Rethinking perception through design | Behnaz Farahi | TEDxMIT

The Intertwined Relationship Between Humans, Technology, and Environment: A Summary

Key Concepts:

• Extended Cognition: The idea that tools, materials, and technologies are not separate from us, but extensions of our bodies and perceptions.
• Perceptual Lens: The understanding that perception is not neutral, but shaped by our tools, technologies, and individual experiences.
• Social Gaze & Power Dynamics: Exploration of how the act of looking and being looked at influences social interactions and power structures, particularly concerning gender.
• Bio-inspired & Responsive Materials: Development of materials that mimic natural systems and react to human input.
• Anthropomorphism & Emotional Connection: The impact of attributing human characteristics to non-human entities, and its role in fostering connection and vulnerability.
• Mind-Matter Interaction: Investigating the potential for influencing physical environments through mental states, such as mindfulness and meditation.

I. The Extended Body & Shaping Perception

The speaker begins by questioning the perceived separation between humans and their environment, asserting that materials, technologies, and even variables are not external to us, but rather extensions of our bodies and perceptions. This concept, rooted in the idea of “extended cognition,” highlights how our tools actively shape how we experience and understand the world. Drawing on Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s quote, “We shape our tools and thereafter they shape us,” the speaker emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between humans and their creations. Perception is presented not as a passive reception of information, but as an active process filtered through a “lens” – a lens increasingly mediated by technology. The core question posed is how to cultivate a more critical and conscious connection to the world through this lens.

II. Critical Matter Group’s Research Themes: Social, Psychological, and Material Experiences

The speaker outlines the work of the Critical Matter Group at MIT Media Lab, organized around three interconnected themes: social, psychological, and material experiences. This framework aims to explore new avenues for sensing, feeling, and connecting.

• Material Experiences: The group develops “soft, interactive, active, and reconfigurable” materials inspired by natural systems. These materials utilize AI sensing technologies to respond to human movements, gestures, voice, and facial expressions. Current research focuses on “melt spinning and electro spinning” – techniques used to create novel, biodegradable, and dynamic textile fibers for the “textiles of the future.”
• Social Experiences: The speaker highlights a fascination with the dynamics of the gaze, drawing from neuro- and cognitive science, as well as feminist perspectives. The central question revolves around the power dynamics inherent in observing and being observed.

III. Projects Exploring the Social Dynamics of the Gaze

Several projects illustrate the group’s exploration of the social implications of the gaze:

• Caress of the Gaze: This 3D-printed cape, equipped with a facial tracking camera, responds to the gaze of onlookers. The wearer feels the location of the gaze on their body, while the onlooker is made aware that their attention has been noticed. The speaker argues this isn’t merely technology, but a commentary on social issues like the “male gaze” and female objectification.
• Robotic Masks & Secret Communication: Inspired by Admiral Jeremia Denton’s use of Morse code during his captivity and historical Iranian masks, the group created robotic masks that transmit and receive secret messages using AI-generated Morse code. The intention is to create a private communication channel for marginalized communities, fostering a sense of agency and resistance against patriarchal structures.
• Milan Fashion Week Installation: Collaborating with a fashion house, the group created an installation for Milan Fashion Week featuring robotic arms that returned the gaze of the audience. This aimed to disrupt the traditional power dynamic of the fashion show, making the audience confront their own biases and the industry’s complicity in objectification.

IV. Scaling Up: From the Individual to the Urban Landscape

The research extends beyond individual interactions to encompass larger-scale public installations:

• Gaze to the Star: This large-scale participatory public art installation transformed the MIT Great Dome into a storytelling platform. A “sensory pod” collected stories from participants through AI-driven conversations, summarizing them into 10-word braille messages projected onto the dome. QR codes allowed passersby to decode the messages, fostering a sense of community and shared vulnerability. The project intentionally included stories of loss and grief, not just success. The design incorporated principles of anthropomorphism, drawing on meditation teacher training to create a soothing environment conducive to sharing. Data visualization revealed common themes of community, fear, uncertainty, and inner peace.
• Data Analysis & Community Patterns: Analysis of the collected stories revealed recurring themes – community, fear, uncertainty, and inner peace – highlighting shared experiences and underlying connections within the community.

V. Mind-Matter Interaction & Psychological Well-being

The speaker concludes by exploring the intersection of mind and matter, specifically the potential for influencing physical environments through mental states. A recent project involved a Buddhist monk controlling the texture and immersive environments using brain activity. This work aims to leverage art, design, and technology to support psychological well-being. A performance featuring a sound healing artist, Abby Frriett, was presented as an example of this exploration.

Notable Quotes:

• “We shape our tools and thereafter they shape us.” – Maurice Merleau-Ponty
• “Perception is not neutral. It’s not passive. It’s a lens through which we see the world outside.” – Speaker
• “When a garment feels someone else's gaze, the relationship between you and the environment changes.” – Speaker
• “Emotional expressions become collective, not individual.” – Speaker

Technical Terms:

• Melt Spinning & Electro Spinning: Techniques for creating fibers from polymers, used in the development of novel textile materials.
• AI Sensing Technologies: Artificial intelligence-powered systems used to detect and respond to human input (movement, gestures, voice, facial expressions).
• Anthropomorphism: The attribution of human characteristics to non-human entities.
• Braille: A tactile writing system used by people who are visually impaired.
• Data Visualization: The graphical representation of information and data.

Conclusion:

The speaker’s work demonstrates a profound exploration of the interconnectedness between humans, technology, and the environment. By developing responsive materials, critically examining social dynamics, and investigating the potential for mind-matter interaction, the Critical Matter Group at MIT Media Lab is pushing the boundaries of art, design, and technology to address pressing social and cultural issues, ultimately aiming to reimagine a transformative future that prioritizes connection, empowerment, and psychological well-being. The core takeaway is a call to return to our bodies, to be present, and to recognize the profound influence of our environment on our perceptions and experiences.