The Area of Interest
My research focuses on the vital role of electricity in modern society, emphasizing the importance of sustainable generation methods to mitigate environmental impact and ensure energy security. The study explores various low-tech, accessible approaches to generate electricity at home. It culminates in a detailed investigation of a soil battery project, where microbial activity in the soil generates electricity. This project also incorporates an innovative human touch button, demonstrating how body conductivity can complete the circuit and activate a visual display. This research not only highlights sustainable energy solutions but also engages users through interactive, hands-on learning experiences.
The Process
I initially began this journey with confusion. I was not able to understand which area I wanted to focus on for my journey as a MDEF student. However, the more research I did, I kept circling around to the idea of sustainability and self-sufficiency in electricity. I started with exploring DIY solar panels to see if I could hack into the system behind it, so I began experimenting with a thermoelectric generator to see if I am able to generate small amount of electricity from the difference in the temperatures. Once I understood how inefficient TEG's can be, I looked into different aspects of how to generate small scale electricity from low-tech equipment, that is when I began looking into earth batteries. I created a series circuit with soil in different containers and copper wire to conduct small amount of electricity. This project focused more on the in-tangible intelligence of micro-bacterial activity and how it can potentially be shown as a tangible object. Once realizing the depth of micro-bacteria, I looked into how may a soil button be created using the minute electrical conductivity within the body to then close the circuit. So when the soil button was closed from the touch of skin with the soil, a fun interactive visual was activated. This project was fun to create and allowed the body to be a part of nature. Below are some of the articles that I have published to the platform of Medium where you can read and find more details for the project that I have been working on.
Teaser of the master project.
The direction of the project was then slightly changed after a lot of trial error and failures. I quickly realized how much I enjoy working on visuals and graphics triggered through different buttons either soil or body. So I decided to be a designer more than an engineer. I was able to then create fun interactive graphic visuals and make them more fun. Below you can find images of the MDEFEST 24 as it was an extremely successful event and went great.
Reflecting on the completion of my first year in the master's program for Design for Emergent Futures, I am filled with a sense of accomplishment and enthusiasm for what's to come. This year has been a whirlwind of learning, creativity, and discovery. From diving into the basics of Arduino coding and experimenting with small electronics to exploring the fascinating world of micro-bacterial activity, each experience has broadened my understanding and capabilities.
Generating small-scale voltage from low-tech equipment was particularly rewarding, revealing the potential of simple yet innovative solutions. Moreover, learning to use TouchDesigner and creating interactive visuals through touch opened new avenues for expressing ideas and engaging with audiences in dynamic ways.
The most surprising and enlightening aspect of this year has been the unexpected lessons and skills I acquired. Each project and challenge pushed me to think differently, to experiment boldly, and to embrace the emergent nature of design. This journey has not only enriched my technical skills but also deepened my appreciation for the intricate connections between technology, biology, and art.
As I look forward to my second year, I am eager to build on this foundation. The prospect of developing a final thesis project is both thrilling and daunting. I am excited to synthesize everything I’ve learned, to explore new territories, and to create something meaningful and innovative. This first year has been a stepping stone, preparing me for the discoveries and achievements that lie ahead.
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