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Inhale & Infuse

Speculative Design: Infusing Nature's Micro-data into Human Perception

3D printing, Touch Designer (2023)

​In my speculative design project, I envision a future how people consume nature's information in different perspective. This project introduces abstract, mushroom-shaped avatars, embedded within the natural ground, that serve as conduits for users to engage with the environment's deeper narratives.

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Data Process Transformation:

In a future where human perception extends beyond the conventional sensory boundaries, "Inhale and Infuse" reimagines the way we engage with nature's data. Rather than merely observing our environment, this speculative design proposes a profound transformation in how data is processed and integrated into our sensory systems. By harnessing the subtle micro-data present in natural phenomena such as sounds, root networks, and subterranean electrical signals this project shifts the paradigm from passive observation to active, multi-sensory participation. Users interact with nature not just visually but through an enriched sensory palette that includes olfactory, gustatory, and auditory dimensions, fostering a deeper, more intuitive connection with the world around us.

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Medium of Data Ingestion:

At the core of this concept lies a unique apparatus designed to facilitate the ingestion of nature's micro-data. This device, reminiscent of a water pipe, is inspired by the structure of a mushroom colony an organic network that serves as a metaphor for interconnectedness and symbiosis. The avatars, shaped like mushrooms and embedded in the earth, act as conduits for gathering environmental data, which is then transmitted to the home device. Through inhalation, users experience the essence of their surroundings in a manner that goes beyond mere representation; it is an infusion of nature's data directly into the sensory system, merging the biological with the digital in a harmonious blend that challenges traditional notions of data consumption.

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Possibilities:

"Inhale and Infuse" challenges us to step outside of our human-centered viewpoint and instead consider the world from nature's perspective. By integrating microdata into our sensory experiences, this project enables a deeper understanding of the intricate systems that govern natural ecosystems. The data collected and experienced through this speculative design is not merely for human benefit; it is an invitation to perceive the world as nature does. By engaging with the sounds, root networks, and subterranean signals that drive ecological processes, users gain insights into the delicate balance and interdependencies within the environment.

This approach fosters a mutualistic relationship, where the benefits extend beyond human comprehension to support the thriving of natural systems. It promotes an appreciation of the wisdom embedded in nature, encouraging us to learn from it rather than exploit it. Through this lens, "Inhale and Infuse" advocates for a more symbiotic existence, where human actions are guided by an empathetic understanding of the natural world’s needs and rhythms. By prioritizing nature’s perspective, this project suggests that true sustainability and harmony can only be achieved when we attune our senses to the subtleties of the environment, leading to a more respectful and beneficial coexistence.

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Sinhye Sunny Kim

Experience Designer / Creative Technologist

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