //
Accumulation of power / Counterflow coma //
This build the foundation for the creative exploration. In the next couple of days, possible design ideas came together through over 48 experimental drawings of each person.
Digitalization
Inspired by these creative outcomes, a selection and refinement process took place, leading to our design.
The second phase of the project involved carefully considering how the posters should be triggered through interaction and how the two anagrams would be merged. What form should the interaction take? And should there be a default state?
Ultimately, our design decisions were guided by the constraints of a shop window, where interactive possibilities are limited. We were drawn to the idea that the poster would be triggered by people passing by, encouraging them to realize how their actions influenced the display—mirroring how individuals can impact a potential future.
Solution
Given our choice of an ASCII representation, inspired by its futuristic associations, the anagrams were designed to seamlessly transition into one another, reinforcing the concept of interconnectedness and influence.
The project outcomes included a speculative narrative that shed light on the tensions between technological advancements and democratic ideals.
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