Tess Angel
Bachelor of Design (Third year)
Design Studio 5 & 6 — Major Project
Develop a self-initiated project that engages with ethics in design and demonstrates a synthesis of more than one area of practice.
Us-Net is a speculative project that aims to highlight the political, environmental and social ‘pollutions’ embodied within the homes Wi-Fi atmosphere. Issues of surveillance capitalism, carbon emissions associated with data centres, and inherent biases rife within datasets are largely obfuscated by the metaphysical nature of the Wi-Fi atmosphere. If we are to embrace the digital world in an honest and informed manner, it is imperative that we heighten our awareness and understanding of these omnipresent forces in the home.
Situated in the urban share home, Us-Net presents a sculptural reinterpretation of the Wi-Fi modem designed to engage, inform and unite members of the household. In addition to its function as a modem, Us-Net measures the amount of collective data present in the homes Wi-Fi atmosphere then displays this as an ephemeral experience every hour.
By embedding the values of communication, understanding, respect and care, Us-Net inspires an alternative vision of the future. In this vision, we are conscious of our metaphysical surroundings, informed about the consequences of our behaviours, and united in our attempts to bring forth a more just and sustainable future.
Developing this major work has helped me better understand my identity as an emerging designer. The selfinitiated brief allowed me to explore my interests in ceramics, technology, object and experience design, whilst heightening my interest in speculative and critical design. I enjoyed utilising 3D printing processes and hope to continue experimenting with new materials and emerging technologies moving forward.
Acknowledgement of Country
UNSW School of Art & Design stands on an important place of learning and exchange first occupied by the Bidjigal and Gadigal peoples.
We acknowledge the Bidjigal and Gadigal peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land that our students and staff share, create and operate on. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend this respect to all First Nations peoples across Australia. Sovereignty has never been ceded.
