This one was a bit different: Thinking critically about social issues, and traversing a problem space I was highly uncomfortable in
In this project, I chose to think critically about the social issue of gun violence. The ideas I presented did not necessarily reflect my personal opinion, and I am not extremely knowledgeable about gun laws or regulations. Gun laws in general tend to be a wicked issue- with currently no completely plausible alternatives, and I do not mean to suggest that I could fix this issue. With this exercise, I simply hoped to question and consider worlds we could one day live in.
Each of these critical design pieces are accompanied by a storyboard-like design fiction. These can be found with explanations in the full project documentation.
Initially, I wanted to use art to highlight the issues with lax gun control laws by considering a worst case of what could happen if we continue to be relaxed about those laws. The GunBall machine dispenses guns. This allows for easy access to guns from anywhere a person might need quick access to a gun- shopping centers, gas stations,children’s play areas, etc.
Next, I wondered how we could change the pattern of gun violence. Here, I created the What’s Your Intent-gun? This gun has AI capabilities and uses it to detect the intention of the user. This gun also questions technology and intelligence, and whether AI will ever be smart enough to put the lives of humans on its shoulders. My design fiction further explores this.
I find reflections to be the most important of any project. Why was it important to me? How did it help me grow? That is why I include my reflection before the project.
I don't think I did a wonderful job with this project. It was outside my comfort zone, I didn't feel knowledgeable enough about the topic, and I overall felt that my ideas lacked the flair that critical designs are known for. However, I am extremely thankful I did this exercise in critical design- for without it, I never would've grown into the designer I am today.
I never understood the criticality of questioning the world as we know it until I had to. We can't design without questioning the world as it already exists.
The big takeaway: embrace unfamiliarity - the world doesn't have to stay as it is now.