Melena Juzheng Wang

Speculating on Plausible Manipulation of Personal Data Experience trailer, Ali 2029

Abstract

This project is undertaking the Speculative Design methodology to investigate how personal data may be manipulated in the future. Data is a powerful tool for narrating stories and predicting the future. Since personal data on Facebook has been manipulated for political campaign purpose, these scandals urge critical awareness of our personal data and attention to cybersecurity. Meanwhile, regulations are launched to force the appropriate use of personal data and the ethics of digital products (Greengard, 2018).

This research project initializes from the issues of personal data with the aim of criticizing emerging technologies and social evolution. I approached the design through a series of video clips, that depict daily events includes topics about the imposition of habits, over consumerism and data privacy. I conceptualized an implantable Artificial Intelligent Assistant product in 2029, and how an individual¡¯s life is being invaded with algorithmic technology. Final clips are edited to an experience trailer to help the audience understand the product propositions and its context.

  • During phase 1, I progressed a broad scanning of news, literatures and other materials to explore the territories I intend to focus on. I defined the main topics will be developed as following: quantified self, data ownership, over consumerism, surveillance capitalism, social network and innovative designs. These topics are intertwined, and their signals are underpinning future trends. Engaged with Design Thinking methods, the concept of the fictional product in 2029 is prosed.

  • During phase 1, I progressed a broad scanning of news, literatures and other materials to explore the territories I intend to focus on. I defined the main topics will be developed as following: quantified self, data ownership, over consumerism, surveillance capitalism, social network and innovative designs. These topics are intertwined, and their signals are underpinning future trends. Engaged with Design Thinking methods, the concept of the fictional product in 2029 is prosed.

  • The aim of phase 2 is to materialize the fictional scenarios, and craft the speculations. Through a series of experimental exploration, scenarios were produced in the format as experience trailer clip.

  • The aim of phase 2 is to materialize the fictional scenarios, and craft the speculations. Through a series of experimental exploration, scenarios were produced in the format as experience trailer clip.

  • The fictional AI product and video clips are iterated during this phase. Through self critique, scenarios are refined and deliberated to provoke audiences' perceptions. Besides, this phase is a self reflection on overall research practice and speculative design motivations.

  • The fictional AI product and video clips are iterated during this phase. Through self critique, scenarios are refined and deliberated to provoke audiences' perceptions. Besides, this phase is a self reflection on overall research practice and speculative design motivations.

    • Artefacts

    • Select Bibliography

    1. Auger, J 2013, Speculative Design: Crafting the Speculation, Digital Creativity, vol. 24, no. 1, pp. 11-35.

    2. Dunne, A & Raby, F 2013, Speculative Everything : Design, Fiction, and Social Dreaming, The MIT Press, Cambridge, US.

    3. Foucault, M 1980, Language, counter-memory, practice: Selected essays and interviews, Cornell University Press, New York, US.

    4. Greengard, S 2018, Weighing the impact of GDPR Greengard¡, Samuel Communications of the ACM, vol.61, pp.16-18.

    5. Karlberg M, 2005, The Power of Discrouse and The Discrouse of Power: Pursuing Peace through Discourse Intervention¡¯, International Journal of Peace Studies, vol.10, no.1, pp.1-25.

    Filed under

    speculative design

    critical design

    publication

    Keywords

    Personal Data

    Speculative Design

    Experience Trailer

    User Experience.

    Contact

    behance homepage, Instagram, Full series of Ali 2029, email contact