"INTO THE CYBER WORLD"
REFLEXIVE METHODS IN DESIGN/ ART PRACTICES
Finals Project
In cyberpunk literature, the convergence of brain-computer interfaces and the digital cyber world plays a significant role. Inspired by this theme, my project aims to immerse participants in the unsettling experience of plugging themselves into the digital realm. Through a device placed on the table, I wanted to create an interactive encounter that evokes a sense of unease and curiosity.
Moreover, the device serves as a speculative design, offering insights into how modern individuals interact with the internet. It prompts us to ponder the question: "If we were to have a device that allows us to plug ourselves into the internet, what other functions would be necessary?" This exploration delves into the potential ramifications and possibilities of such a technology.
By combining elements of cyberpunk literature, speculative design, and interactive experiences, my project seeks to engage participants in contemplating the intersection of technology and human existence. It aims to provoke thought and encourage discussions about the implications of our increasingly digitized world.
Literature Review
"Cybernetic Deconstructions- Cyberpunk and Postmodernism"
To put it lightly, “Cybernetic Deconstructions- Cyberpunk and Postmodernism” isn’t an easy paper to read and understand. In it where lots of philosophical words and phrases and even theories I have not yet heard of. It took me a long time to digest it as I had to keep jumping from google search page and dictionaries to ChatGPT and philosophy books to catch up with the knowledge and idea provided by the paper. The purpose of the paper is to explore the relationship between cyberpunk and postmodernism, and the ways in which cyberpunk fiction engages with postmodernist ideas, particularly through its focus on the relationship between technology and the body, and its use of imitation and fragmentation as narrative strategies.
Written by Veronica Hollinger, a notable scholar in the field of science fiction and speculative fiction studies, whose also an important contributor to the study of science fiction and its intersections with other fields. The paper examines how cyberpunk reflects and critiques postmodernism's cultural and philosophical tendencies and has since been influential in shaping critical discussions of cyberpunk and its place within postmodernism.
Concept
“Into the Cyber World” can be separated into 2 parts: the interactive device and the graphic on the screen. The story setting behind the device is that it was manufactured by a mega corporation at controls the technology of uploading our conscious onto one big web were we can interact with one another. As more and more users joined the conscious web, it started to appear in our everyday life. From work places to how we make money, it became inseparable to our daily income and collect assets. However, this platform has its flaws. Due to the nature of us humans, the conscious web became more and more toxic. Hackers, cyberbullies, and trolls flock onto the platform and started to explore its loophole. Rather than putting a stop to these chaos, the corporation saw this as a chance to make profit. The device you are experiencing is what they came up with, an device that helps these toxic people on the platform to continue doing bad things without the risk of their identity being exposed. Only people with connections with the company are able to purchase it.
The interactive device serves as a portal for the user to enter the cyber world with the hole to the top left corner for uploading your conscious. After the progress bar turns to 100%, the user can jump freely between the cyber world and reality with the slider below, however the effects may vary from how much access you grant the system. The three switches above can be turned on in different situation when the user want to keep their identity unknown. Getting inspiration from what toxic user do nowadays, the first switch can block the user’s identity with a mosaic, blocking your face when you are going to do bad things. With the second button can duplicate yourself, to create that advantage over other users. When all else fails, the emergency exit button lets you exit the cyber world with just a push, breaking all evidence connecting to your account. These functions are meant as a speculative design where we imagine what online user might need in this future setting.
Reflection
I thoroughly enjoyed working on this project and although I wasn't able to complete all the planned features for the interactive device, I am still satisfied with the final outcome. Moving forward, I intend to dedicate time to finish the remaining features in the near future. Looking back, I realize that I may have spent too much time focusing on the aesthetic design of the device, which ultimately impacted my ability to complete all the intended features. In hindsight, it would have been more beneficial to prioritize the functional aspects of the device. Additionally, I found myself spending an excessive amount of time contemplating which functions to incorporate into the device. This prolonged planning phase may have hindered my progress. Furthermore, I have a tendency to overcomplicate things, which resulted in expending energy on elements that were ultimately unnecessary for the final project. Going forward, I will strive to streamline my approach and focus on practicality to ensure efficient use of my time and resources.
