M1.2: Translating Soil Vibrancy
data-enabled engagement for more-than-human care
[design research] [data-driven design] [MtHD] [critical design]
September 2023 - December 2023
The concept of living artefacts envisions everyday objects that incorporate living organisms for functional purposes and beyond. In this research-through-design inquiry, the role of data in designing and living with such an artefact, specifically soil-based microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is explored. MFCs produce a current by capturing electrons released by electrogenic bacteria found in soil.
By exploring alternate roles of data in this increasingly data driven world, this project broadens the understanding of data to include interdependencies between humans and electrogenic bacteria by designing a living artefact.
This work presents detailed accounts of the transition from a function-oriented practice—focused on maintaining a constant power output from the cells—to an interpretative perspective, which seeks to understand and relate power data to microbial vitality. This shift was facilitated by Chakri, a companion research artefact that materializes the nuanced and dynamic interactions between humans, bacteria, and the environment. Chakri, working together with an MFC, crafts an alternative way of engaging with electrogenic bacteria, their metabolic activities, and the shared home environment. Through first-person perspectives and critical reflections, the project examines how these mediated encounters stimulated care for the bacterial community and its vibrancy, inviting others to navigate the space between functional living artefacts and more-than-human care through pluralizing data encounters.
Microbial fuel cell and companion artefact, Chakri - voltage data from the MFC is translated into the movement of the disks
Reflections cast by the gestalt
Added layer of human-bacteria interaction mediated by Chakri highlighting livingness of bacteria informing care practices
Reflection on paper submission
This work was submitted for TEI'25 receiving a rating of 2.5/5, however was not accepted. Positive responses acknowledged the integration of the Latour framework, recognizing its role in bridging scientific data with speculative design and a comprehensive literature review across disciplines. Key critiques highlighted the need to clarify my research motivation and how data drove design decisions. In addition to using data as a driver for design decisions, the reviewers encouraged me to consider other theoretical backings and design movements (e.g slow technology). Technical feedback on the power source and sensing modalities revealed the need for clearer communication of design choices. I will provide comprehensive technical details to prevent misunderstandings and have a better documentation system.
PI&V Development at the end of M1.2
Over this semester, I had become thoughtful and intentional in how I choose to take action in this world and cumulatively grew from these experiences. This project ran parallelly to the internship for one quarter. While not knowing what change my actions will bring, the semester made me realize that to act responsible means to follow a vision based on a sincere evaluation of myself and the word around me through my own experiences. As compared to M1.1, I was more open to criticism and followed a reflective process of iterative development. As a designer, I am not so concerned with the final outcome, but the revelations of the design research process, and wanting to ground my work in a purposeful and responsible ethos.
I discovered that my engagement with speculative design goes beyond creating provocative artifacts—I use speculative enactments as a tool to uncover what people value and to expand their capacity to imagine alternate futures through my interventions. Grounding my work in theoretical frameworks like Bruno Latour’s Translations and Actor-Network-Theory has been transformative, allowing me to articulate the conceptual foundations of my projects with greater clarity. Engaging with these deeper philosophical underpinnings challenged me to think critically and reflectively, enriching both my design process and my personal growth as a researcher. This integration of theory and practice not only streamlined my decision-making but also strengthened the narrative of my work. Moving forward, I aim to deepen this reflective practice and contribute meaningfully to broader discourses in the design field
Demoday set-up
Competency development
