Innovation Design Engineering (MA/MSc)

Alisa Koegel

Colour is stagnant yet our experiences towards it are constantly in flux. The way we consume is perpetuated by colour trends and it’s evolving pace has pushed far from being sustainable. What if everything we understood about colour was defied? Structural colour proposes a future where we command the colour of the things we own. This project sheds light towards a future which provides slower yet inclusive patterns of consumption, in attempts to mitigate the feeling of missing out.

Contact

ku.ca.acr.krowten@legeok.asila

https://www.alisakoegel.com

Degree Details

School of Design

Innovation Design Engineering (MA/MSc)

I am an interdisciplinary designer driven by my aspiration to tell stories. I design artefacts and experiences as tools for people to approach and interact with complex narratives. Inviting people to question and interact is a powerful way of spreading the word that enables innovation beyond boundaries of origin.

In March 2020, I relocated to Japan to complete my project remotely. With the support of my collaborators at the University of Cambridge, I was able to build a small home-lab to prototype and experiment with the concepts supporting my vision.

Despite the difficult circumstances, I believe that 2020 propelled the design world to drastically shift their processes for the better, becoming, in the process, more mindful and agile in prototyping and developing compassion for users beyond usability. In designing for enthusiasm and designing to be adapted for our lifestyles, I seek to design for longevity in which our deeply ingrained belief systems can be shifted.

Structural colour is a phenomenon occurring in nature in which nano-scale structures interfere with light to make surfaces appear colourful. Despite its vibrance, this form of colour is actually pigmentless. In particular, HPC, a cellulose-based liquid crystal, is a highly-responsive form of colour reacting to its environment. Through fluctuations in light, temperature, and humidity, the hues change. But unlike other existing colour-changing technologies, it’s research trajectory promises actuated colour commanding. This is a significant differentiation as it can enable us to experience one-on-one level interactions with colour. Rather than trying to manipulate the surrounding environment or the hues of more common-place pigment colours (a rather impossible task), structural colour attempts to achieve vibrance through nano-scale configurations. We are unlocking a world in which we manipulate the colours we surround ourselves with.

behaviour change colour consumption futures materials speculative design sustainability

To contextualise the capacity of structural colour, I reimagined everyday artefacts. By incorporating HPC and showcasing its reactive properties, I invite the audience into an imaginative and alternative colourful future. Even with the perplexing nature, by interacting with and comprehending what's possible, I attempt to bridge the gap between the present and what could become our reality.

behaviour change colour consumption futures materials speculative design sustainability

What does colour change look like when everything we own and surround ourselves with takes on this ability? In the context of spaces, the forecast beyond gentrification points to evidence that we may eventually end up working more remotely. When this happens, our living spaces are no longer just that. They will have to transcend our needs. Furthermore, drawing boundaries between our lives will be crucial so that we can focus during work and feel comfortable after hours. Colour change could provide this variety as well as a lowered barrier to experiment with taste. Allowing us to not only command singular elements but also entire environments. Furthermore, with a hyper-connected world, we could sense the emotional needs of inhabitants and seamlessly transform the spaces for them. To energize, to focus, to deliver serenity. The opportunities that arise when colour is in flux are countless.

behaviour change colour consumption futures materials speculative design sustainability

This speculation will allow us to evaluate our behaviour. On both an individual scale and collective level, we will realise how it affects our belief and value systems pertaining to ownership. We may see change in the deeply habitual and emotional purchasing behaviour that has transcended to younger generations. It will bring a new form of educational awareness and consideration into how we will allow new things into our lives. In tandem with this societal change will come visible impact on our economy. How will longevity of ownership affect it? And what implications will this have on our environment and wellbeing?

behaviour change colour consumption futures materials speculative design sustainability

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About

Statement

Structural Colour

Reactivity

Future Spaces

The Impact On Our Future