Gen Alpha
Background
Consumer campaigns often perpetuate shallow stereotypes of ideal beauty, driving individuals toward body modification as a means of reclaiming control in a society dominated by dictated aesthetics. This project delves into the implications of commodifying genetic manipulation, speculating on a future where the ability to alter one’s genes comes with a price tag.
Role
Designer
Areas
Product Design, Design Fiction, Speculative
The Design Fiction
The project started with the above design fiction film that narrates the story from the perspective of Ryan Bose, who was born of CRISPR gene editing. The backstory shows Ryan growing up with the burden of ability looming over him.
The search for acceptance had created a movement amongst the genetically modified community, where a metal finger restraint slipped on one’s index finger became the emblem. Ryan on growing up becomes the co-founder of HEBE™. The company made use of gene manipulation in order to create products that fight to reverse the effects of these modifications.
The design fiction created products like the Anti-Whey Pill, consisting of tetracycline, colchicine and cholestyramine, assists in developing malabsorption syndrome in order to achieve controlled muscle dystrophy.
The Aging Cream, enhanced with wrinkling serum, helps with showing signs of aging.
What’s Your Perceived Flaw?
The next stage delved deeper into what the concept of ‘perfection’ and ‘flaws’ meant in today's context. This concept was explored through a series of design experiments. The most successful one involved a questionnaire with a single question, asking what individuals considered to be their flaws.
With the information gathered from this, the process of exaggerating those ‘perceived flaws’ were undertaken through rapid prototyping. a hand callus, led to a ring with a tiny light bulb that shined on it. saddlebag hips, led to thigh wings that acted as hip accessory or went underneath clothing.
The Artifacts
“Aesthetic flaws for the genetically engineered ‘perfect’.”
This became the critical message of the project, inspiring the creation of a pair of objects designed as ‘anti-prostheses.’ These objects reintroduce aesthetic flaws, challenging the notion of perfection in genetically modified individuals.
Shoulder Frame is for people who are tired of their broad shoulders and longer necks and want a slender aesthetic. It fits under clothing and allows the user to elongate their torso by narrowing the shoulders and offsetting it higher to eliminate the neck.
Heavy Foot is for genetically skinny people who have a hard time gaining weight. The single shoe weight adds a sway to the users walk which is characteristic amongst heavier people. It allows the user to feel a satisfying weight under their foot. The weight can be increased to the users preference, lending them more control.
Let’s chat.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss further details, please reach out.
