The project explores a speculative future scenario where people will be equipped with specially designed organs that act as perception enhancers, allowing them to collect genetic material during interpersonal encounters.
The need for complementary sensors stems from the idea that, nowadays, our evolution relies on genetic technology rather than natural selection.
As Geoffrey Miller, evolutionary Psychologist said “Within a few generations market-based genetic technology will eclipse social-sexual selection” - » New Scientist 11 March 2006.
Bristly nails will scrape dead cells with DNA information from others when shaking hands, while whiskers grown in eyebrows will increase the signals we pick up from surroundings.
Perhaps women facial hair will be socially nurtured since would detain DNA information from saliva, and people will start to accept and integrate smell stimulation as part of their everyday life, using sensory extensions to distinguish genetic difference.
These new organs of perception could allow genetic siblings, who may not have met, identifying one another, for example, and help people collect information to be used as a tool for selective mating.
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
Royal College of Art, Design Interactions Department: Professor Anthony Dunne and Ms. Fiona Raby
Lidia Bravo
Claire Ducruet
Susana Soares