My doctoral research project focused on the development of a new method called ‘Redefinition Design.’ Using the vehicle of money to create radical visions of payment systems from alternative worlds (some are mentioned in the projects section).
Abstract / description:
Redefinition design is a special case of speculative and critical design; it is intended to be used by designers in facing otherwise recalcitrant or refractory design situations. One subject that generates
more refractory design situations than most is money. Thus, money will be the vehicle used to derive, articulate and apply the redefinition design methods.
The future of money is heavily informed by ideas from its past. In this regard, the services and systems based around money, including industries focused on design, often embody a conservative culture that perpetuates old paradigms onto new technology.
In this dissertation, I propose two research questions:
RQ1: Paradigm Paralysis – what characterises the underlying assumptions that heavily inform the design and development of money?
In the context of investigating the new methods associated with Redefinition Design, we firstly begin to examine and interrogate underlying and often tacit assumptions, taking the specific case of money. Though this question I elucidate the fundamental principles of money, which lie at the core of the longstanding mainstream monetary paradigm. The totality of money is broken down into four main constituents: monetary artefacts, currency systems, monetary mentifacts and finally the functional axioms of money. Revealing these core principles, and analysing them within specific cultural contexts, will inform the methods used in the development of the practical work.
RQ2: Paradigm Breakout – What characterises a methodology that can facilitate designers to step beyond the underlying assumptions informing the development of money?
This research has yielded strategies that allow the radical re-conception and design of currency systems and monetary artefacts, through the application of a redefinition design approach. The Redefinition Design methods developed in this research enable the designer to identify suitable alternative cultural contexts, such as historic or literary contexts. The methods prompt us to deconstruct these contexts, then reconstruct them with a design proposal that resonates with all cultural levels of the given context. Hence, in the case of entrenched social technologies like money, the resulting Redefinition Design proposals are harmonious with the alternative culture, but incongruous in the context of contemporary culture. These methods do not instigate a paradigm shift but rather a paradigm breakout.
Counterfiction: Designing within Alternative Worlds is a chapter for the 2017 book ‘Memories of the future’ edited by Stephen Wilson and Deborah Jaffé. Published by Peter Lang.
An intro to the work can be found below:
Designing within Alternative WorldsNew products and our interactions with them are almost always informed and shaped by previous models. The design and development process is iterative in nature, and consequently relatively conservative. Designing radically different technological products is therefore difficult due to the pervasive nature of market-orientated culture, which permeates most aspects of contemporary society and heavily informs normative design practice. This chapter questions assumptions of contemporary design, of specific products, that provide countervisions through counterfictions. Designing within alternative worlds raises questions that are addressed by designers and art historians in pursuit of new methods.
The book can be purchased below:
Memories of the Future
A commission by the brilliant Dave Birch to design a cover for his book ‘before babylon beyond bitcoin.’
The machine in the picture burns cash to generate energy via a simple steam engine.
The book also contains a small section about my project ‘electric money’.
The book can be found here:
A short story and illustration developed for the 2009 Junk Jet journal.
The journel can be found here:
Staring at his existence through the bottom of a pint glass was Rob’s favourite past time. Yet again he had reached the one-over the eight limit, and was in the customary position of lecturing on the topic of “Societies Problems” and “what, I’d do if I were in power.”
After taking his final sip of the 9th pint and in a moment of serenity, he watched the carbon rich foam residue of that last beer run down the side of the glass, and as his head fell limp into his hands, he said:
“What’s the point?” and suddenly started sobbing.
Rob’s epiphany (and possible breakdown) had come as he compared the Fungi within his beer against his own existence. That basic life form seemed destined to fail, as it slowly suffocated in its own filth – much like the human race he thought.
Obviously this moment was simply the tipping point… for the past 10 years he worked as a Biochemist for a large oil company – developing new forms of bio-fuel. He was at the cutting edge of the ‘alternative’ fuel technology – yet despite all the catchy ‘green’ advertising and slogans that lined the walls in reception, he saw a different reality. He saw the development of technology as his addiction and the idea we “just haven’t developed the right technology” was the addicts excuse to simply continue taking the drug.
Rob committed suicide later that year when his wife left him for another man… the following inventions and drawings were found in his apartment. The last thoughts from a man desperate to make a difference.
