The new generation of designers are inventing products that put the human(e) into technology, showcased at this years' Global Grad Show.
The Global Grad Show is an overarching and in-depth look at what millennials are thinking in terms of design solutions that respond to changes in the various facets of our daily lives. It is clear that for the 2016 show, this new generation of designers are inventing products that will put the human(e) into technology. With products geared towards the human senses and emotions; from long distance relationships to happiness, these designers have opted to add value into our daily interactions.
For those in long distance relationships, Lightbound by Emilia Tapprest from Helsinki’s Aalto university, is a communication device that is described as having one main purpose: to enable two loving individuals to feel present in one another’s lives even if geography separates them. The prototype brings back the value of non-verbal communication to our fast-paced lives by ever so subtly, and wirelessly, sending and receiving ambient light via two wi-fi connected objects to indicate mutual awareness, and the sense of togetherness – even if you are time zones and oceans apart.
Tapprest explains, “In practice, this sense of togetherness is communicated on two levels: through the simple gesture of touch, which is translated into light in the other living environment, you can express ‘I’m thinking of you’, alternatively, you can sense the other person’s existence through continuous pulsating light, which represents his or her real-time heartbeat.”
Break out of routine and add some spontaneity into your life with Unloop, a creative attempt at combating the drudgery of the 9-to-5 daily grind and pushing users out of their comfort zone. Envisioned by Noach Ben-Haim from London’s Royal College of Art, the “Chaotic lifestyle platform” is Unloop’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) that is unique to each user. Each micro-interaction will help the AI to learn qualitatively, and therefore propose the best and most engaging activities for the user. From booking surprise tickets to connecting with someone new who might want to try something adventurous as well, to the subtler interactions like food and music suggestions, Unloop AI has the human elements of intuition, intrigue, and chaos to connect those using it to the right kinds of experiences.
Also from the Royal College of Art is IntroSpec by Jon Rasche, which is designed to help architects and employers find the perfect environmental conditions to foster individual happiness and performance, as well as an optimum shared workspace via something called Spatial DNA. Spatial DNA is compiled by IntroSpec through the observations of how people fare with different mental tasks under varying conditions. Then, a psychological profile is created to link certain architectural and environmental factors to different mental states in order to achieve ideal performance, and catered working environments that optimize happiness.
And finally, Daisuke Yukita from Tokyo’s Keio University has created a private video-sharing platform, Telegran, made specifically for grandparents and their grandchildren. The device comprises a picture frame, which sits inside the grandparents’ house to record videos, and glasses, which are used when recording more detailed tasks, such as cooking or drawing, thus bringing extended family members closer together through basic yet symbolic, daily interactions.
Visit the Global Grad Show for more inspiring technological breakthroughs from design students across the globe.