Simulatenously, I also started reading 'Speculative Everything' by Anthony Dunne and Fiona Raby where I made some notes.

I highlighted that speculative design goal is to create space for discussion, debate about alternative ways of living and to inspire and encourage people's imagination to flow freely. While also taking global challenges into consideration and aim to change human behaviour for the better.

Next, I highlighted that in the future-oriented scenarios we develop, there should be scientifically possible, and second, there should be a path from where we are today to where we are in the scenario. I was then curious about current scienctific knowledge on Tardigrades.

This news on tardigrades are interesting. Military scientists in China say they have inserted a gene from the microscopic water bear into human embryonic stem cells and significantly increased these cells’ resistance to radiation.

CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing tool to take genes from the water bear that produce shielding proteins and insert them into artificially cultured (a distinction the team claims made the experiment legal) human embryonic cells. The study was proven successful in 2023, and I guess China is on its way to creating a super solider

In recent weeks, I've been working hard to develop new ideas for fostering unique relationships with the natural world, aiming to encourage people to connect with nature. However, using sensors and technology has always seemed off to the intention. After reading "Speculative Everything" and being in a constant meltdown, I decided to take a break and go for a jog. I jog often but this time, I began to reconsider my connection with the physical environment as I pass by the trees, cars, people and sometimes rats.

Then, it clicked in me! I just want to use technology to help feel closer to nature to the physical world to the living environment. Like an extra pair of imaginary hands, to feel and to touch the textures of the world for me.