Gut Feeling

2019

In collaboration with the IxD lab, IT University of Copenhagen

The material forms that self-tracking devices currently take reflect particular cultures around self-tracking. We explored alternative forms to speculate on other cultures of self-tracking. We present how we used experts on the relationship between the gut and the brain to inspire a design brief for a gut tracking device. This led to the design of Loupe and Lightbox, which externalise gut biota for closer examination, aesthetic appreciation, and reflection on the self. The device represents an example of self-tracking as a kind of cultivation - building a longer-term relationship with the self as something to be nurtured, tended to, and cared about.

harvey bewley