Synaesthesia Design Manifesto

Phase III

The approach is multidisciplinary and from a philosophy of art perspective. It will be argued that ‘art as a synesthetic experience by synesthetes’, share certain basic concepts: the making of new connections between the senses.

The seed of my manifesto is to follow under the notion of experimentation. Emphasis will focus more on identification in post process [reflective] and experimental constraints [sensorium manipulation]. The Intention is to overlay the experimentation with an attempt to achieve a suggestive parcel of thought and emotion from an experience which will introduce the recipient to the importance of current consumer behaviour and the scope of capitalism

The need to do so is derived form the uncomfortable nature a designer endures to derive an answer to a problem where at times the integrity of the designer may be embargoed by real world influences such as deadlines and the thirst for the impossible. Intuitive design format, were consideration is influenced by, material, craftsmanship, quality and extended time should paly a greater part in the process of design and technology, particularly in a day and age that recognises the limited capacity and reserves of materials, resources and non renewable energy sources.

The experiments and their manipulation will be aimed at identifying a connection between the reaction [emotions and display of senses] of participants, during and after the parcel experience and the manipulation of the sensorium. So as not to say discovery is the all important part but maybe a gentle reminder of the past and that more traditional practices may still hold need for today’s society.

A simple example;

The practice of eating for sustenance and growth;

Scenario I

A Lion or Shark chasing its prey Deer/Seal for consumption. The imagery could show the prey being ripped apart and feasted upon by the hunter and their family all shown with blood and raw flesh, peeled, chewed and digested from the deceased prey, naturally this could upset and unsettle observers.

Scenario II

Packaged Meat T-Bones cut Steak or tray of Sausages, does this same observer consider the actions taken at the abattoir were the blood has been drained, washed and swept away. Or the animals processed by cutting and grinding to fit the packaging that is probably a certain size to fit in another carton that makes lite work of packing , loading and unloading of the contents from processor to retailer?

The point between the two scenarios is that one delivers a total visual and at times audible experience and the other a disconnected object of time and cost. Though ultimately both serve the same purpose to feed but which is most likely to have no or little value attached to it…and further more, create waste from having more then is required.

The scenarios are to explain what has been identified as survival of the strongest and pre-packaged death though would perceptions and attitudes change should the manipulation of sight, sound and feel occur to induce a flow of emotion and experience.

The direction will be based around films, exhibitions, literature, sound recordings, interaction of both human and non-human environments and the obscure. The aim is to experiment, identify and categorise certain experiences to achieve certain emotions through targeting certain sense.