Dreamatics Inc.
A Speculative Experiment into AI-Powered Eugenics
YUSHIEN, 2024
A Speculative Experiment into AI-Powered Eugenics
YUSHIEN, 2024
Abstract
In an era dominated by discussions on artificial intelligence (AI), our project, set in 2026, delves into the implications of AI and genetic advancements on human reproduction. Participants are immersed in a world where AI has revolutionized conception, taking on roles as genetic candidates consulting with "Dreametics Inc.," a virtual company at the forefront of this new era.
As science reveals the human genome and AI promises to unlock DNA's secrets, we explore the ethical and societal impacts of precise genomic modifications facilitated by CRISPR-Cas9 technology. The potential future use of artificial wombs raises questions about parenthood, gender roles, and societal structures, echoing themes from Plato's "The Republic," where the state controls reproduction to ensure the quality of future generations.
The project adopts speculative design and design fiction methodologies to create a virtual company, "Dreametics Inc.," and invites participants to experience the life of selected individuals at institutions like "Dreametics Inc.," where diet and exercise are rigorously managed to optimize their offspring’s genetics. Through this immersive experience, we aim to provoke discussions on the role of AI in a rapidly changing society, and the ethical boundaries of genetic enhancement. Our project is intended for those interested in AI ethics, science fiction, bioethics, and speculative future scenarios. As we see the possibilities of the future, "Dreametics Inc." serves as an interactive experience for critical thinking about the role of technology in shaping human destiny.
Key Words: Speculative design, design fiction, eugenics, deepfake, artificial intelligence ethics, Human-AI interaction.
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Beyond Speculation: Understanding the Political Nature of Design with Dreamatics Inc.
To create a memorable and realistic image of Dreametics, we've decided to make an official campaign video for the Company. This video will adopt traditional commercial advertising techniques and convey our message to the audiences. Additionally, we're using Unreal Engine to produce a slightly odd video for the Dreametics Training Center. We hope this video will evoke the uncanny valley effect and provide viewers with a feeling of unsettling atmosphere. We replicated the same characters in the scene to convey a message that in the future, technology and science will lead to an increasing similarity among people ( In fact, this is happening right now because of the current trend where many AI-generated works are becoming less diverse). Instead of adopting a preachy style, we've chosen a narrative approach that resonates and sparks imagination, aiming to keep a consistent aesthetic throughout the project and draw more attention to the topic.
To make our project more immersive, we created a virtual tour of the company, hoping to let participants discover the company's secrets through conversations with virtual agents. Initially, we planned to have participants interact with just one virtual human, but later we decided to design a virtual space with more characters. This way, everyone can immerse themselves in the game-like environment and gain a deeper understanding of the company's internal operations and the concept of eugenics.