Generation XXIII

2014 / Design Fiction

GENERATIONXXIII is a visual and conceptual commentary on a future society that does not morally limit science and is driven by two primary goals: perfecting the human race and profit. GENERATIONXXIII is a hypothetical online service that provides prospective parents with an online store stocked with genes allowing them to choose, alter, or customize their ideal child, physically, mentally, and characteristically. This service gives parents more control over the reproductive process and provides a new convenience to women as it relieves them of childbearing responsibilities. In the end, children will no longer resemble their parents and will be deemed as "perfection", but will they really be perfect?

There exists a contradiction within science. It has the power to make phenomenal, life-changing discoveries, and at the same time, has the power to destroy the purity and perfection established in our universe. Genetic engineering has made powerful, yet questionable contributions in animals and crops, and has expanded into human experimentation. Many question the ethical rightness of the latter, thus halting the true potential to alter humans. In the future, will science break the ethical constraints in order to reach perfection, while also destroying perfection?

Concept & Visual Development

I employed a variety of methods to explore the conceptual and visual themes associate with this hypothetical future and contribute to the world building of this hypothetical future. Research methods included: visual imagery searches, hypothetical publication writing, reading research papers and books, watching science fiction movies, and much more.

Sketches

Modeling the Models & Service Offerings

A poster format was chosen to highlight some of the models of perfection. The photographs were sourced from National Geographic and have been modified through color and texture for the purpose of this school project. The photographs contributed to the theme of a cold, dystopic future for children, where they are “less human”.

Showcase Room

To bring this concept to life, the exhibition was designed to feel like a showcase room. Similar to when you are shopping for cars. The exhibition viewers were treated as prospective customers looking to purchase base models or custom models of their ideal child. They were greeted with our models and gene offerings.