WHAT IF…
What if we could evaluate the genetic potential of lovers? What if our emotions were read by machines? These are just two of the questions addressed in our current window display, featuring six different projects created by students, graduates and staff from the Design Interactions department at the Royal College of Art.
Watch our behind-the-scenes video feature
The projects will be replaced with new designs throughout the year. Watch the videos below to find out more about two of the projects which have previously featured in the display.
Belief Systems: Bernhard Hopfengärtner, 2009
Running time: 6 m 51 s
What if...our emotions were read by machines?
Facial micro-expressions last less than a second and are almost impossible to control. They are hard-wired to the emotional activity in the brain and can be easily captured using specially developed technological devices. Free will is in question as science exposes decision-making as an emotional process rather than a rational one. This ability to read emotions technologically could result in a society obsessed with emotional reactions. Emotions, convictions and beliefs, which usually remain hidden, now become a public matter. 'Belief Systems' is a video scenario about a society that responds to the challenges of modern neuroscience by embracing these technological possibilities to read, evaluate and alter people's behaviours and emotions.
The Synthetic Kingdom: Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg, 2009
Running time: 3 m 24 s
What if...everyday products contained synthetically produced living components?
How will we classify what is natural or unnatural when life is built from scratch? Synthetic biology is turning to the living kingdoms for its materials library. No more petrochemicals: instead, pick a feature from an existing organism, locate its DNA and insert into a biological chassis. Engineered life will compute, produce energy, clean up pollution, kill pathogens and even do the housework. Meanwhile, we add an extra branch to the Tree of Life. 'The Synthetic Kingdom' is part of our new nature. Biotech promises us control over nature, but living machines need controlling. Are promises of sustainability and healthiness seductive enough to accept such compromise?
Curated and designed by Dunne & Raby