Master’s Thesis: Ongoing Research
RISD Master’s of Industrial Design
Thesis Work from Sept 2023 to May 2024
Documentation of my ongoing thesis research, exploration, and prototyping. The Master’s of Industrial Design Thesis at RISD is a year-long, self-directed, hands-on, making-focused investigation that cumulates in a body of work, an exhibition, and a published book.
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The Methodology
“Charged” objects lead to altered realities
When we take a pill, it is because we are setting an intention for the way we want our future to unfurl. For example, if I currently have a headache and want to be rid of it in the near future, I might take a pill that advertises relief; I am working with a physical object and with my intention for the future to shape my reality.
Likewise, in some belief systems, objects like amulets can have a powerful effect on how you feel - from protected to powerful. Similarly, having a GPS tracker with you might make taking a solo hike in nature feel safer, meaning you do so more often; you changed your reality.
I call these “charged objects” because the level of human emotion and intention tied to them means they complete “closed circuits” with our mind and body in order to lead to a concrete, changed our reality.
Some “Charged Objects” Under Investigation
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HEPA Filters
Photo: homedics.com
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GPS Tag Trackers
Photo: Apple Air Tag
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Talismans
Photo: alefbet.com
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Safety Signage
Photo: Pexels / Vitaly Gorbachev
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Daruma
Photo: Japan Web Magazine
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Bike Helmets
Photo: REI
Excerpts from my notebook exploring the “charged object” theory as it relates to closed circuits.
By creating this matrix, I was able to map the multiple territories and membranes which dictate our health and wellbeing. The body is a territory, but the skin is a membrane. The home is a territory, but pollution can come through an open window just as easily as it can cross a landscape.
This led to the identification of possible designed objects that address each zone’s health threat and familiar “charged objects” with which we might address them.
From there, I collected peer-reviewed studies on natural solutions that could combine with a “charged object” to create a unique solution.
Designing “charged objects” for our health and safety
Intention Pills
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Creating the Pill
Write an intention on a piece of paper - something for healing your body - using the edible rice paper, edible ink pens, and gel capsules. See if the change in your awareness has an effect on your reality.
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The Intention Clinic
Instructions: write any intention you would like to come to fruition (within the limit of some connection to your body). No one was asked to share what they wrote, just to take the pill while at the table.
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Psychological Impacts
A survey was sent to participants of The Intention Clinic after seven days. They were asked what they remembered from the experience and what kind of impact it had on them, physically and mentally.
How can we leverage the forms and rituals commonly recognized in these “charged objects” to design a body-based healing experience through altered perception?
VOCs in the Home:
A suite of choices in the face of off-gassing furniture
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Option 1: Protect Yourself
Activated Carbon is proven to be the most effective way of removing VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from the air, trapping the problematic and harmful chemicals via adsorption. This activated carbon suit will allow you to enjoy the comforts of your new, mass-manufactured furniture without worrying about the short and long-term effects to your health.
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Option 2: Protect your Home
A prototype for activated carbon filter tiles that can be arranged to cover any new piece of furniture. The filter tiles are connected by stickers that attach at the corner. Once the new furniture has been covered for a few days, the activated carbon should have absorbed plenty of VOCs.
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Option 3: Protect the Planet
Why buy new, highly toxic furniture to begin with? Why not natural materials? Or, better yet, why not used furniture that doesn’t require new resources?
Air Quality
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Allergies: Living Immunology Wearables
Every spring, allergies affect millions of people in New England. Pollen-related allergies are even increasing around the world due to climate change. Some tackle the tip of the iceberg by taking antihistamines, some try eating local honey, and some resort to immunotherapy allergy shots. It feels like a battle with nature - but does it have to be?
This futuristic neck brace supports two vases with space for live, local flowers aimed directly at your nose. Start wearing the apparatus in winter with local blooms and build up your immunity. Users say it even smells great and brings them joy! Don’t think of nature as some outside attack on your body - it’s a chance for synergy!
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Lichen Air Filtration Window Unit
The four walls of our homes protect us from potential harm to our bodies. With toxic air quality levels, particulates, and forest fires, heavily-sealed homes and air filters are becoming ubiquitous. Many people even select indoor plants according to how well they filter the air.
Lichen is naturally excellent at filtering the air. This window unit uses the breeze from outside to filter air through living lichen. Just spray with water every few days, and forget about expensive, electronic air purifiers.
