BioTech: Incubator
Renders of the Incubator (2021)The "BioTech Incubator" project, developed during the final year of my BA in Graphic Design, delved into the realm of speculative design, pondering a future where artificial birthing chambers are commonplace. This project scrutinised a commercial entity's potential role in a world where choosing genetic traits like the "Blue Eyes Gene" or "Lactose Tolerance" has become a normative practice. The controversial theme of DNA customisation and the ethical implications of biotechnological advances were central to this exploration.
A particularly provocative aspect of the project was the concept of pregnancy termination, envisioned as requiring dual authorisation through a mechanism akin to the launch codes of nuclear weapons. This facet was designed to evoke the gravity of such decisions and the stringent control measures that could surround them.
Physical outcomes, 3D Printed ‘DNA Capsule’, Milled Foam Inlays with Custom Packaging & Printouts.
The project culminated in a collection of outcomes that brought the speculative concept to life. Photorealistic renders and a promotional trailer provided a glimpse into the envisaged future, while the physical manifestations of the concept grounded it in reality. Among these was a meticulously crafted DNA tank model, 3D printed and hand-painted in stark black with contrasting orange tabs that signified its modularity and the potential for genetic customisation. Accompanying the model was a custom cardboard box, which, complete with milled foam inlays, warranty, and instruction cards, mimicked the commercial packaging of cutting-edge tech products, reinforcing the commodification of genetic design in this speculative future.
Speculative Trailer for a fictional BioTech product, Incubator