About the project
Unread Messages was a design research project exploring the ways in which technology affects how we think, act and behave. Based on primary research with project partner Northstar, I collaborated with a series of international designers to develop products to lead us towards a healthier relationship with technology.
Context
The digitisation of our everyday lives saves us time and brings us closer to the people we love. Yet at the same time, we feel rushed, isolated or enslaved by our devices. The project and resulting exhibition attempted to stimulate discussion amongst designers and the public around the social implications of current and future communication technologies.
Research
An open online community was formed to gather opinion from 125+ members of the public. Discussion topics included social media, email and messaging, the “always on” lifestyle, notification overload, data deluge and device addiction. From these attitudes and insights emerged three core themes: Empowered But Dependent, The Curated Self and Compulsive Behaviours.
Design
Using these themes, we worked with a group of designers across disciplines and countries to provide innovative responses to the question: How can we improve our mental wellbeing by changing our relationship with technology? The resulting pieces by Dean Brown, Gaston Lisak, Takram London, Paul Macgregor, Matteo Loglio, Matan Stauber, Zanellato/Bortotto, Daniel Armengol Altayó were exhibited at the Aram Gallery.
"Unread Messages should be applauded for it’s research driven approach."
Disegno magazine
Approach
Unread Messages placed research insight at the heart of the creative process. The range of design outcomes underline the need to consider diverse perspectives when facing multi-faceted socio-technical challenges.
