projects
alternative designer
mechanical engineer
social critic
mechanical engineer
social critic
prototyping
alternatives
because business-as-usual
is not it... 🙃
DOC 234—34/2
fall + winter 2023
org:
ideo
client:
bridgestone soft robotics
design team:
chris pearce - design lead
kenta kondo - mechanical engineer
rhianna davies - communication design
jan rod - interaction design
process:
human centered design
design thinking
critical design
output:
experietial exhibit @ irex expo 2023
tokyo big sight
what if robots moved minds, not objects?
robots are designed for productivity. whats desired it high output, high efficiency, high speed. in an industry that focuses on solutions, we collaborated with bridgestone soft robotics ventures to explore values beyond productivity: emotional wellbeing.
the team designed an immersive silent exhibit that showcases a unique and provocative application of bridgestone’s artificial muscle technology at irex 2023, an international robotics expo held in tokyo. while most booths showcased their new cutting edge insturial robot, we provided a warm breathing robot that serves as a stark contrast to the neighbouring exhibits.
“i felt like i was back in my mother’s womb” - irex visitor
video: